Chandigarh: Under the Punjab Protection of Trees Bill, 2026, passed by the Vidhan Sabha recently, only a dead tree or one that has fallen without human intervention in an urban area may be cut. No one will be allowed to fell a tree in urban areas without permission, and anyone who cuts down a tree will be required to plant 10 in its place.Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said on Friday that, under the Bill, every jurisdiction in the state will have a designated “tree officer” whose approval will be mandatory before a tree is felled. The objective of the legislation is “to maintain green cover for ensuring ecological balance, prevent environmental pollution and conserve soil.”The Bill also provides for penalties and environmental compensation for illegal tree felling. A first offence will attract a fine of Rs 10,000, which will increase to Rs 35,000 for a second violation and Rs 50,000 for a third offence.The Bill seeks to regulate the felling and replanting of trees in Punjab.It will apply to all municipal bodies across the state, while rural areas will remain exempt as agroforestry is practised in villages.According to the Bill, the state govt will appoint tree officers from the Local Bodies Department or any other department. They will be responsible for granting permission to individuals or govt agencies seeking to fell trees.The officer will be required to decide on an application within 30 days and within seven days in the case of a dead tree. The officer must record reasons for the decision after conducting an inquiry. If the officer finds that a tree poses a danger to any person or property, permission to fell it cannot be refused.The Bill states that any person granted permission to cut a tree will be required to plant and maintain two trees for every tree felled, preferably in the same area. If land is not available, the tree officer may allow trees to be planted elsewhere or permit the applicant to deposit money in the state treasury, but reasons for this must be recorded in writing.Trees must be planted within three months, failing which a fine will be imposed by the tree officer for the first offence. The penalty may rise to Rs 50,000 if non-compliance continues.Individuals who cut trees without permission from the tree officer will face environmental compensation of up to Rs 10,000 per tree. In cases where the tree officer’s permission is not required, the concerned agency must inform the tree officer about the tree cutting within 24 hours.Notably, trees located in cantonment areas, military stations, air force stations and other defence establishments are exempt from the Act due to the operational requirements of the armed forces.
