COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES IN PROTECTED FOREST AREAS: NGT DIRECTS FOREST DEPARTMENT TO ACT AGAINST VIOLATORS

Face2News/Ludhiana/New Delhi

In a petition filed by the Public Action Committee (PAC) challenging the illegal leasing of Protected Forest Land by the Water Resources Department for commercial activities, including Wine Shops, the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Forest Department to take appropriate action against the violators.

The matter pertains to Wine Shops operating on Protected Forest Land along the Sirhind Canal (Ludhiana to Ropar) and the Bist Doab Canal.

The Hon’ble Tribunal has issued notices to the Principal Secretary, Department of Forests, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). During the proceedings, the Water Resources Department informed the Tribunal that it has cancelled the illegal leases and submitted its detailed reply.

However, the Petitioners requested the Hon’ble Tribunal to direct the PCCF to initiate action against the officials and private parties responsible for permitting and operating commercial activities on Protected Forest Land. The PCCF assured the Tribunal that appropriate action would be taken before the next date of hearing and a compliance report would be submitted.

It is pertinent to note that the Principal Secretary, Water Resources Department, was fully aware that the leased land formed part of Protected Forests. Despite receiving notices from the Public Action Committee highlighting the illegality, the Department allowed the private Wine Shop operators to continue their commercial activities until the expiry of the lease period instead of terminating the leases immediately.