Questions Raised Over Alleged Illegal Felling of More Than 3,600 Khair and Eucalyptus Trees Worth Crores;

Questions Raised Over Alleged Illegal Felling of More Than 3,600 Khair and Eucalyptus Trees Worth Crores;

Demand for Impartial Probe Call for Immediate Transfer of Officials Under Investigation to Headquarters to Prevent Influence on Inquiry

Chandigarh 20 June ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : Environmentalist Shishpal and advocate Sanjeev Chaudhary, during a press conference held at the Chandigarh Press Club, raised serious concerns over the alleged large-scale illegal felling of thousands of trees in Muwaas, Ashrewali, and HMT Pinjore areas of Panchkula district. They questioned the functioning of the Forest Department and demanded an impartial investigation by an independent agency, along with strict action against officials found responsible.

Addressing the media, they stated that in March 2025, nearly 2,000 eucalyptus trees were allegedly felled in a protected area near Muwaas village covered under Section 4 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900. An inspection conducted by the Conservator of Forests, Ambala, on March 21, 2025 reportedly found that around 2,000 out of approximately 4,000 planned trees had been cut. It was alleged that despite being aware of the matter, the concerned officials failed to take effective action at the time.

Subsequently, during February–March 2026, another case involving the large-scale felling of valuable Khair trees came to light in the protected forest areas of Ashrewali. A departmental inquiry reportedly confirmed the illegal cutting of 1,138 Khair trees. In March 2026, a similar case emerged from the HMT premises in Pinjore, where 1,456 Khair trees were allegedly cut. Together, these three incidents account for a reported loss of 4,594 trees.

Shishpal and Sanjeev Chaudhary alleged that in the Ashrewali case, the then DFO Morni-Pinjore, Vishal Kaushik, RFO Munir Gupta, and other officials were suspended on March 20, 2026. However, they were reinstated in the same area within a month. According to them, restoring officials to the same positions while investigations are ongoing can compromise the fairness of the inquiry, as crucial records and administrative control remain under their influence.

They questioned the basis for the swift reinstatement of suspended officers when the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and other senior officials have reportedly not yet been relieved of accountability. Describing the move as selective action, they said it sends a wrong message and undermines public confidence in the investigation.

The speakers also informed that the matter is currently pending before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Under IA No. 261/2026, Mahima Dutt has been allowed to be impleaded as a party in the case. During the proceedings, the petitioner reportedly objected that the officer against whom major allegations have been levelled had also filed responses on behalf of other respondents. Taking note of the concern, the Tribunal directed Respondent No. 1 to remain present at the next hearing and assist in clarifying the factual position.

The environmental activists emphasized that Haryana’s forest cover constitutes only about 3.65 percent of its total geographical area. In such a scenario, the alleged illegal felling of thousands of trees poses a serious threat not only to the environment but also to wildlife habitats, groundwater conservation, and the ecological balance of the region. They demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the entire matter, accountability for those responsible, and effective safeguards to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future. They further stated that officials involved in such controversies tarnish the image of the government and weaken public trust in environmental governance.