Complaints regarding illegal felling/auction of trees located in panchayat lands

Ludhiana: Taking serious note of complaints coming from some parts of the state regarding illegal felling/auction of trees located in panchayat lands, the Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation, Punjab, have written a letter to all deputy commissioners of the state and have asked them to ensure that no such incident takes place.

Deputy Commissioner Mr Pradeep Kumar Agrawal informed that the department has been receiving several complaints that some panchayats, schools and other government departments indulge in felling/auction of trees without getting the assessment done. He warned that this practice is illegal and should be stopped immediately.

He has directed all heads of government departments that before the felling/auction of trees located in their premises, they should contact the Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation, Punjab, get the necessary assessment done and only after getting permission from the competent official, can carry out felling/auction of trees.