📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Finance, India
Politics
Punjab Cabinet Approves Bill Mandating 10 Saplings for Every Tree Cut
✍️ timesofindia.indiatimes.com
🗓 06 Aug 2026, 08:48 PM
👁 8
The Punjab cabinet has sanctioned a new bill that will protect urban and non-forest green cover, requiring the planting of ten saplings for every tree cut.
The Punjab cabinet approved a bill today that seeks to safeguard the state’s urban and non-forest green cover. Under the new legislation, every tree that is cut must be replaced by the planting of ten saplings, a measure aimed at offsetting the loss of vegetation.
The bill applies to all non-forest areas, including city parks, roadside verges and private properties. It also introduces penalties for non‑compliance, with fines and potential revocation of permits for repeated violations.
Environmental groups welcomed the move, noting that it could curb the rapid decline of green cover in rapidly expanding cities. They urged the state to enforce the rule strictly and to provide support for sapling cultivation.
Implementation will be overseen by local municipal bodies and the Department of Forests. The government has announced a phased rollout, with the first enforcement actions expected within the next six months.
The bill applies to all non-forest areas, including city parks, roadside verges and private properties. It also introduces penalties for non‑compliance, with fines and potential revocation of permits for repeated violations.
Environmental groups welcomed the move, noting that it could curb the rapid decline of green cover in rapidly expanding cities. They urged the state to enforce the rule strictly and to provide support for sapling cultivation.
Implementation will be overseen by local municipal bodies and the Department of Forests. The government has announced a phased rollout, with the first enforcement actions expected within the next six months.