Punjab passed the Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2026 in August, and it received the Governor’s assent in September. The Punjab and Haryana High Court called the law draconian and raised environmental concerns. The state told the court it would keep the Act in abeyance while reconsidering its provisions; a constitutional challenge remains pending. The debate matters in a state with about 1,846 sq km of forest cover.
Timeline: from land protection to judicial scrutiny
- 1900BackgroundLand law
The Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900 forms part of the older land-protection framework.
- 1988National policyGreen goal
The National Forest Policy set a 33% forest and tree cover goal.
- 2019Forest reportCover snapshot
Punjab’s combined forest and tree cover was reported as 6.83%.
- 11 Aug2026Bill passed
The Punjab Assembly passed the Punjab Protection of Trees Bill.
- Sept2026Act enacted
After the Governor’s assent, it became Act No. 13 of 2026.
- Later2026Court scrutiny
The High Court raised concerns; the state said it would keep the Act in abeyance.
Why does Punjab need tree protection?
Forest cover measures land under tree canopy; tree cover also captures smaller patches and scattered trees outside forest cover. The measures help assess greenery, but their categories should not be used interchangeably.
The National Green Tribunal had earlier asked Punjab to bring a law against tree felling in urban areas. The state’s older framework also includes the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900, and the Green Punjab Mission.
The two sides
The case for a tree law
- Urban trees need a clear protection framework alongside forest conservation.
- The National Green Tribunal had called for a law against urban tree felling.
- Punjab’s low forest cover makes conservation an important public concern.
Concerns about the Act
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court called the new law draconian.
- The court said the law could harm the environment.
- The state has said it will keep the Act in abeyance while reconsidering its provisions.
Key data
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Forest cover | About 1,846 sq km, or 3.67% of Punjab’s area, in the India State of Forest Report 2023. |
| Combined cover | Forest and tree cover together were 6.83% in the 2019 report. |
| National goal | The National Forest Policy, 1988 sets a 33% forest and tree cover goal. |
| Assembly passage | The Bill was passed on 11 August 2026. |
| Enactment | It became Punjab Act No. 13 of 2026 after assent in September 2026. |
| Current position | The state said it would keep the Act in abeyance; the constitutional challenge remains pending. |
Way forward
- Review provisions: Reconsider the Act with environmental safeguards and the court’s concerns in view.
- Consult widely: Engage local bodies, residents, experts and affected landholders.
- Improve records: Maintain accessible inventories of urban trees and monitor changes in cover.
- Protect and restore: Prioritise retaining existing trees and use suitable local species for planting.
- Coordinate action: Align urban planning and conservation efforts across departments.
Likely interview questions
What is the Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2026, and where does it stand?
Answer pointers:
- It was passed in August and became law after assent in September 2026.
- The High Court raised environmental concerns; a constitutional challenge is pending.
- The state said it would keep the Act in abeyance while reconsidering provisions.
Do you think Punjab needs a separate law to protect urban trees?
Answer pointers:
- A clear framework can address urban tree felling and conservation.
- Its provisions must protect the environment without creating disproportionate burdens.
- Support a carefully reviewed law with public consultation.
Do you think keeping the Act in abeyance is the right response?
Answer pointers:
- Abeyance allows time to examine the court’s concerns.
- Tree protection still requires effective administrative attention.
- Reconsider the provisions promptly and follow the court process.
As Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Ludhiana, how would you respond to concerns about urban tree loss?
Answer pointers:
- Verify complaints and coordinate with the municipal body and forest officials.
- Apply the legal framework in force and document proposed action.
- Engage residents and prioritise protection and suitable restoration.
How does tree protection relate to sustainable urban development in Punjab?
Answer pointers:
- Trees support urban environmental quality and public well-being.
- Infrastructure and development needs also require fair consideration.
- Integrate tree inventories and conservation into planning decisions.
Separate the need for tree protection from the concerns about this particular Act. Avoid declaring the pending constitutional challenge decided.
Prelims Practice Corner
Q1. When did the Punjab Assembly pass the Protection of Trees Bill?
(a) 11 August 2026 (b) 11 August 2019 (c) September 1988 (d) September 1900
Show answer
Answer: (a) because the Assembly passed the Bill on 11 August 2026.
Q2. What forest and tree cover goal is associated with the National Forest Policy, 1988?
(a) 3.67% (b) 6.83% (c) 33% (d) 50%
Show answer
Answer: (c) because the policy set a 33% forest and tree cover goal.
Q3. Which institution raised concerns about the Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2026?
(a) Punjab and Haryana High Court (b) Election Commission of India (c) Finance Commission (d) Union Public Service Commission
Show answer
Answer: (a) because the High Court said the law could harm the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2026 being implemented?
The state told the High Court it would keep the Act in abeyance. Its provisions are being reconsidered and the constitutional challenge remains pending.
How much forest cover does Punjab have?
Punjab has about 1,846 sq km of forest cover, or 3.67% of its area. These figures are from the India State of Forest Report 2023.
Are forest cover and combined forest and tree cover the same?
No. Combined cover also includes tree cover outside the forest cover category, so the measures must be distinguished.
Sources: PRS India, ThePrint, Bar and Bench, Down To Earth
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