From strictness on cutting of trees to nature conservation, know the major decisions of Punjab Government.

Punjab Green Revolution: With an aim to increase the area under forest cover across the state as well as ensure a clean and green environment for the coming generations, the Forest and Wildlife Conservation Department, under the leadership of Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, has launched several important initiatives during the year 2025.

Punjab working on war footing

These important initiatives include development of 8 Forest and Nature Awareness Parks. Of these, under Greening Punjab Mission, four parks are being developed in Pathankot, 2 in Patiala and 1 each in Amritsar and Hoshiarpur. The Forest and Wildlife Conservation Department, under the leadership of Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, is working on a war footing to complete these projects.

Environmental parks are being developed

It is noteworthy that in Pathankot, 0.50 hectare area in village Gharota, 0.75 hectare area in village Kataruchak, 0.60 hectare area in Haibat Pindi and ITI. Environmental parks are being developed in Bamiyal. Similarly, environmental parks are being developed at two places in Patiala including Baron Minor. An environment park is being built in village Jagdev Kalan in Amritsar, while a Van Chetna is in progress in Basi Purani, Hoshiarpur.

Interlocking Tiled Nature Trail Activity

In respect of the park at Haibat Pindi, the nature trail with interlocking tiles has been completed, while the installation of swings and open air shelter (gazebo) is currently underway. In Gharota too, the work of nature trail with interlocking tiles has been completed and installation of swings and open air shelter (gazebo) is in progress. The work of installation of nature trail and swings with interlocking tiles is also going on at a fast pace in village Kataruchak.

Job Protection of Trees Act, 2025

It has always been the endeavor of the state government to ensure maximum greenery and also take measures to protect the environment for the coming generations. In this sequence, the Forest and Wildlife Conservation Department, Punjab has prepared the draft of ‘Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025’, the objective of which is to maintain green cover, ensure environmental balance and prevent environmental pollution as well as soil conservation.

provision of a tree officer

This Act will be applicable in all urban areas of Punjab. According to the Act, this will be applicable within the limits of Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation, Notified Area Committee, Town Area Committee or any urban development authority/unit. There is also a provision for a Tree Officer, which means an executive officer in urban local bodies in Punjab or any other officer notified by the State Government. This Act has been approved by the Finance Department.

2 Campaign for development of sacred forests

Apart from this, along with celebrating Van Mahotsav in every district, a campaign to plant 3.50 lakh saplings in every district has also been started under ‘Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji Hariyawal Sankalp’ during the year 2025-26. Along with this, a campaign for development of 52 sacred forests has also been started under ‘Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Sacred Forest Scheme’. Apart from this, a resolution has also been taken to develop 289 Nanak gardens in educational institutions and 83 Nanak gardens in industrial areas.

Apart from this, fencing work along with beautification and upgradation of various facilities has also been completed in Chhatbir Zoo at a cost of Rs 1.33 crore.