Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Wednesday that the state’s Finance Department has approved the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department’s proposal to draft The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025.
Cheema said in an official statement that the upcoming legislation represents a major step toward urban greening and environmental conservation by reinforcing the state’s commitment to tree protection. He noted that the proposed law includes strict provisions and heavy penalties for unauthorised tree felling, aiming to curb environmental damage across the state.
Cheema said the Finance Department had thoroughly examined the proposal and found that implementing the Act would not impose any additional financial burden on the state. He added that the law is structured to generate its own revenue through fines and penalties.
According to the minister, the funds collected under the Act will be reinvested into urban greening initiatives, helping create a self-sustaining cycle for environmental development and upkeep in Punjab.
Cheema reaffirmed the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government’s commitment to strong environmental protection laws, saying the swift approval of the draft Bill reflects the administration’s seriousness toward ecological and legal responsibilities.
The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025 will now move through the required legislative steps before being placed before the Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly.
