Nawanshahr - District Magistrate Navjot Pal Singh Randhawa using the powers under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 (Act-2 of 1974) that very important green mango, neem, pipal and banyan trees within the limits of District Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar Orders have been issued for a complete ban on the cutting of these trees. In the issued orders, it has been said that if it is necessary to cut the said trees in special circumstances, then they should be cut with the approval of the Forest Department. For this purpose, the same procedure will be adopted by the Forest Department, which is followed for issuing permits in closed area under Section-4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Protection Act, 1900. If it is necessary to cut green mango, neem, pipal and banyan trees at any place in district Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar apart from the de-listed area, then the same should be cut after taking the approval from the office of Deputy Commissioner, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.
It has been said in these orders that it has been observed that some people are cutting green mango, neem, pipal and banyan trees unnecessarily. These trees have religious significance since ancient times and have a great contribution in protecting the environment from pollution. Apart from this, wild animals and birds usually roost on these big trees. While the environment is adversely affected by the cutting of such trees, there is also an adverse effect on the habitats of birds, due to which many species of birds are becoming extinct. For this reason, it is necessary to stop cutting them. These orders will remain in force till July 02, 2024.