NGT stays Punjab policy allowing farmhouses in Shivalik hills over environmental concerns
PTC Web Desk: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday put on hold a recently notified Punjab Government policy that permits farmhouse construction in parts of the lower Shivalik hills, expressing concerns over its environmental implications. The tribunal has suspended the implementation of the policy until the next hearing scheduled for February 4.
The controversial policy allows approval and regularisation of what the government describes as “low-impact green habitats” in areas close to forest land. It covers nearly 55,000 hectares that were earlier protected under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900, but have now been opened for farmhouse development.
Environmental activists and experts have strongly opposed the move, warning that the policy could end up favouring powerful individuals, including political figures and serving or retired government officials.
As per a report in The Tribune, the challenge to the policy was filed by Kapil Dev, who argued before the tribunal that it goes against earlier directions issued by the Supreme Court. He contended that land removed from PLPA protection was permitted to be used only for genuine agricultural purposes and sustainable livelihood activities, not for commercial exploitation. He further cautioned that the policy could be misused to secure commercial approvals under the guise of green development.
In a parallel development, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court has sought a detailed response from the Punjab government. CEC chairman Siddhanta Das has asked the Chief Secretary to furnish information regarding the policy, the extent of land excluded from PLPA protection, and relevant judicial orders.
According to senior officials, the CEC stepped in after concerns were raised by forest department officials and environmental specialists. They warned that the policy might be used to legitimise illegal farmhouses that would otherwise be liable for demolition.
Environmental organisations have also highlighted serious ecological concerns, pointing out that the land lies close to forest zones and supports significant biodiversity. They cautioned that construction activity in the ecologically sensitive Shivalik region, particularly in the kandi belt stretching from Mohali to Pathankot, could lead to irreversible environmental harm.
The Public Action Committee (PAC)-Mattewara and several other groups have described the policy as both legally fragile and environmentally hazardous. In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, they noted that the Shivalik hills are characterised by loose soil and steep gradients, making construction unsafe. They also criticised the government for proceeding without a decision on declaring an eco-sensitive zone around the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and for ignoring key provisions of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
- With inputs from agencies
