The Punjab government has announced a strict ban on the cutting of forests and auctioning of timber across the province in an effort to protect the environment and combat the growing threat of climate change.
According to officials, the decision is part of the provincial administration’s broader climate resilience strategy, aimed at halting rapid deforestation, preserving natural habitats, and ensuring sustainable forest management. The move comes at a time when Punjab has witnessed alarming levels of tree loss due to illegal logging and commercial exploitation.
The government emphasized that no forest land will be cleared for commercial or residential purposes, and all forms of timber auctions have been suspended indefinitely. Strict legal action will be taken against individuals or groups found violating the ban.
Environmentalists and conservation groups have welcomed the step, calling it a much-needed intervention to safeguard Punjab’s green cover, which plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, preventing floods, and maintaining ecological balance.
Officials also revealed plans to launch large-scale afforestation drives and community awareness programs, urging citizens to participate actively in restoring and protecting the province’s forests.
