With declining tree cover in Punjab, the government came up with a strict rule in the state. From now onwards, anyone cutting down a tree in Punjab will soon be required to plant 10 in its place under new environmental legislation approved by the state cabinet.

The proposed Punjab Protection of Trees Bill establishes a legal framework to regulate the felling, removal, and transplantation of trees in urban and non-forest areas, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced following a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Under the measure, unauthorized tree removal will carry escalating fines of 10,000 rupees (about $160 CAD) for a first offense, 35,000 rupees for a second offense, and 50,000 rupees for a third. Agroforestry and farm-grown commercial trees will be exempt so farmers are not discouraged from tree planting.

The legislation follows directives from the National Green Tribunal to bolster green cover in the northern Indian state. According to the India State of Forest Report, forest cover in Punjab stands at 3.67 per cent—one of the lowest in the country—while combined forest and tree cover sits at 12.58 per cent, far short of the national target of 33 per cent.