More than five months after a nearly 100-year-old neem tree was allegedly cut illegally in Barnala’s PUDA Market, no legal action has been taken against those responsible, prompting criticism from environmental activists.
Activist Gurpreet Singh Kahaneke, who has been pursuing the matter, said, “A petition regarding the illegal cutting of the tree has already been filed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the case is currently under consideration.”
According to Kahaneke, the century-old neem tree was cut in December 2025 due to the negligence of PUDA officials. He said the tree held immense historical and emotional significance for local residents, as the site earlier housed the Barnala Tehsil office and several government departments.
Kahaneke further said that the Forest Range Officer, Barnala, in a communication dated December 18, 2025, had informed higher authorities that the tree was felled illegally owing to alleged negligence by PUDA officials and had recommended legal action against those found responsible.
He further claimed that PUDA officials later wrote to the SHO of Barnala City-I police station on February 11, 2026, seeking legal action against a person allegedly involved in cutting the tree.
Despite the delay of over five months, no action has reportedly been initiated against any person connected with the incident, claimed Kahneke.
When contacted, Inspector Lakhwinder Singh, SHO, Barnala City-I police station, said, “The issue is not in my knowledge.”
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