In yet another incident of alleged illegal tree felling in Model Town, an old heritage green tree located near Masand Chowk was cut down in the early hours of Tuesday. Only a stump now remains at the site. The tree reportedly stood adjacent to the under-construction Max Mall.
According to local residents and workers present at the site, the tree was cut on the instructions of the owner of the under-construction commercial complex. The operation was carried out between 2 am and 6 am using heavy machinery, including JCBs and trolleys. No police personnel or PCR team reportedly arrived at the spot during the operation to prevent the felling.
A complaint regarding the incident has been filed by social activist Tejasvi Minhas, who termed the act as a “deliberate destruction of natural heritage.” The site is located less than 50 metres from the Model Town Gurdwara, an area that has remained under heightened attention following the recent shooting incident involving AAP leader Lucky Oberoi.
Condemning the incident, Minhas alleged that the tree was cut to improve the visibility of the commercial project. He stated that the act was in violation of provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Punjab Trees Preservation Policy, 2024, and the Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025. He urged the district administration to take strict legal action against those responsible and ensure compensatory plantation at the same location.