Social and environmental activist Tejasvi Minhas has filed multiple complaints with the Office of the Chief Minister, Punjab; Principal Secretary concerned; Municipal Commissioner, Jalandhar; and Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar, regarding alleged unauthorised cutting and severe mutilation of mature trees at different locations in Jalandhar
The complaints highlight three separate incidents:
1. Gurjepal Nagar – Tree allegedly cut for construction:*
A complaint has been filed regarding a mature roadside tree near the under-construction premises of TM Overseas, situated on the main road from Cool Road towards the Railway Crossing, opposite House No. 129, Gurjepal Nagar. As per the complaint, the tree was heavily cut on 20 September 2026 and completely removed during the night/early morning. The complaint also seeks verification of the construction activity at the site and whether the required permissions for tree cutting were obtained.
*2. Doordarshan Enclave – Approximately 25–30 mature trees allegedly cut:*
A separate complaint concerns House No. 34/2, Doordarshan Enclave, Phase-I, Jalandhar, belonging to Sudeep Singh. According to the complaint, approximately 25–30 fully grown trees, including several Ashoka trees, were cut on 17 September 2026* by/at the instance of the Resident Welfare Association in connection with road construction. The complaint states that the trees were located along the outside perimeter of the house and were not obstructing the proposed road, and that the house owner strongly opposed their cutting. It further alleges that the timber was removed from the site and sold. The complaint has also raised allegations of pressure and threats against residents to prevent them from raising objections or filing complaints.
*3. Gian Nagar – Mature tree severely mutilated:*
The third complaint concerns a fully grown tree outside *House No. 2/2, Gian Nagar, on the main road from Cool Road towards the Chowk, near Bittu Pardesi. The property is stated to belong to HOTHIS. According to the complaint, virtually the entire canopy, branches and leaves of the mature tree have been removed, leaving only the main trunk. The complaint seeks an immediate inspection and verification of whether any permission was obtained for such extensive cutting.
The complaints call upon the concerned authorities to conduct immediate site inspections, verify permissions under the *Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025*, identify persons responsible, assess the extent of environmental damage, determine applicable environmental compensation and initiate appropriate action wherever violations are established.
*Tejasvi Minhas said:*
“These are not isolated concerns about a few branches being trimmed. The complaints involve mature, fully grown trees being cut or severely mutilated at different locations in Jalandhar. In one instance, around 25–30 mature trees are reported to have been cut, while in another, an entire mature tree has been reduced to virtually just its main trunk. I have approached the highest concerned authorities so that each case is independently inspected, the facts and permissions are verified, and appropriate action is taken wherever illegal tree cutting is established. Mature trees take years to grow and their loss cannot simply be reversed.”
He further said that the complaints were intended to ensure accountability, proper enforcement of tree-protection laws and preservation of Jalandhar's remaining urban green cover.