After receiving complaint, Punjab Forest department suspends 2 employees

Punjab Forest Department on receiving a complaint took stern action against its employees and suspended them. It was noticed that an Illegal route was constructed from Mirzapur Jungle to Baddi (Himachal Pardesh). It was informed to the department that the said route was illegally constructed in July 2021 and the concerned officials who were responsible for keeping an eye on this issue, were remained oblivious to it. The said road falls under Punjab Land Preservation Act 1990 under section 4 which prohibits any such activity.

A complete investigation was conducted in the presence of field staff and Dilaram, president of a farming producing company a few days ago. Mirzapur forest to Baddi is a closed area. The road which is allegedly constructed illegally is about 3.5 km.

The request was made by the residents to the then Forest Divisional Officer, Mohali to have a controlled watch on this illegal route and officials remained ignorant of it. After the complaint to Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Parveen Kumar, the field staff made present on the spot Immediately closing the road, the department has directed to prosecute the guilty persons in the court.

From the above, it is clear that this road was built about 7-8 months ago. In the action taken report, it is mentioned that the Forest Medal Officer, SAS Nagar repeatedly asked the field staff to take action but he intentionally remained oblivious.

PCCF Parveen Kumar told The Daily Guardian that they will not tolerate any illegal route inside PLPA lands, and in jungles. “We have closed the road and also have suspended the culprits. Moreover, we are inquiring into the matter of who else is involved in this as this is a grave concern for us as it could damage not only the environment but also could establish illegal activities in this area,” Kumar said.