Chandigarh, Dec. 17
In a sweeping push to expand forest cover and strengthen environmental awareness, the Punjab government has launched the development of eight Forest and Nature Awareness Parks across the state. The initiative, undertaken under the Greening Punjab Mission, aims to create sustainable green zones while fostering ecological consciousness among citizens.
According to state officials, four parks are being developed in Pathankot, two in Patiala, and one each in Amritsar and Hoshiarpur. The project is being spearheaded by the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department, led by Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, who described the effort as part of the government’s long-term commitment “to leave behind a cleaner, greener Punjab.”
In Pathankot, the sites identified include Village Gharota (0.50 hectare), Kataruchak (0.75 hectare), Haibat Pindi (0.60 hectare), and ITI Bamiyal. The Patiala parks are planned at Baron Minor and another nearby site, while Amritsar’s project is located at Jagdev Kalan Pul, and the Van Chetna Park is taking shape at Bassi Purani in Hoshiarpur.
Officials reported that work on nature trails and tile pathways has already been completed at several sites, with the installation of play equipment and open-air gazebos currently underway. The department has emphasized that construction is progressing “at a rapid pace” to ensure early completion.
Complementing these development efforts, the state government is also drafting a new legal framework — The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025. The proposed legislation seeks to preserve urban green cover, maintain ecological balance, reduce pollution, and conserve soil resources. The Act will apply across Punjab’s urban areas, including those governed by municipal corporations, councils, and urban development authorities.
Under the proposed law, a designated Tree Officer will be appointed in each urban local body to coordinate and enforce tree protection measures.“The creation of forest awareness parks and enactment of tree protection laws reflect Punjab’s determination to harmonize urban growth with ecological sustainability,” said a senior official from the Forest Department.
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