Amritsar, December 25: Environmental activists in the holy city have welcomed the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s recent interim order imposing a complete halt on tree felling across Punjab, terming it a major victory in their long-standing battle to protect green cover.
Sarabjit Singh Sonu Jandiala, a prominent social activist, Sikh leader and member of Akal Seva Foundation, expressed profound gratitude to the High Court. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the honourable High Court from the depths of our hearts. This decision has spread a wave of joy among environment lovers,” he said.
The foundation has been actively fighting to save the environment for a long time. Its members regularly conduct cleanliness drives along rivers and canals, including the Yamuna in Delhi, Sutlej, Budha Dariya, Hari Ke, Beas, Ravi and the sacred canal passing through Amritsar that supplies water to Sri Harmandir Sahib and the five holy sarovars.
Besides cleaning water bodies, they raise public awareness against polluting rivers and canals and motivate people to plant trees. Till date, the foundation has planted nearly 15,000 saplings.
The latest issue pertains to the felling of lush green trees along the historic canal in Guru Nagri Sri Amritsar Sahib, which provides water to Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib. The Akal Seva Foundation had been vociferously opposing the cutting of these trees.
With the High Court now directing that no trees shall be axed anywhere in Punjab until further orders, activists see it as direct reinforcement of their efforts. They hailed the decision, stating strict action against violators would deter future violations.
