P&H High Court bans construction in 16 villages near Chandigarh over environmental concerns

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has banned constructions and prohibited the transfer of land in at least 16 villages near Chandigarh due to environmental concerns. A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor directed the constitution of a committee to examine old revenue records and determine the area of forest land in these villages. The Court also barred further transfer or alienation of land, citing doubts regarding the credibility of existing records.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 22 banned constructions and prohibited the transfer of land in at least 16 villages near Chandigarh over environmental concerns. This decision is significant as it highlights the importance of protecting the environment and upholding the law. The Court's ruling has far-reaching implications for developers, landowners, and local authorities.

The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, requires that forest land be demarcated and protected. However, in these villages, the revenue records show that they are prima facie 'forest land', but their demarcation has not yet been carried out despite directions from the Supreme Court in 2014. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has now directed the constitution of a committee to examine old revenue records and determine the area of forest land in these villages.

The Court's decision is a welcome move towards protecting the environment and upholding the law. However, it raises questions about the credibility of existing records and the effectiveness of previous directions from the Supreme Court. The constitution of a committee to examine old revenue records is a positive step, but its findings will be crucial in determining the fate of these villages. Furthermore, the prohibition on further transfer or alienation of land highlights the need for more stringent measures to protect forest land.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court's decision has significant implications for developers, landowners, and local authorities. The constitution of a committee to examine old revenue records is a positive step towards protecting the environment and upholding the law. Practitioners should closely monitor the progress of this matter and be prepared to adapt to any changes in the law or regulations.