MC pushes for digital tree database in Punjab protection bill

Ludhiana: The horticulture branch of the civic body has proposed a set of suggestions to be included in the Punjab Protection of Trees Bill, 2025, which has been drafted by the forest and wildlife department, Govt of Punjab. These suggestions will first be placed before the finance and contracts committee for approval, after which they will be forwarded to the local bodies department. Officials from the horticulture branch stated that while the new bill already provides for legal action against anyone who cuts, removes, or disposes of a tree illegally, there is still a need for certain additions to strengthen monitoring and enforcement.A key suggestion made by the branch is the creation of a comprehensive database of trees to help curb illegal felling. According to the proposal, the urban local body should act as the nodal agency responsible for preparing an inventory of all trees standing in the urban area. This inventory would need to be created within one year of the notification of the Act and would follow the prescribed format to be issued by the forest department. Once the initial database is prepared, the urban local body would also be required to maintain the record annually to ensure proper monitoring and safeguarding of trees.
Officials have further stressed the importance of developing a digital database for better oversight. They proposed setting up an online portal or mobile application through which information about trees in urban areas can be updated and monitored regularly. The inventory would need to be continuously updated, especially when trees are cut after receiving approval from the designated tree officer. This digital approach, the officials suggested, would allow for more efficient tracking and transparency.Another recommendation is that all departments should cooperate with the urban local body in creating and maintaining the tree inventory. The mechanism for monitoring compensatory plantation should also be strengthened, with periodic reviews conducted by the tree officer.The horticulture branch has submitted these recommendations to the finance and contracts committee for consideration. If cleared, they will be forwarded to the chief engineer (municipal corporations), local govt department, Punjab, for further action. Officials pointed out that the issue of axing trees has remained a significant concern both in the city and across the state. Although the civic body had proposed a tree census a few years ago, it was never implemented due to the lack of concrete planning.