Banyan trees traditionally symbolise longevity and stability. Photo: Express
LAHORE:
Under the Forest (Amendment) Act that has come into force in Punjab, those involved in illegal tree cutting, setting forests on fire, occupying forest land or transporting timber illegally face imprisonment for three to eight years, along with fines ranging from Rs1 million to Rs5 million.
In cases of organised forest crime, the law allows longer jail terms, heavier fines and confiscation of vehicles and machinery used in the offence. With the enforcement of the new law, the Punjab Forest Department has been given the status of a force with powers similar to the police.
Forest officers can arrest suspects, conduct investigations, carry out searches and register FIRs. Authorities say this step is aimed at ensuring quick action and better enforcement of forest laws.
The act also provides for the establishment of Forest Protection Centres across the province. The centres will monitor forest areas, investigate offences and support legal action. Each centre will be headed by a forest officer and provided official vehicles, uniforms and required equipment.
The post of a director general has also been created to supervise forest protection activities at the provincial level. Punjab Forest DG Azfar Zia said the new law allows forest officers to directly register cases related to illegal logging, encroachment, arson and transportation of timber, and to submit cases to courts after completing investigations.
Earlier, the department had to depend on other agencies for legal proceedings.
Under the act, illegal tree cutting, unauthorised use of forest land and the establishment of sawmills or timber depots in reserved forests are punishable with three to seven years in prison and fines worth up to Rs5 million.
Similar offences in protected forests carry penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment and fines of up to Rs1 million. Organised forest crimes, including large-scale illegal logging, smuggling, encroachments, attacks on forest staff and damage to government property, carry a minimum punishment of eight years in prison and fines above Rs1 million.
Major forest offences, including arson, illegal logging, encroachment and illegal transportation of timber, have been declared non-bailable and cognisable.
The law also provides for special courts to ensure speedy trials and strict implementation of punishments.
The act includes special provisions for the protection of rare, endangered and native plant species.
The government may declare any tree or plant protected, and damage to such species can result in imprisonment and fines.
The law also outlines a mechanism for owners of protected trees on private land. To encourage public cooperation, a whistleblower system has been introduced. Informants who report forest crimes will have their identities kept confidential and may receive rewards if offences are proven. Penalties have also been included for false complaints.
