RAVI SHANKER JHA, CHIEF JUSTICE (oral)

1. This petition by way of Public Interest Litigation has been filed by the petitioner alleging that the respondent-authorities are proposing to cut the trees on either side of the road between the village Kahneke to Rurehke Kalan, District Barnala, Punjab, although they fall within the width of 18 feet which is proposed width of the road.

2. Petitioner appearing in person submits that the authorities before cutting the trees are required to consider the petitioner’s representation/demand notice dated 19.07.2021 (Annexure P-2) as well as the feasibility of drawing or modifying the entire plan with a view to save the trees in question.

3. Learned Additional Advocate General appearing for the respondent-State of Punjab on advance copy submits that the representation of the petitioner as well as the possible alternative proposal or scheme for widening of the roads by saving trees would be examined and considered by the authorities and they shall proceed in the matter only after considering the aforesaid aspects.

4. In the light of the statement made by learned Additional Advocate General, Punjab, the petition filed by the petitioner is disposed of with a direction to the respondent-authorities to examine the matter and also for the purposes of modifying the scheme, if necessary, for the purpose of saving the trees in question and till such decision is not taken on the representation as well as on the scheme concerned, no trees would be cut by the respondent-authorities.