The Fact News Service
Patiala, August 19
In a significant move, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has restrained the Punjab government from utilizing funds of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and the Forest & Wildlife Department until September 3.
The Tribunal has also issued a notice to the state government in this regard. The development follows a petition filed by the civil society group Public Action Committee (PAC).
The issue came to light after a Tribune report revealed that the Punjab government had directed various departments to deposit a total of ₹1,441.49 crore into the state treasury, including ₹250 crore from PPCB and ₹84 crore from the Forest Department. Taking cognizance of the report, PAC approached the NGT seeking to halt the transfer of these funds.
PAC members Kapil Arora and Kuldeep Singh Khaira personally appeared before the NGT’s Principal Bench and argued that:
Purpose of funds: These funds are meant exclusively for environmental protection and improvement, not for meeting general state expenditure. The government must return the money so that the departments can fulfill their statutory obligations.
Violation of Supreme Court orders: They contended that the state’s directive violates Supreme Court guidelines, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, and PUNCAMPA regulations.
Clear judicial mandate: The Supreme Court has explicitly ruled that such funds must only be used for afforestation, wildlife protection, and forest regeneration—not for administrative or unrelated purposes.
Speaking from the NGT headquarters in New Delhi, PAC members Kapil Arora and Jaskeerat Singh said:
“During today’s hearing on our plea challenging the Punjab Chief Secretary’s order dated August 7, the Bench issued notice to the respondents and directed that the funds not be used until September 3.”
PAC’s Dr. Amandeep Singh Bains added that PPCB is an autonomous body, and its funds are strictly meant for environmental restoration. Similarly, the Forest Department’s funds are collected in lieu of tree felling and land transfer, and cannot be diverted for general use.
PAC members further emphasized:
“Funds generated for ecological protection and regeneration cannot be classified as state revenue under Articles 266 and 283 of the Constitution.”
