NGT asks Punjab Govt to avoid using PPCB and Forest Dept funds till Sept 3

NGT has taken this decision after a civil society group, Public Action Committee (PAC), raised objections, which it reported in the newspaper ‘The Tribune’ on August 8, revealing that the government had urged many departments to provide over Rs 1,441.49 crore, including Rs 250 crore and Rs 84 crore from the PPCB and the Forest Department, respectively.

PAC explained before the NGT that such funds are for the use of environmental protection, afforestation, and wildlife conservation, not for general government expenses. They also said the government’s order violated the Supreme Court’s directions, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, and PUNCAMPA rules.

The NGT came into action and ordered the state government not to use these funds until the next hearing, which will take place on September 3. Several PAC members welcomed the decision of NGT. Its members Kapil Arora and Kuldeep Singh Khaira, along with others, attended the hearing and said they approached the tribunal after learning about the transfer of funds.