Punjab grants arrest powers to forest department under new amendment

Changes aim to target illegal logging, forest fires, encroachments, timber smuggling

Punjab has amended the Forest (Amendment) Act 2025 on Monday, aiming to take stricter action against illegal logging, forest fires, encroachments and timber smuggling. The law has not been amended in 10 years, originally enacted during the British era.

Under the new law, those involved in illegal tree cutting, setting forests on fire, occupying forest land or transporting timber illegally can face imprisonment from three to eight years, along with fines ranging from Rs1 million to Rs5 million. In cases of organised forest crime, the law also allows longer jail terms, heavier fines and confiscation of vehicles and machinery used in the offence.

With the enforcement of the Act, the Punjab Forest Department has been given the status of a force and powers similar to the police. Forest officers can now 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. These centres will monitor forest areas, investigate offences and support legal action. Each centre will be headed by a forest officer and provided with official vehicles, uniforms and required equipment. The post of Director General of Forests has also been created to supervise forest protection activities at the provincial level.

Punjab Director General Forests Azfar Zia said the new law allows forest officers to directly register cases related to illegal logging, encroachment, arson and illegal transportation of timber, and to submit cases to courts after completing investigations. Earlier, he said, the department had to depend on other agencies for legal proceedings.

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 of up to Rs5 million, according to the new amendments. Similar offences in protected forests carry penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment and fines of up to Rs1 million.

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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 can declare any tree or plant as protected, and damage to such species can result in imprisonment and fines. The law also outlines a compensation 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. Forest department officers and staff have been declared public servants, with strict action to be taken in cases of misuse of authority.

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Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the amendments were introduced under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to protect the environment and restore natural resources. She said departments concerned have been directed to immediately implement the law, while the deployment and training of field staff have already begun.

Officials said the enforcement of the Forest (Amendment) Act 2025 is expected to improve forest protection, help restore ecological balance and curb organised forest crimes in Punjab.