LHC orders protection of Takht Pari forest

Forest dept directed to ensure water supply to saplings, act against encroachments

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the Forest Department to ensure an uninterrupted water supply to trees and newly planted saplings in Takht Pari forest and take prompt legal action against encroachments, illegal tree cutting and those responsible for setting the forest on fire.

In its written judgment, Justice Jawad Hassan of the court's Rawalpindi bench ordered regular patrolling and proper monitoring of saplings to protect the forest from damage.

He observed that forests were an important heritage of both the public and the state.

The judge noted that climate change was no longer a future threat but a present reality, emphasising the need to protect coming generations from its harmful effects.

He observed that the court had a role in mitigating the effects of climate change for future generations, adding that environmental protection was a fundamental right guaranteed under Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution.

The judgment was issued on a petition filed by Muhammad Rameez, who had approached the high court seeking measures to protect Takht Pari forest in Rawalpindi.

The court appreciated the efforts made by the Forest Department and other respondents to protect trees.

It directed the department to ensure that forest land was not occupied or used for unauthorised purposes.

The department was also ordered to take prompt action in accordance with the law against illegal encroachments and ensure effective monitoring and protection of the forest.

The judgment further directed that legal proceedings be initiated against those involved in cutting trees or setting fire to the forest.

During the proceedings, the Forest Department informed the court that 46,000 trees had been planted in Takht Pari forest under the Punjab chief minister's plantation campaign.