(24News) The Punjab Forestry Department has amended the Punjab Forest Act 1927 to prevent illegal cutting of forests and wood theft and increased the punishment and fine for wood theft and cutting trees by four times.
A Forest Protection Force will also be formed which will be trained by the Punjab Rangers and the Army, a proposal to give the powers of a Magistrate to the Division Forest Officer, to issue a challan to the Forest Protection Officer for stealing wood, illegal cutting of forests, setting fire and causing damage. As per the authority, the Punjab government has framed the Punjab Forest Offenses Rules 2024, under which the rate of fines for illegal cutting of forests, setting fire, causing damage and theft of timber has been increased fourfold. A fine of four times the market value of the stolen wood will be charged and the wood will also be seized, earlier the wood was handed over to the accused after paying the fine.
Punjab Forest Department spokesperson Nadeem Abbas said that forest guards and staff who prevent illegal cutting of forests and wood theft will be rewarded according to the value of the wood to be exported, while if any officer commits wood theft, illegal cutting of forests in their area, they will be punished. If the department does not inform the department about the damage and the department comes to know about it through the media or any other means, such an officer can be fined, suspended from the job and even dismissed from the job for a more serious offense.
A Forest Protection Force will also be formed for the protection of forests in Punjab. Arms and vehicles will be provided to the force, Punjab Rangers and Army will provide training to the Forest Protection Force. The Forest Protection Force will also have the power to file cases against those who steal wood, damage forests, while the DFO will be given the powers of a magistrate.
The spokesperson of the forest department says that at this time, if any accused is caught stealing wood and damaging the forests, then the help of the police has to be taken to take action against him. Now the burden of the police will be reduced. Similarly, a new post of Director General has been created in Punjab Forest Department. A 20th grade officer will be appointed DG and all Chief Conservators will be responsible to him.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Forestry Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview segment today! We have with us Dr. Anjali Rao, an expert in forestry conservation and environmental policy. Dr. Rao, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Anjali Rao: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Recently, the Punjab Forestry Department made significant amendments to the Punjab Forest Act of 1927. Can you explain the main changes that are now in effect?
Dr. Rao: Absolutely. The amendments are quite impactful. Firstly, the penalties for illegal wood cutting and theft have been increased fourfold. This means that not only the fines are harsher, but the government is signaling a much stronger stance against illegal activities that threaten the forest resources.
Editor: That’s significant. What are your thoughts on the formation of a specialized Forest Protection Force that will be trained by the Punjab Rangers and the Army?
Dr. Rao: Forming a dedicated Forest Protection Force is a commendable move. It shows a commitment to addressing forest conservation proactively. The military-style training suggests a serious approach to maintaining order and enforcing laws in the forests. This could potentially deter illegal activities such as logging and poaching by making it clear that the government is investing in enforcing these laws.
Editor: The proposed powers that the Division Forest Officer would receive – essentially the authority to issue fines like a magistrate – raises some eyebrows. What does this mean in practice?
Dr. Rao: Granting such powers to Division Forest Officers could lead to more efficient enforcement. This decentralization of authority allows for quicker responses to illegal activities and ensures those responsible are held accountable on-site. However, it will be crucial to ensure that these officers are well-trained in the legal framework to prevent misuse of power.
Editor: The Punjab government has also introduced the Punjab Forest Offenses Rules 2024. How do you see these rules changing the landscape of forest conservation in Punjab?
Dr. Rao: The new rules represent a clear legislative commitment to protecting forest resources. By increasing the fines and enhancing the consequences of illegal activities, the government may diminish the perceived benefits of engaging in such activities. In theory, this should lead to a decline in illegal logging and other detrimental practices, provided that enforcement is consistent and transparent.
Editor: That’s quite promising. However, do you think there are risks associated with these tougher laws? How might they affect local communities that depend on these forests?
Dr. Rao: That’s an excellent point. While tougher laws are necessary, it’s essential to consider the socio-economic impacts on local communities who rely on forest resources for their livelihoods. There needs to be a balanced approach – enforcement should go hand in hand with community engagement and education. The government should also look into sustainable practices that allow locals to benefit from the forest without causing harm.
Editor: Speaking of sustainability, what role can technology play in helping to enforce these new regulations?
Dr. Rao: Technology can play a huge role! Drones, satellite imagery, and mobile apps can be utilized for monitoring forest health and spotting illegal activities in real-time. This tech-driven approach can significantly bolster the efforts of the Forest Protection Force while also involving local communities in conservation practices through citizen monitoring apps.
Editor: It sounds like the future of forest conservation in Punjab could be bright if these measures are implemented thoughtfully. Thank you so much for your insights today, Dr. Rao. Any final thoughts?
Dr. Rao: It’s crucial that we maintain a balance between protecting our forests and empowering local communities. If done correctly, these amendments could foster a new era of forest conservation in Punjab. Thank you for having me!
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rao. We look forward to seeing how these developments unfold and their impact on both the environment and local communities.