NGT issues notice to Punjab Govt over new Green Habitat Policy
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, December 9, 2025: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has admitted a petition challenging the Punjab Government’s recently issued “Policy for Approval/Regulation of Low Impact Green Habitats (LIGH) 2025” and has issued notices to the State and other respondents.
The matter was heard by the Principal Bench comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel.
The application, filed by Kapil Dev of the Council of Engineers, contests the State’s Executive Notification dated November 20, 2025, alleging that it violates a binding Supreme Court order dated September 9, 2005, passed in the T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India matter.
The petitioner argued that the Supreme Court had allowed delisting of certain cultivated and habitation areas under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) solely for bonafide agricultural and livelihood use—not for any commercial activities.
The applicant submitted that Punjab’s 2011 notification, issued after approvals from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, delisted 65,670.26 hectares from the forest category under strict conditions, including a clear ban on commercial use.
However, the new 2025 LIGH policy allegedly enables commercial permissions through provisions linked to the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Building Rules, 2021—an action the petitioner claims contradicts Supreme Court directions and the conditions imposed by the MoEF.
The Tribunal noted the contention that clauses in the new policy, especially Clause 18, may allow commercial exploitation of previously delisted land, opening the door to activities beyond agricultural or livelihood purposes.
Taking cognizance of the allegations, the NGT has directed all respondents to file their replies and complete service formalities at least a week before the next hearing.
The matter will be taken up again on December 18, 2025.