The Central Government has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that de-listed forest land on the periphery of Chandigarh cannot be put to commercial use without obtaining statutory approvals and that any non-forestry activity undertaken without the required clearances would amount to a violation of forest laws.
The submission was made during proceedings before the NGT in a matter concerning land use and development activities in areas surrounding Chandigarh. The case involves questions regarding the legal status of certain parcels of land that were previously classified as forest areas and the extent to which they can be used for commercial or developmental purposes.
According to the Centre’s stand, the removal or de-listing of land from certain administrative records does not automatically exempt it from the requirements of environmental and forest protection laws. Government representatives reportedly argued that any non-forestry activity on such land must comply with the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act and other applicable environmental regulations. Commercial projects, construction activities, and changes in land use would require prior approval from the competent authorities.
Legal experts explain that “de-listed” forest land generally refers to areas whose classification or administrative status has changed over time. However, the legal treatment of such land depends on judicial decisions, statutory provisions, and environmental safeguards that may continue to apply regardless of administrative changes.
During the proceedings, the NGT examined submissions from various parties. The matter remains under adjudication, and no final determination has yet been made regarding the disputed issues. Environmental lawyers note that the case could have broader implications for land-use planning in ecologically sensitive zones around urban centres.
Conservationists and urban planning experts have emphasized the ecological importance of green belts and forested areas surrounding Chandigarh. These landscapes contribute to biodiversity conservation, groundwater recharge, temperature regulation, and air quality management while acting as buffers against unchecked urban expansion.
The issue also draws attention to previous debates over development proposals and land-use changes on Chandigarh’s periphery, where environmental concerns have frequently intersected with urban growth pressures.
The matter remains under consideration before the NGT, and any future land-use decisions concerning the disputed land will be subject to environmental laws, statutory approvals, and judicial scrutiny.
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