Foresters have raised strong concerns after the Punjab Cabinet approved the low-impact housing policy for the Kandi region. They said the state should have waited for the Centre’s final decision on the Eco Sensitive Zone around the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. Moreover, they believe the move could harm the fragile Shivalik belt.
In 2015, the Centre informed Punjab that delisted PLPA land must be treated as forest under the Forest Conservation Act. It also said the land should support only agriculture and basic livelihood needs. Therefore, experts argue that opening these areas for housing creates serious ecological risks.
Several senior officers noted that Punjab never updated its assessment after delisting 55,000 hectares in 2010. As a result, they fear sudden changes in land use may trigger disasters similar to those in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Former forest chiefs also stressed that carrying-capacity studies and scientific mapping remain incomplete. Furthermore, they believe this gap weakens the state’s decision.
However, the government defended the policy. It said no commercial activity will be allowed. It also capped construction at 10% site coverage and required proper access roads. Officials added that the Forest Department will monitor all new units near delisted or eco-sensitive zones. The low-impact housing policy will, according to them, stay under strict oversight.
