The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken serious note of allegations of large-scale illegal felling of valuable Khair trees in government-protected forests of Ropar district, with claims that the actual number of trees axed could run into thousands in collusion with senior forest officials.An original application filed before the NGT’s Principal Bench on Monday by social activist and whistleblower Pardeep Sharma has highlighted an alleged organised operation by a “timber mafia” in the ecologically fragile Shivalik foothills.The petition names forest areas in the villages of Fatehpur, Bhagwali and Bhangala.Initial inspections by forest authorities had detected around 150 illegally cut green Khair (Acacia catechu) trees. However, local sources and subsequent assessments suggest the figure may be significantly higher — ranging from 2,000 to over 5,000 trees. Khair wood is commercially valuable and is often targeted by smugglers for its use in kattha and other products.The plea further alleges that the felling occurred in violation of a Punjab and Haryana High Court order dated December 24, 2025, which imposed a blanket ban on tree cutting across Punjab without prior permission of the court. The High Court had expressed concern over the state’s low forest cover of just 3.67 per cent, warning of an impending ecological crisis.According to the application, the illegal activities have caused severe environmental damage in the Shivalik region, including loss of biodiversity, destruction of wildlife habitats and accelerated soil erosion. It also alleges purported involvement of higher forest department officials in violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.The applicant has sought the constitution of an independent joint committee comprising officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to conduct a thorough probe. Other reliefs sought include assessment of environmental damage, prosecution of those responsible, recovery of compensation from offenders, and large-scale reforestation. Action against erring forest officers has also been demanded.Vigilance probe under cloudThe matter first came to light around three months ago after it was reported by The Tribune. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau took suo motu cognisance and initiated an inquiry. However, locals allege that the probe has made little headway due to political pressure.Environmental experts have warned that continued deforestation in the Shivalik belt could disrupt groundwater recharge, exacerbate soil erosion, and increase vulnerability to climate change impacts.The NGT issued notice to the State of Punjab, posting the case for further hearing on August 5, 2026.The development has once again spotlighted the challenges of protecting Punjab’s scant forest wealth, particularly in the Shivalik foothills, where illegal timber operations have been a recurring concern for years.