CHANDIGARH, August 6 — A public interest petition has been filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking a complete ban on the illegal and unchecked installation of decorative lights, plastic cables, iron nails, and electric fixtures on living urban trees in Punjab, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
The plea, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution, warns that such practices—especially rampant during festivals and public functions—are causing “irreparable ecological damage” and violating environmental laws and constitutional obligations.
“This widespread and unchecked phenomenon is injuring trees mechanically and thermally,” states the petition, adding that such artificial interference not only disturbs biological functions but also makes trees vulnerable to fungal infections and pest attacks.
The petitioner, Manmohan Singh, an environmental activist from Panchkula, claims to have documented extensive violations over the past two years. “Despite filing representations and organising awareness campaigns, the authorities have failed to act, leading to ongoing degradation of urban green cover,” Singh said.
Filed through counsel Mohammad Arshad, the petition urges the High Court to direct the governments of Punjab and Haryana and the Chandigarh administration to immediately prohibit these activities and develop a systematic mechanism to protect urban trees.
“These installations damage the structural integrity of trees, interfere with their natural growth, and disrupt urban biodiversity and ecological balance,” the petition argues.
The matter is expected to come up for hearing in the coming days.
