The Punjab government has introduced the Punjab Forest Offenses Rules 2024, significantly raising fines for illegal logging, arson, forest damage, and timber theft.
Under the new rules, fines will be set at four times the market value of any stolen timber. Additionally, seized timber will be confiscated and not returned, even after the fine is paid.
Special Secretary of the Punjab Forest Department, Captain (retd) Tahir Zafar Abbasi, shared that forest guards and staff who stop illegal logging or timber theft will receive rewards based on the value of seized timber.
Officers who fail to report illegal logging or timber theft in their areas may face penalties, including fines, suspension, or dismissal if the department learns of these offenses through media or other sources.
The government is establishing a Forest Protection Force equipped with weapons and vehicles to boost forest protection. This force will receive training from the Punjab Rangers and the Army and have the authority to act against timber thieves and forest vandals. District Forest Officers (DFOs) will also be given magistrate powers.
Abbasi mentioned that police involvement will be required when suspects are caught for timber theft or forest damage, but with the new Forest Protection Force, the police workload will be reduced.
