Sangrur, April 9 -- With the authorities axing 18 trees for a project in the Sangrur civil hospital, a local activist has accused the administration of ignoring a stay order issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. At the same time, the administration has claimed that the court's order is not applicable to the hospital land.

Civil surgeon Sanjay Kamra said the tree removal was done to build a critical care block in the hospital. Activist Jasinder Sekhon said the move was illegal owing to the HC stay order. She also alleged that the building plan had not been passed by the municipal committee.

Deputy commissioner (DC) Sandeep Rishi said the project was in accordance with the Punjab government's policy. A prior assessment was undertak...