Chandigarh, Jan. 24 -- The Punjab and Haryana high court on Friday set up a panel of lawyers to examine a proposal put forth by Greater Mohali Development Authority (GMADA) to cut 250 odd trees for making roundabouts at different locations in Mohali.

The directions were passed amid passionate arguments from petitioner and government sides about the need tocut such a large number of trees for road widening work. Notably, it was this case in which the high court on December 24 had banned cutting of trees across Punjab for infrastructure as well as for other purposes.

The government counsels were seeking vacation of stay of December 24 arguing that these trees are being cut to avoid accidents and for other road safety needs.

On the other ...