Ludhiana, Nov. 27 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has slammed government officials after confirming large-scale damage to forest land during the concrete lining of the Sirhind Canal. Acting on a petition by the public action committee (PAC), the tribunal, in its order dated November 13, has directed the chief secretary of the water resources department and the Ludhiana divisional forest officer (DFO) to identify all responsible officers and contractors and take strict legal action within three months.

Kapil Arora, a member of the PAC, said the canal lining work began in December 2024. Soon after, local residents reported that forested areas were being damaged. When the PAC team inspected the site, they found that the executive engin...