Chandigarh, Jan. 16 -- The Punjab government has moved the high court demanding that the December 24 order banning tree cutting in Punjab be modified.

State's counsel on Thursday told the high court bench of justice Sheel Nagu and justice Sanjiv Berry that infrastructure projects have stalled due to the court's order, and at least in the cases where the order on cutting of trees has been issued as per policy, it should be allowed.

A similar request has been made by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), submitting that key roadways projects of national importance have been affected due to the December 24 order. Hence, it needs to be modified.

Acting on both applications, the court has issued notice of motion for January 19. ...