Punjab Government Cracks Down on Ecotourism Violations, Issues Notices to 100 Farmhouse Owners
In a bid to enforce compliance with ecotourism regulations, the Punjab Government has issued notices to nearly 100 farmhouse owners on the outskirts of Chandigarh. Among those served notices are several influential figures, including prominent politicians and former IAS and IPS officers.
The Ecotourism Development Committee (EDC), chaired by the Secretary of Tourism, has summoned the farmhouse owners to appear before it on March 17 with relevant records. The committee will review whether these farmhouses align with the Eco Tourism Policy 2019 before granting permissions.
The EDC comprises representatives from the Forest, Tourism, Local Government, and Housing Departments, among others. The farmhouses in question are located across multiple villages, including Karoran, Nada, Parch, Jayanti Majri, Seonk, Nagal, Parol, Sultanpur, Siswan, Majra, Dulwan, Palanpur, and Murzapur.
Rising Narcotics Smuggling Poses Challenge for Punjab
Meanwhile, Punjab remains highly vulnerable to cross-border smuggling of narcotics, weapons, ammunition, and fake currency, particularly through drone incursions from across the international border. So far this year, the Border Security Force (BSF) has seized 35 kg of narcotics near the border and neutralized over 45 drones originating from Pakistan.
In response to queries from Members of Parliament Shambhu Sharan Patel, Baburam Nishad, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai confirmed that border security forces, including the BSF, Assam Rifles, and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), have been empowered under the NDPS Act to conduct searches, seizures, and arrests related to drug trafficking. Additionally, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been authorized to monitor and curb drug smuggling along railway routes.
Rising Drug Cases in Neighboring States
Data shows an increasing number of drug-related cases across several states. In Punjab, authorities recorded 2,506 cases in 2021, 3,331 in 2022, 2,023 in 2023, and 3,062 in 2024. Neighboring Himachal Pradesh registered 1,518 cases in 2021, 2,045 in 2022, and 1,634 in 2023, while Rajasthan reported a rising trend with 3,738 cases in 2021, 5,098 in 2022, and 5,462 in 2023.
With its strategic location and international border, Punjab remains a focal point in the battle against drug trafficking and organized crime, requiring sustained enforcement efforts and cross-agency coordination.
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