District Magistrate Aashika Jain has issued orders imposing various restrictions in the district, exercising powers granted under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Under these orders, owners of poultry farms, rice shellers, brick kilns, and other small-scale industries, as well as households employing domestic help, are required to maintain a register. This register must record the names, full addresses, and three photographs (right, left, and frontal profiles) of the workers, along with the addresses of their relatives. Owners must also record the employee’s fingerprints in the register and immediately submit the complete record to the local police station or police post. Additionally, owners and occupants (or those in charge) of houses and shops are ordered to immediately register the name and full address of any tenant—whether currently renting or renting in the future—with the local police station or police post.
Ban on felling Mango, Neem, Peepal, and Banyan trees
The District Magistrate has also banned the felling of green Mango, Neem, Peepal, and Banyan trees in ‘delisted areas’ within the district. According to the orders, if it becomes necessary to cut these trees under special circumstances, permission must be obtained from the Forest Department. The Forest Department will follow the same procedure for this as is used for granting permits in ‘closed areas’ under Sections 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Conservation Act, 1900. If it is necessary to cut green Mango, Neem, Peepal, or Banyan trees anywhere in Hoshiarpur district outside of the delisted areas, approval must be obtained from the Deputy Commissioner’s office. **Ban on the use of military olive green jeeps, motorcycles, and motor vehicles**
Additionally, the use of military olive green (military-colored) jeeps, motorcycles, and motor vehicles within the district boundaries is prohibited. This order does not apply to military officials. Similarly, unauthorized individuals are prohibited from wearing uniforms resembling those of the Armed Forces, Punjab Police, BSF, or military personnel; the sale and purchase of such uniforms by unauthorized persons are also banned. This order does not apply to personnel from the Armed Forces, Punjab Police, BSF, or military officials.
**Ban on watering or bathing animals at the Dhussi Bund**
In another order, the District Magistrate has completely prohibited anyone from watering or bathing animals in the major and minor canals, the Choe Dam, and the Dhussi Bund (embankment) along the Beas River within the district. Grazing animals on public roads or in public places is also strictly prohibited. Furthermore, the District Magistrate has completely banned the burning of crop residue within a radius of 1,000 yards (914 meters) from the outer boundary wall of the 18-Ammunition Depot at Uchi Bassi (Tehsil Dasuya). These orders will remain in effect until September 7, 2026.
