Punjab Forest Rangers Get Double Cabin Vehicles for Patrolling

The Punjab government’s newly formed Forest Rangers force has received double cabin pickup trucks for patrolling as part of its campaign against deforestation, smog, and air pollution.

The vehicles shared by the department show green double cabin Isuzu trucks with official Forest Rangers branding.

According to officials, the Forest Rangers force has been created to take action against the timber mafia and protect trees across the province.

Sources said the force will be given broad powers similar to police, including the authority to detain suspects and register FIRs against people involved in illegal tree cutting.

The Forest Rangers will also reportedly have powers related to investigation, challan, and arrest in cases involving deforestation and illegal timber activity.

The force is expected to operate across Punjab and respond to public complaints received through helpline 1084.

The initiative follows a recruitment drive launched by the Forestry and Wildlife Department in June 2026. More than 900 offer letters were issued to selected Forest Rangers and Inspectors across 39 divisions under the provincial government.

However, the launch of the new force and its double cabin vehicles has also drawn criticism from some members of the public, who believe that creating another uniformed force may not be necessary.

Critics argue that the government should focus more on strengthening existing forest departments and improving enforcement through transparent monitoring instead of adding another patrolling force.