The Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA's) plan to sell residential plots near Upper Bari Doab Canal, under its Swarn Vihar scheme has run into trouble with the Forest Department laying claim to the land, and accusing PUDA of not taking permission fro the Central Government. The scheme was regarding two strips of land on both side of the Sultanwind Road near Amritsar-Jalandhar railway line. As there is no natural forest in the state, the reason being the 85 per cent land used for agriculture, the government of India has notified that all strips of land adjoining canals, railways and roads be declared as Forest area. Under the Forest Conservation Act of 1980, no activity other than forestry is allowed in such areas unless there is prior sanction from the Centre.