Tamil Nadu government is mulling bringing in Tree Act along the lines of the Delhi Tree Act of 1994. Once implemented, the Act will make the felling of trees without prior permission a punishable offense that could land one in jail for a period of one year or a fine of Rs 1000 or both.
Notably, the Tamil Nadu government has recently constituted green committees at the district and state levels after the directive from the Madras High Court that wanted a system to regulate and monitor the felling of trees in the state.
The move would provide green panels constituted at the district and state levels with a legally binding mandate. The proposed Act would lead to the felling, cutting or removal, or disposal of any tree from any land including private properties without
prior permission would be termed an offense.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu officials seal temple after Dalits refused entry
As per the Delhi Tree Act, any person who falls a tree without prior permission can be sentenced to a jail term that may extend for a year or can be fined Rs 1000 or both. The offense can also be compounded by paying the value of the forest produce or compensation which may be up to Rs 10,000 or both.
Tamil Nadu Environment Secretary Supriya Sahu told media persons that the state would also be planting 260 crore saplings by 2030.
(This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Raavi Media takes no responsibility or liability of any nature. Raavi Media management/ythisnews.com can alter or delete the content without notice for any reason.)
