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Haryana's New Tree Law: 10 Trees for 1 Cut!
7 Nov
Summary
- Mandatory permission needed to fell green trees outside forests.
- Fines up to ₹10,000 and jail time for violations.
- Requires planting 10 trees for every one tree felled.
The Haryana government is set to enact a stricter legal framework, the Haryana Preservation of Trees Act, 2026, aimed at enhancing tree protection outside forest areas. This new legislation makes obtaining prior permission mandatory before felling any green tree, with a significant requirement to plant 10 compensatory trees for each tree removed. This initiative seeks to bolster the state's green cover and combat environmental degradation.
Violators of the proposed act will face penalties including a fine of ₹10,000 per tree, environmental compensation, and a minimum three-month imprisonment if dues are not settled. The law will apply to all non-forest areas within Haryana, emphasizing the government's commitment to ecological balance, particularly in sensitive regions like the Aravallis. Forest and wildlife areas will continue to be governed by existing laws.
Applications for tree-felling permission must be submitted online and decided within 30 days by a designated Tree Officer. For fallen green trees, decisions are expected within three days. The act defines a tree based on its girth, with specific measurements for plain areas and ecologically sensitive zones. Pruning branches in municipal areas will also require permission, excluding agricultural fields.
The Forest Survey of India reported a decrease in Haryana's tree cover by 140 sq km between 2019 and 2021, highlighting the urgency of such protective measures. The compensatory tree plantation fund will cover the costs of planting and maintenance for five years.
