Home / Environment / NGT Mandates Tree Census, Geo-Tagging in Rajasthan
NGT Mandates Tree Census, Geo-Tagging in Rajasthan
2 Nov
Summary
- Rajasthan forest department must form a high-level committee.
- Mandatory geo-tagging of all trees in the state ordered.
- City-wise and district-wise tree censuses to be conducted.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated significant environmental protection measures across Rajasthan. A high-level committee is to be formed by the state forest department to meticulously examine permissions for felling more than 25 trees. This committee will also explore alternatives to cutting trees and ensure compensatory afforestation at a ratio of 10 to 100 times the number felled, monitoring survival for five years.
Furthermore, the NGT's Central Zone Bench in Bhopal has made geo-tagging of all trees mandatory, requiring detailed records of their location, species, and numbers to be maintained and shared with the Chief Conservator of Forests. District magistrates are tasked with preventing tree felling without competent authority approval, while forest officials must act against unauthorized cutting.
These directives stem from a petition alleging the illegal felling of around 800 mature trees in a Jaipur public park. The NGT has also constituted a joint committee to inspect the Jaipur site and submit a factual report. The case is scheduled for further hearing on December 16.
