Ministry to cut red tape on tree harvesting

In a bid to invite private sector investment into social and agro-forestry, the Environment Ministry has decided to simplify the tree harves...

In a bid to invite private sector investment into social and agro-forestry, the Environment Ministry has decided to simplify the tree harvesting and transit rules and will issue fresh guidelines to the states next month.

As of now, these rules are weighed down in bureaucratese with no one allowed to cut down any green tree until an explicit permission is obtained from the local conservator of forests. Under the Delhi Tree Act, 1994, illegal felling of a green tree, of any species, attracts a compounding fine of Rs 10,000. Other States also have similar acts.

However, Environment Minister D. Raja has now instructed the officials to categorise trees so that commercial harvesting of trees is promoted. India has a total of 21 pc forests and tree cover with the 10th plan advocating it to be increased to 27 pc by 2007 and 33 pc by 2012.

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Since there is little chance of increasing forest coverage, the only way to adhere to the 10th plan is by increasing the tree cover. And this can only be achieved, according to the Ministry, by offering commercial incentive for growing trees.

According to official sources, the tree species will be divided into the following three categories : ‘‘A’’ category will have trees like sandalwood that are only found in forests and other species found at the height of 1,000 metres and above ; ‘‘B’’ category will have trees that are found in forests as well on its periphery such as teak; and ‘‘C’’ category will cover all other species.

While the fresh guidelines are now being framed, it is understood that the government has plans to allow controlled commercial felling of trees under the ‘‘C’’ category. Felling of trees under ‘‘A’’ and ‘‘B’’ category will be allowed under strict supervision and would require the permission of the Conservator of Forests and the District Forests Officer respectively.

With Defence and Railways being the largest owners of land in the country, the basic idea is to promote tree cover without getting involved in red-tape. Environment Ministry officials said the new guidelines will be issued latest by the year-end and states will be encouraged to implement them as soon as possible.