TN to introduce Tree Act to curb illegal tree felling
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Chennai: Tamil Nadu government is planning to introduce a Tree Act, in which felling, cutting, removal, or disposal of any tree from any land including private properties without prior permission would be termed an offense.
As per the proposed Act, similar to the Delhi Tree Act of 1994, any person who cut down 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.
Notably, the Tamil Nadu government has already 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.
As per the Delhi Tree Act, Tamil Nadu Environment Secretary Supriya Sahu told media persons that the state would also be planting 260 crore saplings by 2030.
With inputs from IANS