Shimla, January 5, 2025: The Himachal Pradesh government has introduced significant amendments to its tree felling regulations under the Himachal Pradesh Land Preservation Act, 1978.
The easing up of Norms follows after the large scale tree felling case came to light in Dharampur in Mandi district recently that has kicked up a political storm.
The revised order, issued by Governor, modifies earlier restrictions dating back to 2002, 2021, and 2023 to better balance ecological preservation and the needs of farmers and landowners.
Highlights of the Amendments
1. Relaxation in Tree Felling:
Landowners are now allowed to fell up to three trees annually for domestic or agricultural purposes without prior permission.
Permission is mandatory for felling more than three trees.
2. Approved Species:
Eucalyptus, Poplar, and Bamboo can be felled without restrictions on numbers if used for bonafide domestic purposes.
Khair trees may only be felled for sale under a 10-year felling program approved by the government.
3. Tiered Approval System:
Up to 200 trees: Divisional Forest Officer.
201-300 trees: Chief Conservator/Conservator of Forests.
301-400 trees: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF).
Over 400 trees: Approval from the state government.
4. Mandatory Replantation:
For every tree felled, landowners must plant three saplings.
In areas converted to fruit orchards, replanting must adhere to guidelines from the Horticulture Department for optimal land use.
5. Monitoring and Compliance:
Felling and marking of trees must align with the 10-year felling program developed by the Forest Department.
Objective of the Amendments
According to the Additional Chief Secretary (Forests), Kamlesh Kumar Pant, the amendments aim to strike a balance between ecological conservation and preventing undue exploitation of farmers.
The replantation mandate reinforces the government’s commitment to sustainability.
Implementation
The revised order has been circulated to all government departments and forest officials, and it will be published in the Himachal Pradesh Rajpatra for public awareness.
This move has garnered mixed reactions.
While environmentalists emphasize the need for stringent checks to prevent misuse, farmer groups have welcomed the flexibility provided for domestic and agricultural use.
