TOI: How trees are murdered: June 06, 2008 | Trees : News Articles

HOW TREES ARE MURDERED

THE RULES

The Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation of Trees Act says two new saplings have to be planted within 30 days of a tree being felled (or the time given by the tree officer); but you can also transplant the original tree at some other place.
   A deposit of at least Rs 4,000 has to be made for each tree that is being felled. The amount is refunded within two years if the new saplings are seen to be growing satisfactorily; there is no extra penalty if the original tree does not survive transplantation.

THE REALITY

TOI recently reported that the Tree Authority collected more than Rs 9.24 crore for granting permission for removal of trees up to March 2006. The deposit has only increased over the years. This means that more than 25,000 felled trees have not got replacements or survived transplantation. Tree lovers say builders write the amount off in their accounts as it a small price to pay.

THE RULES

The Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation of Trees Act says adequate public notice of trees, which are proposed to be felled, must be given by the tree officer by advertising in the local media. The matter has to be placed before the Tree Authority for reconsideration if there is any objection and the decision can be taken only after hearing the person who has raised the objection.

THE REALITY

Information obtained through RTI has revealed the neighbourhood is often not informed before a tree is marked for transplantation; the advertisements often do not reach prominent (widelyread) newspapers.
   The Tree Authority’s no-objection certificate is sought only after the plan is submitted to other agencies like the building proposal department and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority. The fact that the Tree Authority’s consent is sought at the final stage clearly shows that preserving trees is not a priority.