Irregularities in tree felling permission process will not be tolerated: Maharashtra minister

Mumbai, Jul 9 (PTI) Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Thursday warned the government would not tolerate any irregularities in the tree felling permission process and strict action would be taken against those found guilty. Replying to a question raised by Santosh Danve (BJP) in the Assembly, Naik said the state government has simplified and digitised the tree felling permission process while ensuring environmental protection and conservation of old and rare trees. He noted the government has reduced the number of mandatory documents for obtaining tree felling permission from 11 to just five through a corrigendum issued on April 29, 2026. The approval period for government and industrial projects has also been capped at 15 days. The minister stated that senior officers would inquire into any complaints of irregularities and strict action would be taken against those responsible. Referring to the Maharashtra Felling of Trees (Regulation) Act, 1964, Naik maintained plantation of new trees in place of those cut is mandatory under Section 3(1)(b) of the legislation. Under Section 3(3), forest authorities are empowered to recover plantation costs from landowners or occupants if they fail to undertake compensatory plantation. Undertakings are also being obtained from applicants to ensure compliance, he told the Assembly. The minister said the state government would use advanced international-standard technology and equipment to monitor tree plantation and assess forest cover. A special task force would be set up to increase tree cover across the state, particularly in the Marathwada region, while a large-scale plantation drive would be undertaken in coordination with revenue, tribal development and forest departments, Naik emphasised. Highlighting the growing threat of global warming, the minister insisted large-scale afforestation was the need of the hour. The government was also considering promoting bamboo cultivation, which requires less water, and exploring ethanol production from the fast growing flowering plant, he added. PTI MR RSY