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The Haryana government has introduced a new tree felling policy for non-forest land, eliminating the need for approvals on government-acquired or allocated plots for residential and industrial projects. The policy, aimed at balancing urban development and environmental protection, allows for the removal of non-native species like eucalyptus and poplar without permission, while indigenous species remain protected. Haryana's forest cover declined by 13.9 sq km from 2021 to 2023, with 8.2% of its land facing desertification. Environmentalists warn of further degradation, though initiatives like Pran Vayu Devta aim to preserve heritage trees, offering financial incentives to owners of 3,876 trees.
The Haryana government has introduced a new policy regarding tree felling on non-forest land, aiming to streamline the process in urban areas. This proposal eliminates the need for government approval for tree cutting on plots acquired or allocated by government bodies for residential, industrial, or infrastructure projects. Currently, permission from the forest department is mandatory for such activities. Advertisement
The new policy intends to replace previous regulations concerning tree felling outside of designated forest areas, even in regions protected under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) of 1900. A committee will be established to finalize the policy and reassess compensation measures for illegal tree cutting. While the policy highlights the importance of protecting indigenous tree species like peepal and khejari, it also allows for the removal of certain non-native trees, such as eucalyptus and poplar, without the need for permission if they are located outside forested areas.
Farmers will also benefit from this policy, as they can now remove unproductive fruit trees in orchards without prior authorization, enabling them to replace them with more productive high-density varieties. However, tree cutting on privately owned land will still require the approval of divisional forest officers (DFOs), though the same exemptions for specific tree species will apply.
Despite the government's efforts, the state has struggled to meet its forestry goals. A 2006 policy aimed to achieve 20% forest and tree cover, but recent data from the Forest Survey of India indicates a decline in Haryana's forest cover by 13.9 square kilometers between 2021 and 2023. Currently, Gurugram's forest area measures only 113.1 square kilometers. Additionally, a report from the Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas reveals that 8.2% of Haryana's total geographical area experienced desertification between 2018 and 2019.
The rapid expansion of urban areas like Gurugram and Faridabad has led to significant tree loss. For example, in 2017, 5,000 trees were cut down to facilitate construction on NH-8, and in 2018, the removal of 10,000 trees was authorized to widen Sohna Road. Unlike Delhi, which has strict regulations under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, Haryana lacks its own comprehensive tree protection legislation, although discussions for such laws have taken place in the past.
Environmental experts have raised concerns over the new policy, suggesting it may further harm the state's tree cover.
In response to environmental challenges, the Haryana government has initiated a program to grant heritage status to older trees, called Pran Vayu Devta, which provides financial incentives to tree owners for conserving trees over 75 years old. So far, 3,876 trees have received this heritage designation.
To further support tree conservation, the Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) is developing a mobile application that will help plant growers document the trees on their properties and assess their carbon sequestration potential. This initiative aims to enhance the understanding of trees' role in capturing carbon dioxide, which is crucial for combating climate change.
As Haryana moves forward with its new tree felling policy, the balance between urban development and environmental preservation remains a critical issue. Stakeholders will need to carefully consider the long-term impacts of these changes on the state's ecology and quality of life for its residents.
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