Maharashtra government to probe illegal tree cutting since 2010

Around 25,000 tree cutting permissions were sanctioned between 2010 and 2016.

Taking complaints of illegal tree felling seriously, the Maharashtra government has decided to probe alleged violations. Authorities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region grant permission to cut trees only if certain conditions are fulfilled. The state will investigate those who have violated these conditions. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said those found guilty, including government officials, will be punished.

The government will direct all municipal corporations to investigate these permissions. (HT FILE)

Around 25,000 tree cutting permissions were sanctioned between 2010 and 2016. The government will direct all municipal corporations to investigate these permissions. The probe will include the grounds on which the permissions were sanctioned, whether conditions were followed or whether there were any violations, Fadnavis said.

“Those who are found guilty will be punished. Even government officials will not be spared,” he added.

Fadnavis was replying to queries raised by legislators during a calling attention motion on the issue. Legislators complained that though local authorities had specified several conditions to be met before permission to cut trees is granted, these conditions are often violated.

They asked for tips to ensure that trees transplanted by the people survive. Authorities have specified transplantation as one of the conditions that must be met before trees can be cut to accommodate development work.