In an effort to curb illegal tree felling and enhance green cover in Tamil Nadu, the state government is set to introduce stricter penalties for those found guilty of cutting down trees on government-owned land. According to forest department officials, these new regulations will include prison sentences, marking a significant step toward preserving the state’s green environment.To boost the state’s green cover, the Tamil Nadu government has launched several initiatives, including the “Green Tamil Nadu” campaign. As part of this initiative, tree-planting activities are being conducted in various locations across the state, with both public and private participation. The initiative includes a detailed online system to monitor the progress of each sapling planted, ensuring accountability and promoting long-term growth.
The government has also emphasized the protection of existing trees, recognizing their importance in maintaining ecological balance. Consequently, a range of new restrictions are being put in place to prevent unauthorized tree felling. These restrictions extend to the removal and transplantation of valuable trees on private land as well.
A senior official from the forest department stated that preserving old trees is crucial to increasing Tamil Nadu’s green cover. However, government-owned trees are often targeted by anti-social elements. To address this, new regulations will be introduced that impose severe punishments, including imprisonment, for those who illegally cut down trees on government land. A draft of the new legislation is currently being prepared, with the law expected to be passed soon.