Haryana may ease norms to cut trees

GURGAON: Haryana govt has proposed a policy on tree felling on non-forest land that does away with need for permission in urban areas on plots acquired or allotted by govt bodies for residential, industrial, or infrastructure development.

Currently, forest dept nod is needed for tree felling. The policy is proposed to supersede previous orders related to tree felling outside of forests, even if those areas are notified under Punjab Land Preservation Act.

The policy emphasises preservation of indigenous plants of ecological significance, but proposes to exempt trees such as eucalyptus, poplar, bakayan, ullu neem, sahtoot, and mesquite from requiring permission if they are standing outside the forest areas.