Latest news with #TreePreservationPolicy
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
National Green Tribunal asks Punjab to strengthen tree preservation policy
Chandigarh: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Punjab chief secretary to address the shortcomings in the state's existing tree preservation policy to effectively prevent illegal felling of trees, especially on private land. The directive from a bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel came during a hearing on a complaint regarding the illegal cutting of standing green trees in a residential colony in Jalandhar. During the proceedings, the tribunal examined the 'Tree Preservation Policy for Non-Forest Govt and Public Land, 2024' and observed that significant gaps remained in its scope. Specifically, the policy does not extend to trees standing on private land. In an earlier hearing, the tribunal summoned the Punjab chief secretary to appear virtually to clarify the legal framework regulating the felling of trees on non-forest land in the state. Appearing before the bench, the chief secretary acknowledged the critical importance of tree preservation and affirmed the state's responsibility to safeguard trees on all types of land. However, he admitted that Punjab currently lacked a legislative framework to effectively deter and penalise illegal tree felling. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning For Working Professionals. BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo The chief secretary assured the tribunal that the state govt would initiate the process of drafting and presenting a bill in the next legislative session and sought six months' time to complete the process. The applicant, meanwhile, raised several concerns about the 2024 policy and its implementation. These included the absence of a formal grievance redressal mechanism, lack of clarity on where complaints regarding illegal tree cutting should be lodged, and the non-existence of a tree census in the urban areas. It was pointed out that tree felling often takes place at night, allowing the violators to escape accountability. Further, municipal bodies reportedly lack any data on existing tree cover in their jurisdictions, making detection of illegal activity nearly impossible. The applicant also flagged issues such as the concretisation of tree bases, deliberate burning of garbage at tree roots to weaken them, and the absence of any system to ensure compensatory plantation for trees lost during thunderstorms or other natural events. Concerns were also raised over the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) carrying out indiscriminate tree felling. According to the applicant, over 100 trees are cut across the state every day, yet no punitive action is taken, exacerbating Punjab's already low tree cover – one of the lowest in the country. The NGT noted that the chief secretary was expected to consider these concerns and ensure that appropriate protective, punitive, and remedial measures were undertaken. The chief secretary has also been directed to file a progress report or an action taken report before the next date of hearing, scheduled for Oct 10. MSID:: 121575069 413 |
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Effingham's efforts to protect its trees
The City of Effingham was awarded $50,000 last year from the Morton Arboretum to complete an inventory of the city's trees, develop an Urban Forestry Management Plan with the community's input, remove dead trees and plant trees in disadvantaged areas. This ordinance is only for trees on public property, not private. One of the requirements for the grant is adopting a Tree Preservation Policy, which Public Works Director Jeremy Heuerman presented during Tuesday's City Council meeting. The ordinance, provided by and approved by Morton Arboretum, identifies how to preserve trees, how to prune them, what the city's regulations are for planting and protecting them, how to properly remove them, how to preserve legacy trees, where to properly place trees, how to properly care for them and more. 'It's a full ordinance basically to regulate how we operate with trees in our public right of way, remove, replace and get recommendations on a more diverse species, so we're not just removing anything and everything out there,' said Heuerman. The ordinance also says that people may be fined if they violate any of the provisions outlined in it. Heuerman said the ordinance goes hand-in-hand with an Urban Forestry Management Plan, which is being drafted. This will outline how the city will properly care for trees and the city's goals, like different tree plantings and community plantings. It will also identify areas that lack trees, also known as disadvantaged areas. The community plantings will be through a soon-to-be-formed volunteer program. After finalizing the initial data for the Urban Forestry Management Plan and the Tree Preservation Policy, the city plans to advertise the community plantings, which will be open to the public for volunteers or other community groups like Girl Scouts and garden clubs. According to Heuerman, there are 1,902 trees in Effingham, and most of them are on private property. Since the Ordinance is only for trees on public property, private landowners will be encouraged to plant a variety of tree species, as well as recommended planting locations and pruning methods. This information will be in the Urban Forestry Management Plan. City Administrator Steve Miller commended Heuerman's work on this because he says the city has had trouble in the past with trees getting cut down. Once the Urban Forestry Management Plan is finalized, it and the already-completed tree inventory will be brought to the City Council for approval. 'The ordinance is a great step in the right direction to better protect and preserve our urban forest,' said Heuerman. 'Having access to [a] Certified Arborist to give us professional advice is a great asset for our community. The ordinance puts the rules and policies in our Municipal Code, which not only allows enforcement but also gives direction and recommendations on correct methods for tree preservation. The best part is all of this work is 100% grant funded. It will be a great tool for Effingham to not only [use] in the immediate future but also as a guide for years to come.'
