Greens welcome amendment to Urban Tree Act skeptical about its implementation THE decision of the State Government to make amendments to Maharashtra (Urban Area) Protection and Prevention of Trees Act 1975 for better protection and preservation of trees received mixed reactions from environmentalists in the city. Though many activists claim it a revolutionary decision by the government some said that the new amendments would not help in environmental conservation. The amendment to the Act was proposed on June 9 by the Environment and Climate Change Department Government of Maharashtra led by Minister Aaditya Thackeray to the Maharashtra Cabinet. The proposal for amendment along with permission for request to issue an ordinance was approved by the Cabinet on June 10. The Cabinet approved the concept of “heritage trees”. A tree with an estimated age of 50 years or more shall be defined as a heritage tree. It may belong to specific species which will be notified from time to time. Such trees will get special protection. If a 52-year-old tree is to be felled then the party felling the tree will have to plant 52 trees in compensation with each being at least 6-8 ft in height at the time of planting. Such plantations can be carried out either in the same plot or a common amenity plot. The Cabinet also okayed formation of the Maharashtra Tree Authority which will take all decisions regarding protection of trees. The tree authority will have responsibility related to protection and conservation of trees including “heritage trees”. Mohan Lalji a veteran environmentalist said “Trees are not just the environment. If they are talking about the environment then they should think about protection and preservation of the ecosystem and biodiversity also. “Community participation is equally important and the government should include communities in environment conservation activities in urban areas which is the need of the hour” said Lalji. Quoting the Ajni Vann issue Lalji said “Before taking decision on implementation of a massive project like IMS in Nagpur the government must include citizens also in its planning and work as per their demands.” Kaustav Chatterjee Founder Green Vigil Foundation said “The amendments in Urban Tree Act are revolutionary and a strong step towards conservation of green cover especially heritage trees. However it will be very difficult to implement. We have seen how compensatory plantation in ratio 1:5 have failed in Nagpur as hardly anyone went to NMC to get back deposited money against permitted tree felling. Thus expecting a common citizen to plant 50 saplings of 6 to 8 feet against felling of a tree of 50 year is highly optimistic.” Chatterjee called for clear-cut guidelines to remove any ambiguity. “Assessing the age of the tree needs technical expertise which may lead to further conflicts between parties. Hence clear-cut guidelines need to be in place” he said. Suresh Chopane Member Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) said “The Act will definitely help to conserve trees in the State. Now the State Tree Authority will give permission to cut a tree which is a bold decision by the government.” Chopane added “The Government must now think about proper utilisation of tree compensatory funds in protection and conservation of environment.” Talking about translocation Chopane said “Government should purchase machinery for translocation of trees or help the civic bodies in purchasing the machinery. It will reduce the expense of the civic body.” According to Jaydeep Das former Honorary Wildlife Warden and nature activist said “Urban forest is now reducing. This type of amendment will definitely help to slow down the pace of environmental exploitation.” “The new improvements in the Tree Act will definitely help to save the Ajni Vann in coming days” Das stated.

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