Tree Committee

 

Tree Committee

The Tree Committee is a highly important panel responsible for environmental protection and afforestation within Grama Panchayats. This committee regulates matters concerning the planting, preservation, and, in unavoidable circumstances, the cutting down of trees within the Panchayat's jurisdiction.

Formed under the directives of the Department of Local Self-Government and the Social Forestry wing of Kerala, the key structure and responsibilities of this committee are outlined below:

1. Structure of the Tree Committee

The Tree Committee constituted at the Panchayat level generally comprises the following members:

  • Chairman: Grama Panchayat President.

  • Convener: An official from the Social Forestry wing of the Forest Department (e.g., Section Forest Officer or Beat Forest Officer) or an official designated by the Panchayat Secretary.

  • Members:

    • Chairpersons of the Development Affairs / Health and Education Standing Committees of the Panchayat governing body.

    • Agricultural Officer (Krishi Officer).

    • Environmentalists / Public Representatives (nominated by the Panchayat).

2. Key Responsibilities

  • Permission to Cut Trees: Before cutting down dangerous or hazardous trees located in public spaces or roadsides, the Tree Committee must conduct a site inspection. The Panchayat grants permission to cut down a tree based strictly on the committee's recommendation.

  • Road Development and Tree Felling: When trees must be felled for the development of Public Works Department (PWD) or Panchayat roads, this committee determines how many replacement saplings must be planted in return.

  • Compensatory Afforestation: The committee ensures compliance with the regulation that stipulates planting ten or more saplings for every single tree cut down for development purposes.

  • Planting and Preservation: Formulating action plans to plant and nurture appropriate saplings within the Panchayat limits on occasions like World Environment Day, in collaboration with the Forest Department.

3. Important Points for the General Public

  • If trees on private property pose a danger to the general public or commuters, the Panchayat can direct the owner to cut them down based on the report submitted by the Tree Committee.

  • Felling trees in public places without prior permission is a punishable offense. The Tree Committee is authorized to intervene and prevent such violations of the law.