Maharashtra Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray cleared an action plan to protect ancient and old trees aged 50 years and above in urban areas.

Heritage Tree:

=> Cabinet approved the action plan to implement ‘Heritage Tree’ concept in Maharashtra.

=> This action plan was proposed by Environment Department headed by Aaditya Thackeray.

=> Action plan amends Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Tree Protection and Conservation Act, 1975.

=> Amendment will help in safeguarding green cover across urban landscapes and would also provide a robust mechanism to protect heritage trees.

What are those amendments?

=> Under the amendment, government will introduce “concept of Heritage Trees” and age of trees for their protection and preservation.

=> It will also ensure compensatory plantation which will have a net positive impact.

=> It proposes common land for plantation to be reserved and scientific methods like Miyawaki plantation should be followed.

=> Fines and penalties are being revised and maximum limit has been kept at up to Rs 1 lakh per tree.

Tree Authority:

=> With the aim of protecting significant number of trees, Maharashtra government will set up “Maharashtra State Tree Authority”. Authority will define utilisation of tree cess.

=> A tree expert will be a part of local Tree Authority to give expert opinion.

=> Chief officer of municipal council will be chairman of Tree Authority.