Maharashtra To Give ‘Heritage Tag’ To Conserve Trees

• 12 Jun 2021

• The government of Maharashtra has decided to accord ‘heritage’ status to trees that are over 50 years old.
• If these trees have to be cut, saplings corresponding to the age of the tree will have to be planted. Earlier, only one sapling had to be planted for cutting a tree, irrespective of its age.
• The compensatory plantation will have to be done at the same location of the original tree or in a public place. The saplings will have to be 6-8 feet tall and they will be geo-tagged and maintained for seven years.
• Local civic bodies will have to conduct a tree census every five years and maintain a record of heritage trees.
• The policy also provides for up to Rs 1 lakh penalty for violations.