Centre Issues Model Rules for Tree Felling on Farms to Promote Agroforestry

Tree Felling rules: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has released model rules to regulate the felling of trees on agricultural land. The goal is to promote agroforestry, support sustainable land use, reduce timber imports, and increase farmers’ income. The move also aligns with India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Tree felling rules in India

In a letter sent to all state chief secretaries on June 19, the ministry said the rules aim to make it easier for farmers to grow and harvest trees on their land. Farmers often face delays and complex processes when seeking permission to cut trees. These model rules aim to remove those hurdles and boost tree cultivation outside forest areas.

The model rules apply only to agricultural land as defined by the respective state governments. They focus on creating a clear and simple system for registering tree plantations and managing tree felling and transport.

Farmers and landowners will be required to register their plantations on the upcoming National Timber Management System (NTMS) portal. To register, they must upload basic details such as land ownership documents, farm location with a KML file, types of trees planted, planting dates, and geotagged photographs of the trees.

Clear procedure for felling permissions

Applicants planning to harvest more than 10 trees must apply for a felling permit on the portal. A verifying agency will visit the site, inspect the trees, and prepare a report outlining the number, type, and size of the trees. Based on this report, a felling permit will be issued. For felling up to 10 trees, applicants can upload clear photographs of the trees and their stumps. In these cases, permits will be granted automatically unless the department assigns an official for physical verification.

The state-level committee created under the 2016 Wood-Based Industries Guidelines will also serve as the committee for these new rules. It will include representatives from the forest, revenue, and agriculture departments. This committee will advise state governments on simplifying tree felling procedures and increasing timber production from farmlands.

Divisional Forest Officers will monitor the performance of the verifying agencies. They will submit quarterly reports to the committee to ensure transparency and proper enforcement of the rules.

Monitoring and accountability measures

The ministry said the new system will help reduce India’s dependence on timber imports and promote the use of locally sourced wood. It also aims to support wood-based industries, improve the country’s timber supply, and create new market opportunities for farmers.

States and Union Territories have been asked to examine the model rules and consider adopting them under their own legal frameworks. The rules also recommend promoting high-value timber species to help India achieve self-reliance in timber production.

The initiative supports the goals of the National Agroforestry Policy, 2014, and India’s global commitments such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.