Maharashtra proposed amendments for protection of ‘heritage’ trees

Maharashtra (Urban Areas) proposed amendments for Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975 to bring in the concept of “heritage trees” which was approved by the Cabinet.

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The Cabinet also green-lighted the formation of the Maharashtra Tree Authority, which will take all decisions regarding protection of trees.

It will have responsibility related to protection and conservation of trees, including “heritage trees”.

Under the proposed amendment, 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.In addition to the age, the state climate change department (which will be implementing the Tree Act), will also consider a tree’s rarity, its botanical, historical, religious, mythological and cultural importance in defining a heritage tree.

The local Tree Authority will have to ensure tree census to be carried out every five years along with counting of heritage trees.