Tree Committee
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Tree Committee
The Tree Committee is a key administrative body in Grama Panchayats that regulates environmental protection, afforestation, preservation and maintenance of trees, green cover, and tree cutting under necessary circumstances.
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About the Tree Committee
Tree Committees are formed as per the directives of the Local Self Government Department and the Social Forestry wing of Kerala. The primary objective of the committee is to evaluate the protection and maintenance of trees within the Panchayat limits and to oversee tree removals related to development activities.
Structure of the Tree Committee
| Chairman | Grama Panchayat President |
| Convener | Assistant Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry) / Deputy Conservator of Forests, or an official nominated by the Panchayat Secretary. |
| Members |
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Key Responsibilities
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Permission for Tree Cutting
An application can be submitted after an inspection by the Tree Committee to remove dangerous trees in public areas, or the Panchayat can grant permission in emergency situations.
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Road Widening
When trees need to be cut for road development, the Tree Committee decides whether it is unavoidable.
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Compensatory Tree Planting
The Tree Committee ensures that new saplings are planted in place of any tree that is cut down.
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Afforestation
Projects are implemented to build green public spaces, plant tree saplings, and ensure their preservation on occasions including Environment Day.
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Things the Public Should Know
- If trees on private land pose a dangerous threat to the public, the Panchayat can issue orders based on the report of the Tree Committee.
- Cutting down trees in public places without permission is a punishable offense.
- The Tree Committee plays a crucial role in protecting the rural environment alongside rural development.
