The Haryana government has proposed a new policy on tree felling across non-forest land, which would remove the requirement for approval in urban areas on plots allocated by government bodies for residential, industrial, or infrastructure development. Currently, the forest department’s consent is mandatory for tree felling.

The proposed policy seeks to replace all previous directives on tree felling outside forest areas, including those areas notified under Section 3 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900. A committee is set to be formed to finalize the policy and revise compensation for illegal tree cutting.

While the policy emphasizes the protection of indigenous plants such as peepal, bargard, and khejari, it suggests exempting trees like eucalyptus, poplar, and bamboo from requiring permission if located outside forest areas. Additionally, unproductive fruit trees in orchards may be removed without approval if farmers opt to replace them with high-density varieties.

Tree cutting on privately owned land will require authorization from divisional forest officers (DFOs), but certain species, including eucalyptus and poplar, will not require permission in these areas.

Experts express concern that the policy could negatively affect Haryana’s tree cover, which has already seen a decline of 13.9 sq km between 2021 and 2023. The state’s forest cover in Gurgaon now stands at 113.1 sq km, with urban clusters such as Gurgaon and Faridabad expanding rapidly. Notably, 5,000 trees were felled in 2017 to build flyovers on NH-8, and another 10,000 trees were removed the following year for road widening.

Haryana does not have a dedicated tree protection act like Delhi’s Preservation of Trees Act, which imposes penalties for cutting trees without permission, including a fee of Rs 34,500 (approx. $410) and the planting of saplings. While similar legislation has been discussed in Haryana, it has not been implemented.

As part of ongoing conservation efforts, the state has started granting heritage status to trees over 75 years old under the Pran Vayu Devta scheme, offering pension benefits to their owners. A total of 3,876 trees have been recognized so far.

To further environmental sustainability, the Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) is developing a mobile app to help document trees grown on private lands, assess their carbon sequestration potential, and support sustainable forestry practices. This database will contribute to the wood-based industry’s efforts in resource sustainability and climate change mitigation.