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Tree Committe

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Tree Committee

The Tree Committee is a key administrative body in Grama Panchayats responsible for environmental protection, afforestation, the protection and maintenance of trees, shade management, and regulating tree felling when necessary.

About the Tree Committee Tree Committees are formed under the direction of the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) and the Social Forestry wing of the Forest Department in Kerala. The primary objectives of the committee are to evaluate tree protection and maintenance within the Panchayat limits and to oversee the removal of trees related to development activities.

Structure of the Tree Committee

  • Chairman: Grama Panchayat President
  • Convenor: Assistant Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry) / Deputy Conservator of Forests, or an official designated by the Panchayat Secretary.
  • Members:
    • Chairperson of the Development / Health and Education Standing Committee within the Panchayat limits.
    • Agricultural Officer.
    • Environmental activists / public representatives (selected by the Panchayat Committee).

Main Responsibilities

  • Permission for Tree Felling: The Tree Committee conducts inspections and processes applications for cutting down dangerous trees in public spaces. In emergencies, the Panchayat can issue immediate permission.
  • Road Development: When trees need to be cut down for road expansion, the Tree Committee decides whether the removal is unavoidable.
  • Compensatory Tree Planting: The committee ensures that new saplings are planted in place of any tree that is cut down.
  • Afforestation: The committee implements projects to plant and protect saplings in public areas, creating green spaces on days like World Environment Day.

Important Points for the Public to Know

  • If trees on private land pose a dangerous threat to the public, the Panchayat can issue an order based on the Tree Committee's report.
  • 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 development efforts.

Importance of the Tree Committee

  • Ensures environmental protection and greening.
  • Helps prevent natural disasters by conserving trees.
  • Maintains a balance between development and environmental conservation.
  • Helps preserve shade and greenery at the Panchayat level.