Tree Committee

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Tree Committee

Environmental Protection • Greening • Tree Conservation

The Tree Committee is an important committee responsible for regulating environmental protection, greening activities, tree conservation, tree planting, and the removal of trees when necessary within the limits of the Grama Panchayat.

🌿 About the Tree Committee

Tree Committees are constituted as per the directions of the Local Self Government Department of Kerala and the Social Forestry Wing of the Forest Department. The primary objectives of the Committee are to protect trees within the Panchayat area, maintain ecological balance, and ensure proper tree management in connection with development activities.

👥 Structure of the Tree Committee

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Chairman

President of the Grama Panchayat

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Convenor

An officer from the Social Forestry Wing of the Forest Department (Section Forest Officer / Beat Forest Officer), or an officer nominated by the Panchayat Secretary.

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Members

  • Chairpersons of the Development and Health & Education Standing Committees of the Panchayat.
  • Agricultural Officer.
  • Environmental activists / public representatives nominated by the Panchayat.

🌱 Major Responsibilities

🌳 Permission for Tree Cutting

Before trees located in public places or along roads that pose a danger are removed, the Tree Committee conducts an inspection and submits its recommendation. Based on this recommendation, the Panchayat may grant the necessary permission.

🛣️ Road Development

When trees need to be removed for road development, the Tree Committee determines the number of saplings that should be planted as a replacement.

🌱 Compensatory Tree Plantation

The Committee ensures that the prescribed compensatory plantation measures are implemented, including planting ten or more saplings for every tree removed, wherever applicable.

🌍 Greening Initiatives

In association with the Forest Department, the Committee prepares and implements programmes for tree planting and conservation on occasions such as World Environment Day.

📢 Important Information for the Public

  • If trees on private property pose a danger to the public or road users, the Panchayat may take appropriate action based on the report of the Tree Committee.
  • Cutting trees located in public places without proper permission is a punishable offence.
  • The Tree Committee plays an important role in preventing such violations and protecting the environment.

🍃 Importance of the Tree Committee

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Promotes environmental protection and greening activities.

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Helps maintain biodiversity through the conservation of trees.

⚖️

Ensures a balance between development and environmental conservation.

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Supports scientific and legally informed decision-making at the Panchayat level.

🌱 Protect Trees • Protect Nature • Build a Greener Future 🌱

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