Introduction
On August 8, 2024, the Government of Kerala issued a significant notification under the Forest and Wildlife (E) Department, marking an important step in the preservation of trees in specified areas. This notification, detailed in G.O.(P) No.15/2024/F&WLD and S. R. O. No. 753/2024, brings updated regulations for the protection of trees under the Kerala Preservation of Trees Act, 1986.
Purpose and Directives
The notification is issued under the authority of sub-section (1) of section 5 of the Kerala Preservation of Trees Act, 1986. It imposes restrictions on the cutting, uprooting, burning, or otherwise destruction of trees in the specified area unless:
- Danger to Life or Property: The tree poses a danger to life or property.
- Condition of the Tree: The tree is either dead, diseased, or wind-fallen.
This directive aims to protect trees from unnecessary harm while allowing exceptions under specific circumstances.
Detailed Schedule
The schedule in the notification specifies the exact areas affected by this directive. Here are the details for the mentioned area:
- OA Number and Name of Forest Tribunal: OA.No.65/1974, Forest Tribunal, Palakkad
- Name of Forest Division: Palakkad
- Name of Forest Range: Ottappalam
- Name of Revenue District: Palakkad
- Name of Taluk: Ottappalam
- Name of Village: Shornur-I
- Locality: Anthimalankadu
- Survey Number: 26/1 pt
- Extent: 0.5300 Hectares
- Boundaries:
- North: Private Land
- East: Private Land
- South: Vested Forest
- West: Vested Forest
Implications for Local Communities
This notification is crucial for local communities and landowners within the specified area. Here’s what you need to know:
- Preservation Efforts: The directive reinforces the government’s commitment to preserving the local flora and preventing unauthorized tree cutting.
- Permits and Exceptions: If you need to remove a tree, ensure you meet the criteria outlined for exceptions. Unauthorized destruction could result in penalties under the Kerala Preservation of Trees Act.
- Land Use: While the notification affects land use practices, it also emphasizes the balance between development and environmental conservation.
Conclusion
The Government of Kerala’s latest notification underlines the importance of tree preservation and sets clear guidelines for managing tree removal in the designated areas. For residents and landowners, understanding and complying with these regulations will be key to ensuring both legal compliance and environmental stewardship. For further details and updates, checking the Kerala Government’s official portal is recommended.
