After facing SC heat, state issues stricter afforestation norms

Following sharp questions from the Supreme Court (SC) over the status of compensatory afforestation, the state government has directed the BMC to implement stronger measures for the protection and conservation of trees planted against tree cutting for projects in the public interest.

- Ravikiran Deshmukh

A total of 14 directives have been issued, specifically targeting plantations carried out to compensate for tree cutting permitted for various development projects.

During a hearing last week on a BMC petition seeking permission to cut trees for infrastructure work, the SC sought details on past compensatory plantings and emphasised the need for more effective long-term management. In response, the Revenue & Forest Department (R&FD) has released guidelines for ensuring better protection and oversight of afforestation linked to public-interest projects.