NewKerala.com

Rajasthan Forms High-Level Committee to Draft Strict Tree Protection Bill

The Rajasthan government has constituted a high-level committee to draft a "Tree Protection Bill" aimed at conserving important tree species like the Khejri. The committee, chaired by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel, held its first meeting and is reviewing existing laws from other states to create a robust legal framework. The proposed law will introduce stricter provisions for tree protection across all land types, including non-agricultural land, requiring permission for any removal. The draft bill will incorporate suggestions from various departments and stakeholders before finalization.

Key Points: Rajasthan Committee to Draft Tree Protection Bill

  • Committee formed to draft bill
  • Aims to protect Khejri trees
  • Stricter rules for all land types
  • Reviewing laws from other states
2 min read

Rajasthan: Committee formed to draft Tree Protection Bill​

Rajasthan govt forms a committee to draft a strict Tree Protection Bill, aiming to conserve Khejri trees and introduce stricter provisions.

"The proposed law will introduce stricter provisions for the protection of trees across all types of land - Officials"

Jaipur, March 9

Aiming at implementing an announcement of enacting a special law for the conservation and protection of Khejri trees and other important tree species, the state government on Monday constituted a high-level committee to draft a "Tree Protection Bill." ​

The committee held its first meeting on Monday under the chairmanship of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel at his residence.​

The meeting was attended by Revenue Minister Hemant Meena, Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma, the Principal Secretary of the Law Department, the Secretary of the Revenue Department, and legal experts. ​

During the meeting, the committee reviewed existing tree protection laws in other states to develop a strong and legally robust framework that minimises the scope for litigation. ​

Before finalising the draft bill, suggestions from relevant departments, legal experts, and other stakeholders are being sought. ​

The committee's next meeting is scheduled for March 11.​

Currently, under the Rajasthan Tenancy Act, tree felling is permitted on agricultural land, with penalties imposed for illegal cutting. ​

However, the proposed law will introduce stricter provisions for the protection of trees across all types of land, including allotted, converted, acquired, and inhabited (non-agricultural) lands. ​

Under the proposed framework, only the minimum number of trees necessary may be removed from non-agricultural land, and that too with permission from an authorised officer. ​

The Rajasthan government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, is committed to environmental protection and the conservation of Khejri trees, which hold deep cultural and ecological significance in the state, said officials. ​

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative, but the committee seems to be all ministers and officials. Where are the environmentalists, farmers, and local community representatives? Their suggestions are crucial for a balanced bill.
R
Rohit P
Finally! The current Tenancy Act loopholes are misused so much. In my village near Jodhpur, people cut Khejri trees for farmland expansion all the time. Strict laws with real penalties are the only solution.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Rajasthan, the landscape is unique and beautiful. Protecting native tree species is vital for tourism and combating desertification. Hope other states follow this example.
V
Vikram M
The intent is good, but the "permission from an authorised officer" part worries me. We all know how that works – it just creates a new avenue for corruption and delays for common people. The process must be transparent and online.
K
Kavya N
Along with protection, the government should launch a massive plantation drive for Khejri and other native species. Conservation and addition both are needed. Jai Rajasthan! 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50