Committee proposes tree conservation authority in every state
The committee constituted by the Supreme Court has proposed the establishment of Tree Protection Authority (tree conservation authority) in each state.
Key recommendations-
- A tree protection authority should be established at the state and local level. It will oversee compensatory afforestation and act as a custodian of government-owned trees on non-forest land.
- A National Model Act should be passed. It will be helpful in codifying the functions, powers and structure of the Tree Protection Authority at various levels to enable public participation. Environmentally sensitive sites should be identified with minimum demarcation. Further, different use of land and felling of trees should not be allowed.
- A national research project should be started. It will evaluate the ecosystem service of a species-specific tree to arrive at its Net Present Value (NPV).
- The cost of plantation should be assessed once in three years. Trees are to be protected from damage caused to electrical wires, cables, advertisers and the general public.
Source – The Hindu
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