Tree Committee

🌳 Tree Committee

The Tree Committee is an important committee responsible for environmental conservation, greening initiatives, tree protection, plantation, and regulating the removal of trees whenever necessary within the Gram Panchayat.

🌿 About the Tree Committee

Tree Committees are constituted as per the guidelines of the Local Self Government Department and the Social Forestry Division of Kerala. The committee aims to protect trees within the Panchayat area, maintain ecological balance, and oversee tree management related to developmental activities.

Structure of the Tree Committee

Chairman
Gram Panchayat President
Convener
An officer from the Social Forestry Division of the Forest Department (such as the Section Forest Officer or Beat Forest Officer) or an officer nominated by the Panchayat Secretary.
Members
  • Chairpersons of the Development Affairs and Health & Education Standing Committees of the Panchayat.
  • Agricultural Officer.
  • Environmental activists / Public representatives nominated by the Panchayat.

Key Responsibilities

🌳 Permission for Tree Removal

Before removing hazardous trees located in public places or along roadsides, the Tree Committee conducts an inspection and submits its recommendation. The Panchayat grants permission based on the committee's recommendation.

🛣 Road Development

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

🌱 Compensatory Tree Plantation

The committee ensures the implementation of regulations requiring the planting of ten or more tree saplings as compensation whenever a tree is removed for development purposes.

🌍 Greening and Conservation

In collaboration with the Forest Department, the committee prepares and implements tree plantation and conservation programmes, especially 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 issue directions based on the report of the Tree Committee.
  • Cutting trees located in public places without prior permission is a punishable offence.
  • The Tree Committee is empowered to prevent such violations and ensure environmental protection.

🍃 Importance of the Tree Committee

  • Promotes environmental conservation and greening initiatives.
  • Preserves biodiversity through effective tree protection.
  • Maintains a balance between development and environmental sustainability.
  • Supports scientific and legally compliant decision-making at the Panchayat level.