More than 25,000 trees uprooted to make way for developmental projects have not been replanted. This is because those who uproot the trees can’t be bothered about replanting them, and those who are supposed to ensure that this happens do little by way of follow-up action.
The rules may appear to be tree-friendly but in fact are not. According to the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Preservation of Trees Act, when permission for removal of trees is granted, the applicant has to plant three trees of the same or suitable species within 30 days from the date on which the tree is felled, or the time given by the tree officer, and must deposit at least Rs 2,000 for each tree felled.
The amount, which can even go up to Rs 5,000 depending on the species, is refunded within two years if the tree is deemed to be growing satisfactorily.
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