Panel to decide on tree cutting

Kochi. Axing a tree: A worker cutting down the branches of a tree at district court premises on Sunday. Photo:H_Vibhu,01/02/09.

Trees located at public places in the State will get protection from being unnecessarily axed down.

From now onwards, it would require the approval of a panel consisting of civic representatives, forest officials and representatives of non-governmental organisation for cutting trees.

Earlier, the applications for cutting trees were to be submitted to the officials of the Social Forestry Wing of the Forest Department and decisions were taken without any public consultation.

The new scheme is expected to ensure transparency in the process and save trees, according to an official of the department.