Strict Action to Be Taken for Tree Cutting or Transplantation Without Permission: DC Sachin Gupta

Rohtak, February 18, 2026: Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta informed that the National Green Tribunal has issued detailed guidelines regarding the cutting and transplantation of trees in non-forest areas, which have been upheld and given finality by the Supreme Court of India.

In compliance with these orders, the district administration has directed all government departments, educational institutions, urban local bodies, panchayats, public sector undertakings, and other land-owning or land-managing agencies to ensure that prior permission from the concerned Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) is obtained before undertaking any tree cutting or tree transplantation activity.

The Deputy Commissioner stated that applications seeking permission must be submitted to the Divisional Forest Officer in advance and must clearly include:
• Complete land details (ownership, possession, location, boundaries)
• Area of the site along with map and coordinates
• Species-wise and number-wise details of trees proposed to be cut or transplanted
• Justification/reason for the proposed cutting or transplantation
• Details of proposed compensatory plantation along with identified land

The Divisional Forest Officer shall dispose of applications after site inspection and assessment of ecological and environmental aspects.

The Deputy Commissioner further informed that while granting permission, it will be mandatory to plant at least three saplings of native species for every tree cut, along with ensuring their maintenance for a minimum period of five years.

He cautioned that in cases of unauthorised tree cutting, non-compliance with compensatory plantation conditions, or damage to non-approved trees, the Divisional Forest Officer shall impose environmental compensation. This compensation will include:
• Value of timber as per Forest Department rates
• Cost of threefold compensatory plantation
• Cost of five years’ maintenance

The compensation amount shall be recovered as arrears of land revenue and shall be utilised exclusively for compensatory afforestation and ecological restoration works.

The district administration has further directed all departments to coordinate with the Forest Department at the planning stage of development projects and to sensitise subordinate officers and field staff regarding NGT guidelines, so that environmental compliance is ensured and violations are avoided.