Karnataka plans stricter penalties for illegal tree felling

Bengaluru

Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Wednesday instructed officials to amend the Preservation of Trees Act, proposing a significant increase in penalties for illegal tree felling. He suggested raising fines to ₹1 lakh per tree and enforcing stricter punishments.

Citing a Supreme Court observation, Khandre noted that "cutting down a large number of trees is like killing human beings, or worse than that." He stressed that the court had discouraged lenient penalties and called for stronger action against environmental violations.

Emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change, Khandre stated, "It is our duty to protect nature and pass it on safely to the next generation." He urged everyone to contribute to environmental preservation.

Referring to the Sanskrit saying “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah,” which means "Dharma protects those who protect it," he suggested modifying it to "Vriksho Rakshati Rakshitah"—highlighting the crucial role of trees in sustaining life.

"If we fail to protect trees that have grown for decades or centuries, the world will face serious consequences in the future," he warned.

The minister directed the Additional Chief Secretary and the Chief of Forest Force to implement the necessary amendments, reinforcing the government’s commitment to environmental protection.