Centre Issues Model Rules to States/UTs to Enhance Ease of Doing Business
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced the “Model Rules for Felling of Trees in Agricultural Lands,” aimed at simplifying regulations and promoting agroforestry across States and Union Territories. This initiative seeks to enhance rural livelihoods, improve soil health, and conserve biodiversity while also addressing climate resilience. By streamlining procedures for tree harvesting and transit, the rules are expected to encourage farmers to adopt agroforestry practices, ultimately supporting local timber production and boosting exports.
Streamlined Regulatory Framework
The newly established Model Rules aim to create a more efficient regulatory framework for agroforestry. They provide simplified procedures for registering agricultural lands and managing tree harvesting and transportation. This initiative is designed to foster greater participation from farmers and stakeholders, making it easier for them to engage in tree-based farming systems. By promoting domestic timber production, the rules aim to bridge the demand-supply gap in the timber market, thereby supporting local wood-based industries with readily available raw materials. This approach not only benefits farmers but also enhances the overall economic landscape by increasing exports of timber products.
Implementation by State Level Committees
The implementation of these Model Rules will be overseen by the State Level Committee established under the Wood-Based Industries (Establishment and Regulation) Guidelines of 2016. This committee will guide States and Union Territories in promoting agroforestry and improving timber production from agricultural lands. It will focus on easing regulations related to tree harvesting and timber transportation, particularly for commercially valuable species. Additionally, the committee will empanel agencies responsible for verifying applications for tree felling from agricultural lands, ensuring that the process is transparent and efficient.
Registration and Verification Process
To comply with the Model Rules, applicants must register their plantations on the National Timber Management System (NTMS) portal, which is currently under development. This registration process requires the submission of essential plantation data, including land ownership, farm location, species, and plantation period. Applicants will have the ability to update their plantation information periodically and upload geotagged photos to ensure traceability. When seeking to harvest trees from registered plantations, applicants can apply online through the NTMS, providing specific details about the trees they intend to fell.
Oversight and Monitoring
Verification agencies will conduct site inspections to assess the applications for tree felling. Based on their reports, tree felling permits will be issued for agricultural lands. The Divisional Forest Officers will supervise these agencies, ensuring compliance through regular monitoring and evaluation. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has urged States and Union Territories to review and adopt these Model Rules to enhance the ease of doing business in agroforestry. This initiative aims to incentivize farmers to integrate trees into their farming systems without facing unnecessary procedural challenges.
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