Permission to fell Trees in Shillong
Regulation of Felling Trees in Shillong Town
The State enacted the Meghalaya Tree (Preservation) Act 1976 to strictly regulate the felling of trees in Shillong. The primary aims of this legislation are to protect catchment areas, prevent soil erosion, and meticulously preserve the special character of hilly areas regarding their unique landscape, vegetal cover, and climate.
Jurisdiction & Scope
The Meghalaya Tree (Preservation) Act 1976 is applicable to all areas within a 10 kms radius from the District Council Court, Shillong.
All persons, institutes, organizations, and Government offices must obtain permission to fell trees grown within their premises in Shillong.
Application Process
Applications for permission to fell trees must be submitted to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), East Khasi Hills & Ri-Bhoi District (Territorial) Division.
The application form must be affixed with a Rs. 15 Court Stamp Fee.
When Permission is Granted
Permission shall not be refused if the tree is:
- Dead, diseased, or over-matured.
- Wind-fallen.
- Has become dangerous to life and property.
- Necessary for the purpose of preventing or abating a nuisance.
Condition for Approval
As a strict conservation measure, any permission granted to fell trees is subjected to a mandatory compensatory condition:
Enforcement & Penalties
Punishable Offence
Felling, burning, cutting, uprooting, or permitting any tree to be felled/burned without written permission from the competent authority is a punishable offence.
Enforcement Powers
The following officers hold the power to enter land, seize felled trees, produce, and tools if they have reason to believe a contravention has occurred:
*Officers shall make a formal report of such seizure directly to the Divisional Forest Officer.