BMC’s Tree Authority to okay all types of felling

The BMC Tree Authority will soon have the authority to grant permission for cutting down all types of trees without having to consult the Maharashtra State Tree Authority. The state government introduced the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees (Amendment) Act, 1975 in the legislative assembly on Tuesday to make this possible.

The statement of object and reasons states that promoting development and attracting investors in the state is best achieved through Ease of Doing Business. The central government has been actively advocating for Ease of Doing Business by decentralizing powers, reducing the number of permits, and ensuring permissions are granted within a specific timeframe. Consequently, it is deemed necessary to empower the local tree authority to grant permission for felling all types of trees without the need for approval from the Maharashtra Tree Authority.