Chapter II PROTECTION OF MULBERRY TREES

Protection of mulberry trees.- It shall not be lawful for any person to damage a mulberry tree or use its leaves or branches except in accordance with rules made by the Government in this behalf.

Possession of mulberry wood prohibited.- It shall not be lawful for any person to possess mulberry wood in any form without the permission in writing of an officer of the Mulberry Department specially empowered to grant such permission.

Report of damage by owner or occupier etc.-

1. (1) Every owner or occupier of private land on which a mulberry tree has been damaged shall forthwith report such damage to the chowkidar or lambardar or patwari of the locality or to the nearest official of the Sericulture Department.
2. (2) Every village chowkidar, lambardar or patwari shall forthwith report any damage to any mulberry tree standing on State land in the village of which he is chowkidar, lambardar or patwari to the nearest official of the Sericulture Department.
3. (3) If such owner or occupier, chowkidar, lambardar or patwari fails to report such damage as laid down above, he shall be liable to fine which may extend to Rs. 50.

Right of silkworm rearers to use leaves of mulberry trees growing on other land.-

1. (1) The owner of a mulberry tree standing on private land shall allow other silkworm rearers free use of its leaves in excess of his own requirements for rearing purposes and allow them access during day time to the place where such tree is standing.
2. (2) It shall be lawful for silkworm rearers to use the leaves of a mulberry tree growing on State land.
3. (3) The Government may, by general or special order, exempt premises or lands from the operation of this section subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.

Mulberry wood lying in nullahs etc., presumed to be Government property.- All mulberry wood found adrift, beached, stranded or sunk and not proved as belonging to any private owner shall be deemed to be the property of the Government.

Felling or removal of mulberry trees in case of emergency.- In a case of emergency the Government or any officer authorised by them in this behalf may permit the felling or removal of a mulberry tree in accordance with the rules prescribed in this behalf.