Vidhi Codex

The Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976

The Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976

Environmental197640 sections7 chapters

This Act regulates the preservation of trees in Karnataka to ensure their maintenance and protection against damage or cutting. It applies to both urban and rural areas by establishing Tree Authorities that oversee tree management. The law requires specific government officers to approve any felling of trees and defines what constitutes a tree. By controlling the cutting and transplanting of trees, the legislation aims to protect the environment and maintain green cover, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of the state's natural resources.

Start reading →Read full ActSections

Chapter I PRELIMINARY →

  1. 1Short title and commencement
  2. 2Definitions

Chapter II TREE AUTHORITY →

  1. 3Establishment of the Tree Authority
  2. 4Meetings of the Tree Authority

Chapter III OFFICERS AND SERVANTS →

  1. 5Appointment of Tree Officer
  2. 6Appointment of other officers

Chapter IV DUTIES OF TREE AUTHORITY →

  1. 7Duties of Tree Authority

Chapter V RESTRICTION ON FELLING OF TREES AND LIABILITY FOR PRESERVATION OF TREES →

  1. 8Restriction on felling of Trees
  2. 8ACancellation or suspension of permission granted under section 8
  3. 9Planting of adequate number of trees
  4. 10Planting in place of fallen or destroyed trees
  5. 11Preservation of trees
  6. 12Adoption of trees
  7. 13Recovery of expenditure on failure to comply with order for planting trees
  8. 14Appeal

Chapter VI PENALTIES AND PROCEDURE →

  1. 15Seizure of property
  2. 15APowers of Tree officer in the matter of investigation
  3. 15BReport by Tree Officer
  4. 16Power to release property seized under section 15
  5. 17Power to arrest without warrant
  6. 18Power to release a person arrested
  7. 19Power to prevent commission of offence
  8. 20Operation of other laws not barred
  9. 21Power to compound offences
  10. 22Penalty
  11. 22AOffences by companies

Chapter VII MISCELLANEOUS →

  1. 23Rules
  2. 24Indemnity
  3. 25Investing Tree Officer with certain powers
  4. 26Transit of felled materials
  5. 27Power of State Government and the Tree Authority to give directions
  6. 27AExemption of certain areas from the operation of this Act
  7. 27BDelegation of powers
  8. 27AAPower of State Government to regulate the choice of species planted
  9. 28Karnataka Forest Act, 1963 not affected
  10. 29Repeal of Karnataka Ordinance No. 14 of 1976

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