The Kerala Preservation of Trees Act, 1986
The Kerala Preservation of Trees Act, 1986
The Kerala Preservation of Trees Act of 1986 regulates the cutting, uprooting, and destruction of valuable, protected tree species like teak and sandalwood across the state, as well as all tree life in ecologically sensitive zones such as private forests and cardamom hills. It applies to all private landowners, lessees, and corporate entities in Kerala. This legislation is crucial because it safeguards the region's fragile forest cover and rich biodiversity from unrestrained commercial exploitation. To fell these protected trees, citizens must get prior government permission, and violations result in severe criminal penalties like mandatory jail time and heavy financial fines.
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement
- 2. Definitions
- 3. Authorised officers and appellate authorities
- 4. Restriction regarding cutting, etc., of trees
- 5. Prohibition of cutting of tree in notified areas
- 6. Application for permission
- 7. Appeal
- 8. Revision
- 9. Penalties
- 10. Offences by companies
- 11. Powers of authorized officers and appellate authorities
- 12. Powers of entry and inspection
- 13. Power to seize timber and other articles involved in commission of offence
- 14. Power to release property seized under section 13
- 15. Procedure by Magistrate
- 16. Procedure as to perishable property seized under section 13
- 17. Saving of power to release property seized
- 18. Institution of prosecution
- 19. Cognizance of offences
- 20. Bar of jurisdiction of civil courts
- 21. Indemnity
- 22. Restriction regarding cutting, etc., of trees in future assignments
- 23. Power to make rules
- 24. Laying of notifications and rules before Legislative Assembly
- 25. Power to remove difficulties
- 26. Repeal and saving
PDF: pending for this language.