Vidhi Codex

The Kerala Promotion of Tree Growth in Non-Forest Areas Act, 2005

The Kerala Promotion of Tree Growth in Non-Forest Areas Act, 2005

Environmental200517 sections

This Act promotes tree cultivation and regulates the felling and transportation of trees across private and local body lands in Kerala, excluding reserved forests and paddy fields. It applies to landowners, local self-government institutions, and the state forest department. By encouraging tree planting outside forest zones, the law aims to expand green cover while clarifying landowners' rights to harvest non-reserved trees. However, it strictly prohibits private felling of sandalwood and restricts tree cutting in ecologically sensitive or notified areas without prior official approval. It balances environmental conservation with individual land ownership rights, making tree management accessible while preventing illegal deforestation.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 0. Preamble
  2. 1. Short title, commencement, extent and application.
  3. 2. Definitions.
  4. 3. Rights of owner of non-forest lands.
  5. 4. Duties of Local Self Government Institutions.
  6. 5. Duties of Forest Department.
  7. 6. Right of owners to cut and remove trees in non-notified areas in non-forest land.
  8. 7. Penalties
  9. 8. Offences by companies
  10. 9. Power to seize timber and other articles involved in the commission of the offence
  11. 10. Power to release property seized under section 9
  12. 11. Procedure by Magistrate
  13. 12. Institution of prosecution
  14. 14. Indemnity
  15. 15. Power to make rules
  16. 16. Power to remove difficulties
  17. Schedule. Schedule

PDF: pending for this language.