Uttar Pradesh Government to Increase Fines and Penalties for Illegal Tree Cutting

 

The Supreme Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to revise the penalties and fines imposed for the illegal felling of trees, particularly in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ). The order came after the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) submitted its 17th report recommending stricter environmental enforcement.

The state government has assured the apex court that it will take action to strengthen the law. The proposal to increase penalties is currently under consideration at the cabinet level, according to state officials.

As per the recommendation, anyone found guilty of illegal tree cutting may face a fine of ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 per tree and be required to plant 10 times as many trees. The government is also planning to amend the Forest Conservation Act to enhance the punishment for such offences. Currently, under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1976, offenders face imprisonment of 10 to 15 years and monetary fines, but these are often inadequately enforced.

During the Supreme Court hearing, Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan questioned the state's compliance with past orders and sought assurance on the implementation of increased penalties.

Dr. Sharad Gupta, a member of the CEC, presented the findings of Report-17, highlighting that over 7,020 trees were illegally cut in the TTZ without approval, and nominal fines were imposed on the violators. The CEC recommended not only higher fines but also classifying tree felling as a serious environmental offence requiring urgent legislative action.

The Supreme Court had earlier, in October 2024, sought an explanation from the UP government and the Agra Development Authority over the tree-cutting violations. The court also emphasized the need for the formation of a State Environmental Protection Authority to monitor and control such activities more efficiently.