Maharashtra Eases Tree-Felling Rules for Industrial Projects, Environmentalists Raise Alarm

Pune, 7th May 2026: The Maharashtra government’s decision to simplify the process for obtaining tree-felling permissions for industrial and government projects has sparked sharp criticism from environmental groups, who fear the move could accelerate large-scale destruction of green cover in the name of development.

Under a new corrigendum issued by the Revenue and Forest Department, the number of documents required for tree-felling permission has been reduced from 11 to five. The scrutiny and approval period has also been shortened to 15 days. The government said the changes are aimed at improving ease of doing business and expediting industrial development projects.

However, environmental activists and experts have termed the decision “dangerous”, warning that the relaxed norms could weaken safeguards designed to protect trees and biodiversity.

Critics argue that reducing documentation is not merely an administrative simplification, but effectively a dilution of regulatory checks governing tree felling. Concerns have also been raised over whether authorities will be able to properly verify applications within such a limited time frame.

Forestry experts said field inspections, tree enumeration, assessment of tree age, and evaluation of ecological significance are difficult to complete thoroughly within 15 days. They warned that hurried approvals could lead to indiscriminate felling, particularly in large infrastructure and government projects.

Another major concern is the absence of a robust mechanism to ensure the survival of compensatory plantations carried out in place of felled trees. Although applicants are required to submit an undertaking for plantation, environmentalists questioned whether the newly planted saplings are adequately monitored and maintained.

They also cautioned that large-scale removal of old and dense tree cover could permanently harm local biodiversity and disturb the ecological balance.

Environmental groups have indicated the possibility of strong opposition to the policy, particularly in cities such as Pune, Mumbai and Thane, which are already grappling with rising temperatures and worsening pollution levels.

Activists said that instead of strengthening regulations to conserve urban greenery, the government has chosen to make tree-felling approvals faster and easier, a move they believe could have serious long-term environmental consequences.