State govt withdraws amendment bill on tree felling, passes Nashik Kumbh Mela bill

Indian Express

a day ago

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday withdrew a proposed amendment to the Maharashtra Felling of Trees (Regulation) Act, 1964, that sought to impose a penalty of ₹50,000 for illegal tree cutting and treat the cutting of its branches as an offence.
The amendment bill, introduced in 2024, had proposed increasing the penalty for tree felling without permission from the existing Rs 1,000 to Rs 50,000—a 50-fold hike.
It also granted the state the power to confiscate tools, vehicles and other equipment used in the act. The provisions were to apply across the state, barring urban areas.
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik moved the motion to withdraw the bill in the Assembly, stating that the government would consult tree experts and bring back a revised version after a cabinet-level discussion.
The withdrawal was passed in the assembly.
'The intention is not to dilute environmental concerns. We will introduce a better version after addressing practical issues and stakeholder concerns,' Naik said, clarifying that the withdrawal was temporary.
The proposed law had drawn criticism from environmentalists and legislators alike, with concerns over its implementation, especially in rural areas.
Many argued that the bill failed to distinguish between forest and private land and did not account for the difference between urban and rural geographies.
Senior BJP leader and former Maharashtra Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, under whose tenure the amendment was first framed, questioned the rationale behind the withdrawal from the government and opposed the move seeking clarification.
'Global warming is a real threat, and illegal tree cutting is rampant. The current law only requires prior permission to cut trees. Then why is the government stepping back? I don't know the reason behind withdrawing it,' he said during the session.
'Is the government going to increase the fine further or what? If it is that the fine will be increased to Rs 1 lakh then I will support it surely. But tell the reason for withdrawing it. Otherwise on my personal capacity at least I do not support the withdrawal of this bill,' he said.
Naik, however, defended the move. 'There is no doubt about Mungantiwar's intent. But we want to ensure the law is both effective and fair. Even unintentional acts by farmers were liable for a hefty fine. That needs review,' he said.
Supporting the government's decision, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav pointed out the lack of clarity in the bill. 'The draft did not differentiate between trees on forest and private land, nor did it account for rural versus urban implementation. These issues must be addressed,' he said.
The state legislative assembly on Wednesday passed a bill seeking to establish the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority for the mega congregation set to begin on October 31 next year.
The bill which was tabled in the Assembly on the first day of the monsoon session, provides for the establishment of an Authority for organisation and management of the Kumbh Mela and allied activities in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar as well as other areas in the vicinity.
As per the bill, the 22-member Authority will be headed by the Nashik division commissioner, and will also include Nashik collector and Nashik Range inspector general of police as vice chairpersons.
The chairperson will have powers to direct government departments and other authorities to requisition services, facilities, premises, vehicles etc for the Kumbh Mela. A committee of ministers will also be set up to review the work of the Authority from time to time.
The Simhastha Kumbh Mela will begin on October 31 next year with 'Dhwajarohan' (flag hoisting) at Trimbakeshwar and Ramkund in Nashik. The flag will be taken down on July 24, 2028 marking the conclusion of the mega event held once every 12 years.