Haryana to Simplify Tree Felling NOC Process, Says Forest Minister Rao Narbir Singh

Instructions Issued for Speedy, Transparent Approvals and Procurement in Forest Department

Chandigarh, July 15 — Haryana’s Forest Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, has directed officials to simplify and expedite the process for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) required for tree felling for both public and private projects. Chairing a review meeting of the Forest Department at Haryana Niwas in Chandigarh, the minister stressed that unnecessary delays should be avoided. He instructed that any objections to applications must be recorded comprehensively at once, ensuring transparency and sparing citizens repeated hassles.

Present at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary Anand Mohan Sharan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, and Divisional Forest Officers from field units.

Emphasis on Transparent Tendering

Highlighting the need for accountability and openness, Minister Singh instructed that the tendering process should be simplified and made transparent. He cautioned Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) against monopolizing work allocations. He further mandated that no purchase should be made without prior ministerial approval and suggested studying the tendering models of Delhi and other states to adopt best practices in Haryana.

Nurseries to Provide Quality Saplings; Focus on “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Drive

Minister Singh ordered the department to compile and furnish detailed records of plantations carried out in Haryana since the state’s formation. He asserted that implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign should be a top priority. All departmental nurseries must ensure annual rotation and proper maturity of saplings to guarantee quality plantation outcomes.

Removal of Invasive Trees and Ban on Eucalyptus Procurement

The minister directed that at least 10 percent of Kabuli Kikar (Babul) trees planted along roadsides should be removed annually and replaced with suitable native species. He also instructed the department not to plant water-intensive trees like eucalyptus (Safeda) in future projects, though farmers choosing to cultivate eucalyptus on private land would not be restricted. The department, however, will no longer procure eucalyptus saplings for government purposes.

Reassessment of Pit Digging Costs

Singh noted that the current ₹24-per-pit rate for plantation pit digging was high and should be revised downward. He emphasized promoting agroforestry, the Green India Mission, and wood-based industries, underlining the importance of extensive plantation efforts.

Concluding the meeting, the minister urged officials to bring positive changes to their work culture, ensuring citizens clearly perceive improvements within the Forest Department.