Greater Chennai Corporation to Impose Rs 1 Lakh Fine for Illegal Tree Cutting
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced that a fine of ₹1 lakh will be imposed on individuals who cut down trees in public places without obtaining prior permission. The civic body has also revised the procedure for removing trees and branches in public areas under its jurisdiction.
According to an official statement issued by the Chennai Corporation, applications for the removal of trees in public places can be submitted starting the day after tomorrow through the Greater Chennai Corporation website and the Namma Chennai mobile app.
The statement further explained that once an application is received, a field inspection will be carried out by the Parks Superintendent of the Greater Chennai Corporation, along with social activists and forest department officials. Based on the inspection, a report will be forwarded to the Green Committee for approval.
Applicants will be informed of the Green Committee’s decision through SMS alerts, and the application status can also be tracked on the Chennai Corporation’s official website.
The Corporation administration has warned that strict action will be taken against violations. A fine of ₹1 lakh will be imposed for illegally cutting trees in public places within GCC limits, while a fine of ₹15,000 will be levied for activities such as unauthorised pruning of branches or nailing advertisement boards to trees.
The civic body has urged the public to follow the revised procedure and cooperate in protecting Chennai’s green cover.
