4,000 Trees In Haryana Get 'Heritage' Tag, Here's How Trees Get Heritage Status
A total of 4,000 trees in Haryana are set to get the 'heritage' status. 701 of these trees are in six districts of South Haryana, according to the survey of the Forest Department.?
"The motive behind this initiative is to create an environment which propels people to protect the trees," said Vinod Kumar, additional principal chief conservator of forests, Haryana.?
According to the Heritage Tree Rules, 2021, if any person or organisation cuts, axes or causes any damage to a 'heritage' tree, they can be fined up to Rs 500 or face a jail term of up to one month or both.?
What is the 'heritage' status given to trees??
A heritage tree is typically a large, individual tree with unique value, which is considered irreplaceable.?
The major criteria for heritage tree designation are age, rarity, and size, as well as aesthetic, botanical, ecological, and historical value.?
Which trees in Haryana are being given heritage status??
Among the trees that will get tagged as heritage trees in Haryana are kadamb, indrokh, bargard, pipal, neem, jand and imli.?
Most of these are in villages, temples, Aravali foothills, primary schools, choupals and near ponds.?
The Haryana government plans to provide a pension amount of Rs 2,500 per year to the owner of such heritage trees, for which the government plans to spend Rs 1 crore per annum.?
The scheme applies to those existing on both private and government land up till the life period of the heritage tree.?
Why are trees given 'heritage' tag??
"Preserving the old trees is very important because planting saplings doesn't mean they will grow into a tree. The survival rate is low, and by chopping down an old tree, we destroy the entire ecosystem along with it. The pension which will be given to people will motivate people to conserve old trees," said Vinod Kumar.
Who gives 'heritage' tag to trees??
Usually, the state's forest department surveys the age of trees and thereby identifies 'heritage' trees.?
The heritage tag to be given to trees is the state government's decision.?
Where else have heritage tags been given to trees??
In June 2021, the Maharashtra government decided to accord heritage status to trees that are over 50 years old.?
If these trees were to be cut, saplings corresponding to the tree's age would have to be planted. The policy provided for up to Rs 1 lakh penalty for violation.?
In August 2019, the district administration of Ghaziabad asked the forest department to survey trees over 100 years old to give them the heritage tag.?
In 2016, the Delhi government officially recognised 16 trees across the city as its "natural heritage".
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