Gurugram, Nov. 7 -- The Haryana government has proposed a stricter legal framework to protect trees outside forest areas, making prior permission mandatory for felling green trees and requiring plantation of 10 trees for every tree cut. The proposed Haryana Preservation of Trees Act, 2026, also provides for a penalty of Rs.10,000 per tree, environmental compensation and a minimum three-month imprisonment for failure to pay the prescribed dues.

The legislation is aimed at maintaining green cover, combating pollution and conserving soil across the state. It will apply to all non-forest areas of Haryana, including areas notified under Section 4 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900, where tree felling is regulated. Forest and wildlife a...