India, June 15 -- In a significant policy shift, the Maharashtra forest department has removed teak from the list of protected tree species under the Maharashtra Felling of Trees (Regulation) Act, 1964, a move that is expected to make it easier to cut teak trees on private lands and farms. The order was issued by Milind Mhaiskar, additional chief secretary (forests), on June 9.

The decision is likely to simplify the process of felling teak trees on private property and could also ease permissions related to teak growing on government land. Teak timber, widely used in the furniture industry, continues to be in high demand across the country.

Defending the move, Mhaiskar said government control over what citizens choose to plant on privat...