The Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday submitted the draft Tree Translocation Policy-2026 before a division bench of the high court, proposing stringent norms to reduce tree felling for infrastructure projects and prioritise transplantation of mature trees.
Key Provisions of the Policy
The policy introduces a ‘20-for-1’ plantation formula. For every tree that must be felled under unavoidable circumstances, the project agency will be required to plant 20 saplings. Of these, 10 saplings will serve as compensation for the tree cut down, while the remaining 10 will be planted to offset losses among transplanted trees and strengthen conservation efforts.
The draft policy was placed before the court during hearings related to concerns over tree transplantation under Gwalior’s Thatipur redevelopment scheme, where a large number of transplanted trees reportedly failed to survive. The high court had subsequently sought a comprehensive policy framework governing tree transplantation and compensatory plantation.
Transplantation and Felling Norms
Under the proposed policy, at least 80% of trees affected by road, metro rail, railway, flyover and other development projects will have to be scientifically transplanted. Tree felling will be permitted only as a last resort after authorities establish that the trees cannot be saved through changes in project design or alignment.
Transparency and Accountability Measures
To improve transparency and accountability, the government has proposed mandatory geo-tagging of all transplanted trees and newly planted saplings. A public online dashboard will be created to track their location, survival and maintenance status. The dashboard will carry photographs and upkeep records, allowing citizens and authorities to monitor plantation commitments in real time.
