Parliament Question: Tree Felling and Timber Transit Framework

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1236 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.07.2026 Tree Felling and Timber Transit Framework 1236. THIRU DR. S JAGATHRATCHAKAN: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) the details of nature and extent of variations identified by the Government between Central guidelines and State-level regulations relating to tree felling and timber transit and the manner in which such variations affect agroforestry development, farmer participation and movement of farm-grown timber across regions; (b) the details of actions initiated by the Government for promoting greater convergence between regulatory provisions applicable at the Central and State levels and addressing inconsistencies that create administrative and operational difficulties; (c) the details of outcomes achieved through efforts aimed at simplifying approval procedures, reducing compliance requirements and improving regulatory clarity for stakeholders engaged in agroforestry activities; and (d) the institutional mechanisms put in place by the Government for facilitating coordination with States, including Tamil Nadu on the matters relating to agroforestry regulation and timber transit? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) to (d) : The felling of trees and issuance of transit permits for timber grown under agroforestry is regulated by the respective State Governments under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, State-specific Forest Acts, State specific Tree management Acts, rules made thereunder, and orders of the Hon’ble Courts. The list of exempted tree species, as well as the procedures and documentation required for obtaining felling and transit permits, vary from State to State, depending upon the applicable State-specific Acts, rules and directions of the Hon’ble Courts. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued various guidelines and advisories to States and Union Territories for liberalising the transit and felling regulations for promoting agroforestry. The Ministry has revised the Wood Based Industries (Establishment and Regulation) guidelines in 2022 to liberalize the regulations relating to setting up of Wood-based Industries using species grown under agroforestry. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has been continuously pursuing tree improvement programs to promote agroforestry. So far, ICFRE has released 69 varieties andclones that are being widely planted by farmers, forest departments, forest development corporations and wood-based industries in agro forestry and social forestry programmes. During May 2022, the Central Government amended the export policy to make the export of bamboo charcoal "Free", to create greater value addition within the bamboo sector, and improve the profitability and livelihood opportunities associated with bamboo-based industries. The Ministry, during March 2023 complied and released a book on ‘FAQ on Agroforestry’ which serves as a guide to farmers and field practitioners by providing cultivation practices of 36 selective tree species suitable for agroforestry systems and home gardens. The Ministry has also released booklets on cultivation practices for four commercially important tree species, namely Agarwood, Sandalwood, Red sanders and rosewood to promote their cultivation by farmers and tree growers. During December 2023, the Ministry launched the National Transit Pass System (NTPS), a pan- India, online system, to streamline and digitize the issuance of transit permits for timber, bamboo and other forest produce. It facilitates seamless movement of forest produce across State and Union Territory borders through a single digital platform, reduces procedural delays and promotes ease of doing business. The system enables online issuance of transit passes and No Objection Certificates (NOCs), thereby improving transparency, efficiency and traceability in the movement of forest produce. As of now, 4,36,258 Transit Passes have been issued throughout the Country including Tamil Nadu. The Ministry, in June 2025, issued the Model Rules for “Felling of Trees in Agricultural Land” for consideration and adoption by the States, with the objective of encouraging and promoting agroforestry among farmers. The Model Rules are advisory in nature and provide a framework for States and Union Territories to simplify and streamline the procedures for felling and transit of trees grown on private agricultural lands, while promoting greater uniformity, transparency, and ease of doing business in the agroforestry sector. The Ministry regularly engages with States and Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, through consultations, workshops and capacity-building programmes to facilitate and promote agroforestry. *****