Can I cut tree on my property in India 2024 ?

If you grow a tree such a poplar , safeda , mahogany , sangwan in your farm or private property , you may or may not require permission from government to fell down and transporting it.

State wise list of Trees Species free from Felling and Transit Regulations
growing on Non forest area /private land in following States and UTs as
received from MoEF & CC

Is poplar tree farming legal in india ?
Is safeda farming legal in india ?

In states such as Punjab , Haryana , Uttarpradesh and Bihar , Poplar and safeda trees, grown on private property or farms, are considered as agriculture crop hence no tree feeling and transit permit is required for such tree.

Just like any other agriculture crop, these Agricultural tree crops can be transported to any place through Tractors . Tractor Driver must carry the FARD ( agriculture land ownership document of farmer) of land from where the tree were cut along with the selling consent letter by farmer.

For wood logs loaded truck , Mandi samiti tax and eway bill is required for transportation of wood logs.

You can contact licensed wood Arhati ( licensed commission agents) in your district or State for getting such document , if there is a official mandi in your district.

You can also email : info@treekisan.com to get contact details for Wood commission agents

But in states like Bihar , Jharkhand forest official or police may intercept for illegal tree felling despite of such tree don’t require any felling permit or transit permit. They can ask for Forest department permission for tree felling and wood logs transit permit. If you show them central government notification still they will insist for state government notification as they give reason of being state government employee not central government employee.

In Madhya pradesh, the tree felling and transit permit status is unclear due to various litigation in MP high court.( Legal Status on 9 Nov 2023:
Due to various litigation in MP high court, All Tree including the farmer grown trees require felling and Transit permit by the forest department. Only Ms Oriental paper & industry, anupshahar secured an MP high court order which exempt them with requirement of Felling and transit permit.)

Area Under TTZ (Taj Trapezium Zone)

The geographical limits of the Taj Trapezium Zone is defined in the shape of trapezoid between 26° 45N & 77 ° 15E to 27 ° 45N & 77° 15E in the West of the Taj Mahal and in the East of Taj Mahal between 27° 00N & 78° 30E to 27° 30E, lying in the Agra Division of the State of Uttar Pradesh and in the Bharatpur Division of the State of Rajasthan. In this region , Every one have to take permission from Supreme Court to cut trees even if planted on own land. (Latest available information on 26 Feb. 2024). This resulted in lack of interest of farmers towards Tree farming.

Legal process to follow for cutting a tree grown in private land or farm in India ?

Find whether tree feeling permit or transit permit is required. Preliminary enquiry can be done through central government document ( list of tree exempted for felling and transit permit) as provided in the last of this webpage.

Then you can approach near by forest range officer or District forest officer and give an application for providing permit for felling a private tree. The same can be email to District Forest officer as it is not uncommon that your application will be lost in the forest department. The whole process of giving permission to fell tree can take 10 days to 6 months depending upon how well you are interacting with forest officials.

List of trees that can be cut down without permission

State wise list of Trees Species free from Felling and Transit Regulations growing on Non forest area /private land in following States and UTs as received from MoEF & CC. Reference – link

S.no	Name of state /UT	Status
1	Andaman n Nicobar Islands	* Transit Permit is required for transit of forest produce in A & N Islands and no exemption for any sps. has been provided in the Regulation.
2	Assam	* No  Felling  Permission  (FP)  is  required  for  home grown bamboo. * No  Transit  Pass  (TP)  is  required.  Certificate  from Gram Panchayat is required.
3	Andhra Pradesh	· NO FP. All spp exempted. ·  NO TP, All spp exempted.
4	Arunachal Pradesh	· No FP is for bonafide use except commercial use · No TP is required except commercial and other use
5	Bihar	* Tree sps currently exempted from Transit Regulations (as on 27.02.2009) * Poplar, Eucalyptus, Kadamb, Gamhar, Mango, Litchi, Toddy    palm,    Khajur,    Bamboo    sps    (Except Dandrocalamus strictus), Semul. * Some more sps are in process to be exempted.
6	Chandigarh	* No interstate transit permit is being issued by Forest Department  as  no  forest  check  posts  have  been established. * The permission for felling of trees on private /non forest land is given only in two cases, i.e either for any  development  work  or  trees  are  dangerous  to human  life  or  property.  As  such  no  tree  sps.  is exempted under this.
7	Chhattisgarh	Timber  Sps  that  have  been  exempted  from  transit regulations  are  Poplar,  Casuarina,  Su-babul,  Israili babul, Vilayati babul, Manzium , Nilgiri
8	Delhi	* Since land is premium commodity in Delhi, farmers generally do not practice agroforestry here. Sps. like Poplar, Kikar and Eucalyptus have been proposed for exemption. So FP ( felling permit ) is required   * There is no transit rules in Delhi for transportation of timber.
9	Goa	·  No FP. Omitted Bamboo from the definition of tree. ·  NO TP. All types of bamboo grown in private areas (non forest areas) will not fall under the purview of forest produce and hence transit permit for bamboo felled from private areas are exempted
10	Gujarat	·  Nilgiri, Subabul, Saru, Champa, Laxmanfal , Ramfal, Sitafal,  Asopalav, Pendula, Falsa, Ingorio/Angarea, Kamrakh, Kadhipatta, Limbu, Chikotru, Bijoru/Turanj, Maharuk, Rukhdo, Motoarduso, Limdo,Neem, Bakan, Bakan, nim, Irani nim, Nimbara, Limbara, Mahanim, Mahogony,  Bordi,  Bor,  Khati  bor,  Ghulbor,  Liehi, Lilchi,   Aritha,   Aritha,   Amba,   Kadvo   Saragavo, Saragavo ,  Agathin, Segto, Goras  amlili, Gando baval, Brush,   Jamphal,   Dadam,   Chikoo,   Boralli/Mursal/Vakal/  Varasd/  Bakul,  Saptaparni,  Champo,  Safed champo,   Liar/   Nani/   Gundi/   Nagod,   Nirgund/ Nargundi, Lingur Nirgudi, Ambla, Fanas, Pipli/papri, Shetur, Haredo, Harero, Poplar, Golden cane palm, Oilplam
11	Himachal Pradesh	·  Kala Siris/Ohi/Sriris, Kachnar/ Karial, Safeda, Kimu/ Chirmu,/Shahtoot/Tut/Mulberry,   Poplar, Indian Willow/Biuns,Kuth, Kala Zira, Japanese Shehoot/paper  mulberry,  Paik,  /Koi,/  Kosh/Kunis/Kunish/Nyun, Khirk/ Khadki, Darark/Bakin, Fagoora/ Phagoora/Tiamble/timla/ tirmal/anjiri/cluster fig/goolar,  Toon,Jamun, Teak/Sagun/Sagwan,Arjun, Semal, Shalmaltas, Bihul/Beul/ Bhimal/Bhiunal/Dhaman, Paza/Padam,  Kamala/Raini/Rohan/Rohini/ Sinduri, Aam(Mango wild variety), Rishtak/Ritha/Dode
12	Haryana	Some  sps are  exempted  from  regulations  under Punjab  Land  Preservation  Act,  1900.  These  are Eucalyptas,Poplar,  Alianthas  ,  and  Acacia  tortilis. There is no transit rules applied for timber sps.
13	Jharkhand	Eucalyptus(Safeda), Poplar, Casuarina, Maha Neem, Baken Kadmb, Subabool, Silver Oak, Israeli Babool Vilayati Babool,Babool,Plam,  Ber, Munga, Mulberry Guava, Nimboo, Santra, Mussambi, Ashok,
14	Jammu & Kashmir	Kikar,  Bel, Siris, Champ, Neem, Malugarh, Kakrad, Palas, Amaltus/ Karangal, Sisoo/Tali, Dhamman, Nili Gulmohar,  Akhrot(khod),  Kehbal  jhingar,  Baronkal, Bilati Kikar,  Safeda,  Poplar,  Robin, Chitta banddha, Rondu banddha, Sagwan, Arjun, Beheda, Tun/Toon, Bana, Dhoi
15	Karnataka	·  Acacia hybrid, Acacia mangium, Tree of Heaven, Rain tree, All Cassias except Golden Rain tree,  Cashew, Christmas tree, Arecanut,    Casuarina, India  Beef wood, Lemon, Ornage, Coconut, Coffee, Mayflower, Indian coral tree, Eucalyptus, Glyceridia/ Quick stick, Silver  Oak,  Rubber,  Jacaranda,  Sausage  tree  ,Subabul,  Umbrella  tree,  Sapota/Chikoo  fruit,  Melia, Indian  Cork  tree,  Drumstick,  Mulberry  ,  Curry  leaf tree, Peltoform, Purple bauhinia, Pagoda tree, False Ashoka,   Guava,   Sesbania,   Hummingbrid   tree, Paradise tree, African tulip , Tabebula, Trumpet tree
16	Kerala	Species for Ply wood: Vellappine,Kurangandi/Narivenga/Mundani, Karakily/Kalpine, Kulamavu/ Kulirmavu/Ooravu, Pali/Palendinjan,  Thellipine/Undapine, Kulavu,  Red Cedar, Poon/Punna/Punnappa, Vediplavu/Mullampali, Charu,  Pothundi /Perunthondi, Cheeni,   Nedunar, Vallabham/Varangu, Chorapine, Chemmaram, Champakam,  Cherukonna,  Mulliam, Neeramruthu, Peenary, Kumbil, Veembu, Gnavel, Kattunelli, Vakka, Thavala     Species for Matchwood :Aspin/Kanala/Nasakam, Elavu/Poola, Pala/Mukkampala, ·  Species for Bobbin wood : Vellakil, Manjakdambu,   Species for pencil wood : Venkotta, Perumtholi/Poochakadmbu, Attuthekku/Cadambu,   ·         Species for packing wood: Kara/ Bhadraksham, Amazham,Aval, Arayanjili, Kalaveppu/Malaveppu, Vatta/Uppathi,   ·   Fire wood : Palvu(Jack),Parankimavu ( cashew), Kattadi ( Casuarina ), Poovarasu ( Poovarasu), Mavu (  Mango tree ), Puli(Tamarind tree), Nattupunna ( Nattupunna), Aanjili( Aanjili), Vaka ( Vaha- species), Poovam, ( Poovam), Konna), Thanni (Thanni), Uthi ( Uthi),  Aal  Jatikal  (  Ficus  species),  Matti  (Matti), Murukku(Murukku), Elappu( IIoia) and Kodamuli(Koadampuli)
17	Lakshadweep	NO  FP.  IFA  or  any Forest  Act is not enforced  in Lakshadweep. Also, Bamboo is not grown anywhere in Lakshadweep. Therefore amendment in IFA or any Forest Act does not arise in this state. No TP ( transit permit )
18	Madhya Pradesh	Status on 9 Nov 2023: Due to various litigation in MP high court, All Tree including the farmer grown trees require felling and Transit permit by the forest deparment. Only Ms Oriental paper & industry, anupshahar secured an MP high court order which exempt them with requirement of Feliing and transit permit. Neelgiri, Casuarina, Poplar, Subabul, Israili Babul, Vilayati Babul,  Australian  Babul,  Babul,  Khamer, Maharukh,  Kadamb, Cassia  Siamea, Gulmohar, Jacaranda,  Silver oak, Plam, Ber, Mulberry , Katahal, Amrood, Nimbu, Santra, Mussambi, Munga, Molshri, Ashok,  Putranjiva,  Imli,  Jamun,  Mango,  Saptparni, Kaitha,  Jungle  Jalebi,  Petltaphorum,  Neem,  Bakain, Sissoo,  Karanj,  Palash,  Safed  Sirus,  Pipal,  Bargad, Gular,  Rubber,  Semal,  Kapok,  Chirol,  Gliricidea, Rimjha , meithi Neem, Gurhal, , Jasoun, Conifers , imported Timber Species
19	Maharashtra	Nilgiri trees,   Babhul, Subabhul , Prosopis, Ashok, Drumstick,  Sindi,  Orange,  Chiku,  Bhendi,  Acacia, Poplar, Lac, Casuarina equisetifolia , Rubberwood
20	Meghalaya	Meghalaya   being   a   Hilly   state,   there   is   no Agroforestry at all, since percentage of states land covered by agriculture is very small. If any blank inter-state movement of timber is permitted, state will lose meagre  resource  of  forests  under   control of  the State Government.
21	Mizoram	Kothal,  Tung,  Eucalyptus  spp.  ,Mulberry,  Neem, Rubber  tree,  Imli,  Silver  Oak,  Subabul,  Mango, Guava, Coconut, Citrus, Areca nut
22	Manipur	No Felling Permission (FP) is required No  Transit  Pass  (TP)  is  required  for  home  grown within state. ·  TP is required outside state
23	Nagaland	Aam,  Korei,  Walnut,  Neem,  Alder,  Manipur  Sim, Kadam, Hollock , Khokan, Teak, Gamari
24	Odisha	Bada chakunda, Sana Chakunda, Jhaun, Sliver Oak, Patas/Nilgiri,Sunajhari/Acacia, Subabul, Kaitha, Ambada, Batapi, Oau, Sajana, Karamanga, Sahada, Plam tree, Debadaru, Bhersunga, Gohira, Giliricidia, Paladhua, Coconut
25	Punjab	“forest   produce” shall specifically mean timber (converted or otherwise), firewood, charcoal, katha and resin, but shall not include Non Timber Forest Produces  (NTFPs)  like  bamboos  and  agro-forestry species such as Populus spp., Eucalyptus spp., Melia azedarach (Drek), Morus alba (Mulberry), Leucaena leucocephala  (Subabul),  Casuarina  spp.,  Grevillea robusta  (Silver  Oak),  Acacia  mangium,  Melia  dubia (Malabar  Neem),  Prosopis  cineraria  (Khejri),  Salix alba  (Indian  willow),  Gmelina  arborea  (Gamari)  or any other species declared by the State/ authorised agency as agro-forestry species from time to time.
26	Rajasthan	·  Casuarina, Australian babul, Khamer, Caaia Siamea, Gulmohar, Jaccaranda, Silver oak, Plam, Ber, Mulberry, Katahal, Amrood, Sehjana, Molshri, Ashok, Putranjiva,  Imli,  Jamun,  Saptarni,  Kaitha,  Jungle Jalebi  ,  Petaphorum,  Bakain,  Karanj,  Safed  Sirus, Semal, Kapok , Churel, Mithi neem
27	Sikkim	·  No permission for felling of trees on any private or Forest land has been granted. If anyone wishes, he have to apply to Block Officer.
28	TamilNadu	Mesquite, Casuarina,  Subabul, Palmyrah, Dadops, Umbrella thom, White Back Acacia/ Panicled Acacia, Maharuch, Maharukh/East India Walnut/Siris, Cashew,  Kadam,  Jack,  Neem/Margosa,  Red  silk cotton/  Kapok,  Sappan,  Cassia,  white  silk  cotton tree/kapok,  Sissoo,  Coral  tree,  Eucalyptus,  Gamari, Rubber, Sea Hibiscus, Mohua, Mango, Persian Lilac, Malabar Neem, Morinda /Suranji, Manila/ Tamarind, Pongam/   Indian   Beach,   Rain   tree,   Mahogeny, Jamun/Indian cherry, Tamarind, Esperanaza, Indian  Portia tree/Indian Tulip, Red Cedar/Toon, Silver Oak.
29	Telagana	(i )Eucalyptus, Neelagiri,Jama oil (ii) Casurina, Sarugudu,  Sarvi,  Saru (iii)  Poplar (iv)  Subabul  (v) Israeli  Babool (vi)  Seema,Thumma (vii)  Australian babul (viii)  Gummaadi  teak  (ix)  Pddamanu (x) Kadamb, (xi) Seema/ Tangedu (xii) Jacaranda (xiii) Silver oak (xiv) Regu, Ber (xv)  Mulberry (xvi) Jama, Guava   (xvii)   Orange   and  related  species, (xviii) Munga (xix) Ashok/Naramamidi (xx) Mahaputrajivi/Putrajeevi  (xxi) Edakulapala (xxii) Turakavepa (xxiii) Kanuga (xxiv) Rubber / Seemamarri (XXV) Tella Tumma (xxvi) Gliricidea/Seema/Kanuga (xxvii) Tella Tumma (xxviii) Kaivepaku (xxix) Mandara (xxx) Conifers( chir, Kail, Deodar, Pine species) (xxxi) Tati, Tadi, Palmyrah (xxxii) Sapota (xxxiii) Coconut, Kobbari, Tenkai, (xxxiv ) Cashew  ,  Jeedimamidi  (  xxxv)  Semma, Chinta,  (xxxvi)  Raint  ree,  Nidragannreru,  (xxxviii) Mango,Mamidi ( xxix)  Panasa, Jackfruit
30	Tripura	Tree  species like Mango, Litchi, Drumstick, Guava, Rubber and bamboo  are exempted from extraction from private land. Bamboo sps. have been exempted from  transit  permits  both  from  Private  and  Forest land. Transport of Timber is also permitted .
31	U.P.	·  Aru, Casuarina, Jangal Jalebi, Poplar, Babool, Vilayati Babool,  Rabania,  Siris,  Su-babool,  Kathber,  Jamun, Eucalyptus,   Dhak   Palas,   Paper   Mulberry,   Ber, Sainjana,  Shah toot, Mango (Desi, Tukhmi or Kalmi)
32	Uttarakhand	27 tree species  have  been  exempted  from  the provision of Tree protection Act, 1976. This includes fodder and small timber species that are being used in small scale industries, animal husbandry, agricultural implements and allied activity. Other 07 tree species like Walnut , Neem, Oak , Ficus (Peepal and Banyan) and Deodar have been placed in the restricted category and felling permission can be granted only in case of dead or dangerous trees.