India, Aug. 8 -- Given the massive number of tree fellings in non-forest areas over the last few years and to achieve its target of 33% forest cover, the Maharashtra government has decided to increase the penalty for felling trees without permission to Rs.50,000 from Rs.1,000. The state cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod to amend the Maharashtra Felling of Trees (Regulation) Act to add stricter regulations.

According to the forest department's data, as many as 60,158 trees were felled in non-forest areas without permission in the last five years. During this period, 2,159 cases were registered, for which the penalty in the existing Act enacted in 1964 was just Rs.1,000. The state government, which has set a target of expanding its forest ...