Agroforestry Tree-Felling Model Rules: NTMS Portal
Why in the news
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) framed model rules on cutting farm-grown trees to ease doing business in agroforestry, lift timber output and back wood-based exports.
Aims
- Cut timber imports; help double farmers’ income.
- Support wood-based industries and exports; promote sustainable land use.
Process
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Register | Plantation details (ownership, species, location, planting year) on NTMS; geotagged photos, regular updates |
| Apply | Felling permission requested online |
| Verify | Empanelled agencies inspect; permits follow their reports |
| Oversee | Divisional Forest Officers supervise the agencies |
Governance
- State committees under the Wood-Based Industries Guidelines (2016) guide promotion, harvest rules and timber transit.
- MoEFCC wants States and UTs to adopt the rules and cut red tape.
Exam angle
- Portal NTMS; ministry MoEFCC.