Model Rules for Felling Trees on Farmland and NTMS Portal
Why in the news
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued Model Rules for felling trees on agricultural land. They aim to ease permissions and encourage farmers to take up agroforestry.
Key facts
- Issuing ministry: MoEFCC.
- NTMS (National Timber Management System): a centralised portal where farmers register plantations, apply for felling permits and track applications.
- Applications use geo-tagged data, KML files and photos.
- State-level committees work with Divisional Forest Officers to supervise compliance.
- Remote sensing, image recognition and digital tools are used for monitoring.
| Trees to be felled | Process |
|---|---|
| 10 or fewer | Self-declaration and automated No Objection Certificate |
| More than 10 | Physical verification by empanelled agencies |
About the objectives
The framework seeks to streamline approvals, promote agroforestry, raise rural incomes through tree-based activity and reduce pressure on natural forests. It also encourages high-value tree species and use of local timber to cut import dependence, and is described as aligned with commitments under the UNFCCC and the CBD.
Exam angle
- Expand NTMS correctly: National Timber Management System.
- Remember the threshold of 10 trees that separates the two permission routes.
- Agroforestry links to farmer income, climate goals and forest conservation questions.