‘Save Trees, get Pension of Rs 2500’ Scheme | 20 Sep 2023

Why In News?

On September 18, 2023, Gurugram's DFO (District Forest Officer) Rajiv Tejyan said that the state government is now going to give an annual pension of Rs 2500 for the maintenance and conservation of such trees of Gurugram city which are 75 years or more old.

Key Points:

• Now in the state, pensions will be available not only after employment and in old age, but also for the care and conservation of old and heritage trees. The Haryana Government has approved this pension scheme.
• This pension scheme, which will start from November, is part of the Haryana government's 'Pran Vayu Devta Yojana' and is an initiative to preserve old trees in the state.
• The age of the trees has been identified based on their circumference and other criteria set by the department, the District Forest Officer said. The pension will be paid to motivate individuals and organizations like Panchayats and Temple Trusts to ensure proper maintenance of these trees, provide nutrients and keep these trees in proper shape.
• Only healthy trees are eligible under this scheme. 40 such trees have been identified in Gurugram alone. The 40 eligible trees identified are spread across the district and include Kadamba, Indrokh, Banyan, Peepal, Neem and Jand trees.
• These trees are part of the shared heritage in Gurugram and need to be preserved. Additionally, its caretakers and plot owners will be incentivized to ensure that trees are preserved and will inspire others to plant more such trees.
• It is known that there is a law 'Heritage Tree' in Haryana which prohibits cutting of such trees. According to the Heritage Tree Rules, 2021, if any person or organization cuts, falls or causes any damage to heritage trees, they will be liable to a fine of Rs 500 or imprisonment of 1 year or both.