Nature and naturebeings
Awareness on community animals and trees, along with relevant laws, including the Urban Tree Protection Act and deconcretisation of tree basins in Maharashtra
Community Animals
Stray animals, including dogs, cats, and birds, are an integral part of our community ecosystem.
Laws protecting community animals
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 PCA Act Prohibits cruelty to animals, including beating, kicking, or torturing.
Animal Birth Control ABC Rules, 2001 Regulates animal birth control and sterilization.
Municipal laws and bylaws Regulate animal welfare, licensing, and vaccination.
Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 Protects wild animals, including birds and reptiles.
Environment Protection Act, 1986 Protects the environment and ecosystems, including animals.
The Animal Welfare Board of India AWBI A statutory body promoting animal welfare.
Trees
Trees are essential for environmental sustainability, providing shade oxygen, and habitat for wildlife.
Laws protecting trees
Indian Forest Act 1927 Regulates forest conservation and tree felling.
Environment Protection Act 1986 Protects the environment and ecosystems including trees. Tree Preservation Order TPO Regulates tree cutting and preservation.
Municipal laws and bylaws Regulate tree planting, maintenance, and preservation.
The Forest Conservation Act, 1980 Regulates forest conservation and diversion.
The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 Protects biodiversity, including trees and forests
Maharashtra Urban Areas Preservation and Protection of Trees Act, 1975 Protects trees in urban areas of Maharashtra.
Deconcretisation of Tree Basins in Maharashtra:
The Maharashtra government has initiated a deconcretisation drive to free tree basins from concrete and promote tree growth.
The drive aims to improve tree health, increase green cover and mitigate urban heat island effects.
Penalties for harming community animals and trees
Under the PCA Act cruelty to animals can lead to imprisonment up to 3 years and or a fine up to 25,000.
Under the Indian Forest Act damaging or destroying trees can lead to imprisonment up to 6 months and or a fine up to 1,000.
Under the Maharashtra Urban Areas Preservation and Protection of Trees Act 1975 penalties for harming trees can lead to fines up to 5,000 and or imprisonment up to 3 months.
What to do if you witness harm to community animals or trees
Contact local animal welfare organizations or the AWBI for animal-related issues.
Report tree-related issues to the local municipal corporation or forest department.
File a complaint with the police if you witness any harm or cruelty to community animals or trees.