Delhi Forest Department Defines the meaning of tree by law

To help in standardization of tree counting and management in conservation and pruning, the Delhi Forest Department has issued a circular to define the legal meaning of a tree under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA), 1994, to align the legal definition with the actual meaning of the word in practice. That follows disagreements over branches being counted as individual trees.

Legal Definition

According to Section 2(i) of the DPTA, a tree is any woody plant of which the branches are upheld by a trunk that has a minimum diameter of five centimetres, measured 30 cm above ground and the minimum height of one metre. This makes the identification and protection of trees homogenous.

Counting Rules

Stresses around the circles that the branches or basal shoots are not counted as trees. In the past species with more than one basal branch, such as kikar and babool, would have been counted multiple times and gave an artificially high figure on the trees. It is only individual trunks of legal size that are going to be counted as individual trees.

Implications for Pruning

Pruning is defined as the process of pulling out weak or dangerous branches to secure people and healthy growth. The removal of the shoots at the tree base stimulates new branches and fruiting, which is useful to wildlife in the area. The explanation makes it impossible to confuse such pruning with the felling of trees.

Impact

This recommendation will provide uniformity in the use of DPTA guidelines, the accuracy of forest data and high-quality urban forest management, which will help retain the ecological balance in Delhi.