Maharashtra Government Removes Teak from Regulated Tree List: What Farmers and Tree Owners Need to Know
The Revenue and Forest Department of the Government of Maharashtra has issued a significant notification dated 09 June 2026 under the Maharashtra Felling of Trees (Regulation) Act, 1964, introducing an important change regarding Teak (Tectona grandis). Through this amendment, the State Government has removed teak from the Schedule of regulated tree species by deleting its entry at Serial Number 2 under Section 2(f) of the Act.
Teak is one of the most valuable timber species cultivated across Maharashtra and plays a crucial role in agroforestry, farm forestry, and the timber industry. As a result, this decision is expected to have a considerable impact on farmers, tree growers, landowners, timber traders, and other stakeholders involved in plantation forestry.
Does the Notification Allow Free Felling of Teak Trees?
The simple answer is No.
While teak has been re While teak has been removed from the Schedule of the Maharashtra Felling of Trees (Regulation) Act, 1964, this does not mean that teak trees growing on private land can be felled without legal permission. Several reports and discussions have created confusion on this issue, but landowners must understand that other legal provisions continue to remain applicable. moved from the Schedule of the Maharashtra Felling of Trees (Regulation) Act, 1964, this does not mean that teak trees growing on private land can be felled without legal permission. Several reports and discussions have created confusion on this issue, but landowners must understand that other legal provisions continue to remain applicable.
Under Section 25(2) of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code (MLRC), 1966, prior permission from the competent authority is still required for felling trees on private land. Therefore, removal of teak from the Schedule does not automatically exempt tree owners from obtaining necessary approvals before undertaking tree felling activities.
Transit Permission Still Mandatory
Another important aspect that tree owners and timber traders should note is that the transportation of felled teak timber or other tree produce will continue to require the prescribed Transit Permission (TP) from the Forest Department. Without the necessary transit permit, movement of timber may attract legal action under the applicable forest and revenue laws.
What This Means for Farmers and Tree Growers
The notification primarily changes the regulatory status of teak under the Maharashtra Felling of Trees (Regulation) Act, 1964. However, it should not be interpreted as granting unrestricted rights to cut and transport teak trees. Farmers, plantation owners, and tree growers must continue to follow all applicable legal procedures, obtain the required permissions, and comply with existing regulations before felling or transporting teak timber.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra Government's decision to remove Teak (Tectona grandis) from the Schedule of the Maharashtra Felling of Trees (Regulation) Act, 1964 marks an important policy change. However, permissions under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966 and transit regulations enforced by the Forest Department remain in force. Therefore, tree owners should exercise caution and ensure full compliance with the prevailing legal framework before undertaking any felling or transportation of teak trees.
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