All requests for cutting and pruning of trees to go online from January 12 within Chennai Corporation limits

Applications for removal of trees and pruning of tree branches within the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) limits will be accepted only through the Corporation’s official website and the Namma Chennai mobile application from January 12, 2026.

The revised process applies to both government and private applicants seeking services such as removal of dry trees, pruning of branches, transplantation and removal of trees within the corporation limits.

The release said that a fine of ₹15,000 would be imposed for unauthorised cutting of branches, fixing advertisement boards by driving nails into trees, installing decorative lighting around trees and similar violations in public spaces.

According to a press release, applications submitted through the Corporation’s portal will be subjected to a field inspection by officials concerned from the Parks and Forest departments and NGOs. The release said that inspection reports would be forwarded to a ‘green committee’ in the GCC for further action.

This would replace the earlier system, where applications were submitted directly through the Forest department, which was then forwarded to the GCC.

Stating that the applicants will receive updates on the status of their requests through text messages, the release added that details can also be tracked through the Corporation’s website. The release mentioned that unauthorised felling of trees in public places will attract a penalty of ₹1 lakh.

The Corporation requested the public to apply for all tree-related services only through the designated online platforms within the Greater Chennai Corporation areas.