Collector emphasises prior permission mandatory for cutting palm trees in Erode

Collector S. Kandasamy has said that prior permission from the Erode district administration is mandatory for cutting palm trees, except in unavoidable circumstances.

In a press release, the Collector highlighted that the leaves of the palm tree are used for thatching and handicrafts, while products such as palm jaggery, palm sugar, and palm toddy support the livelihoods of many families. Palm trees require minimal maintenance, consume less water, and have high resistance to diseases. They play a vital role in environmental protection, climate balance, soil conservation, and groundwater recharge. During cyclones and storms, palm trees remain largely unaffected, particularly in coastal areas.

Of the nearly 10 crore palm trees in India, about five crore are found in Tamil Nadu, where around three lakh farming families depend on them for their livelihood. However, the number of palm trees in the State has been steadily declining. Considering their ecological and economic importance, the government has imposed restrictions on felling palm trees without permission.

To increase their numbers, cutting palm trees without approval has been prohibited, the Collector added. He further said that under the Palm Development Scheme, the Horticulture Department is distributing palm seeds and saplings to promote cultivation.