New rules for the removal of trees and shrubs on arable lands are being established; trees will be cut down upon payment of their value, while no payment will be required for shrubs.
According to “Elchi”, this is reflected in the proposed amendments to the Law “On the Protection of Greenery,” which were discussed today at a meeting of the Agrarian Policy Committee of the Milli Majlis held via videoconference.
According to the draft, the removal of greenery on agricultural lands designated for arable farming or perennial plantings will be permitted if such greenery hinders agricultural activities. In this case, the removal (cutting) of trees must be carried out after the funds constituting their restoration value have been paid or after a guarantee for the fulfillment of this obligation has been provided.
According to the draft, in this case, no restoration value will be paid for the cutting of shrubs, flowers, and grasses.
Regarding the cutting of shrubs, an information procedure must be carried out.
The applicant must submit relevant information before cutting the shrubs. Providing false and/or distorted information is prohibited. If the body (institution) determined by the relevant executive authority does not submit an objection to the cutting of said shrubs to the applicant within 10 (ten) calendar days, the applicant may proceed with the cutting. If there is an objection, it must be justified by referencing normative legal acts and clearly indicating the violated requirements.
It should be noted that currently, the removal of greenery is also permitted when trees and shrubs interfere with surface and underground engineering-communication supply systems. According to the proposed amendment, in this case as well, a condition is established for the process to be carried out only after the funds constituting the restoration value of the trees have been paid or a guarantee for the fulfillment of this obligation has been provided.
The draft also includes definitions for trees and shrubs.
While currently the removal of greenery in cases permitted by law is considered a measure aimed at relocating (uprooting) or cutting trees, shrubs, and other plants with the condition of restoration, the newly proposed amendments include the cutting of trees, shrubs, and other plants without restoration in this list.