Guwahati, Feb. 26: The Assam forest department is about to make tree felling in the state’s forests a non-bailable offence after making a similar move in case of poaching of wild animals.

Forest and environment minister Rakibul Hussain today said the department was planning to make amendments in the Indian Forest Act, 1927, to book anyone caught cutting trees illegally under non-bailable sections like it had done in 2010 by amending the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, to tackle poaching of wildlife in the state.

“At present, forest coverage of our state has been estimated at 37.2 per cent, which is more than the prescribed norm of 34 per cent. But some districts of the state have shown decline in forest cover. Keeping this in mind, we want to be stricter in protecting our forests. We have already moved chief minister Tarun Gogoi with the request to either bring in an ordinance or amend the central act in the state Assembly to make tree-felling a non-bailable offence,” Hussain said on the sidelines of a programme organised at Gotanagar hillside here to lay the foundation stone of a Assam Forest Protection Force camp. He also distributed seedlings among hill residents during the programme.

At present, felling comes under section 33 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and provides for punishment of a maximum of six months in jail and or fine of Rs 500.

Dispur’s move comes amid reports of rampant cutting of trees in forests across the state. “We have received complaints of illegal tree felling and the department will strictly deal with these illegal acts,” Hussain said.

The forest minister said the recent report of the Forest Survey of India stated that five districts of the state — Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar, Darrang, Dima Hasao and Barpeta — had recorded decrease in forest cover.

“The report was based on satellite imagery and indicated that 20 other districts showed increase in forest cover. We are trying to make sure that the forest cover does not dwindle and have decided to discuss with the authorities in the areas falling under 6th Schedule of the Constitution like BTAD areas or Karbi Anglong,” Hussain said.