Cutting any tree, or uprooting green trees, saplings or living plants without permission is an offence. It will invite legal proceedings against the person involved, according to the Environment Authority.
“Anyone who needs to cut a tree should get official permission to do so, failing of which will attract jail between 10 days to three months, and a fine between RO 30 and RO 5,000 for either of these offences depending upon the nature and frequency of the same,” a source from the Environment Authority (EA) said.
The statement followed an incident in Bidiya on Tuesday where the Royal Oman Police (ROP) apprehended some people who cut several trees to sell without proper documents. The incident went viral on social media.
“No issue in cutting a tree if that is necessitated but they need to obtain a permit before going for cutting or selling.” According to a circular issued by the EA, a fine of RO 200 will be imposed on all who cut green trees or gather and transport dry wood without a permit. Those who disobey the conditions of the permit are also subject to a fine of RO 50. Fines will be increased if the nature of the offence is recurred.
Activities banned under the protection of trees and green plants also include, but not limited to, any act of cutting, uprooting or causing damage to any tree, shrub or herb from public forests without permission from the Authority is a crime.
Removing any stone or uprooting trees, shrubs and herbs, or transporting soil and sand from watercourses, beaches, valleys, ponds, swamps, or public water drains, except with a permit from the Authority, is illegal and will attract action.
Anyone found to be engaged in any activity that harms the quantity or quality of the vegetation cover in any area that leads to desertification or distorts the natural environment will be subject to legal proceedings.
However, there is an exception to this. Cutting a tree is allowed in case a tree is to be cut for maintenance and sample collection work that is carried out in coordination with the Authority, the statement added.
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