The state Cabinet on Thursday cleared 13 amendments proposed to the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975. The changes include granting trees older than 50 years a Heritage Status and making it mandatory for planting of saplings equivalent to the age of the tree(s) the person wants to chop down.

 “The amendments are to ensure sensitivity, conservation and the protection of the green cover in urban areas,” said Principal Secretary, Environment Department, Manisha Mhaiskar, adding that the three with a Heritage Status tag "will be entitled to greater protection”.