Transmission lines through forest: CA and corridor planting
MoEF's 2014 guidelines cap right-of-way widths for transmission lines in forest, from 7 m at 11 kV to 89 m at 1,200 kV. Natural regeneration may return to stringing strips after work. The Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023 allow compensatory afforestation for transmission line projects on degraded forest land of at least double the area. Planting under lines must respect electrical clearances.
Which rules apply to lines through forest?
Two sets of rules matter most. MoEF issued guidelines for laying transmission lines through forest areas on 5 May 2014, prepared with the Central Electricity Authority.
The Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023 cover forest land diversion and compensatory afforestation (CA). They define transmission lines as linear projects.
What do the 2014 guidelines say?
- Where forest routing cannot be avoided, align the line to involve the least tree cutting.
- Avoid line deviation through forest areas as far as possible.
- No new approach roads in forest without prior approval; use existing routes.
- Use insulated conductors in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife corridors.
Right-of-way widths on forest land
| Voltage | Maximum right of way (m) | Minimum conductor-tree clearance (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 66 kV | 18 | 3.4 |
| 132 kV | 27 | 4.0 |
| 400 kV (S/C or D/C) | 46 | 5.5 |
| 765 kV D/C | 67 | 9.0 |
| 1,200 kV | 89 | 13.0 |
Widths for other voltages are in the guidelines, from 7 m at 11 kV. Wider corridors may be allowed through coconut groves or similar tall trees, in consultation with CEA.
Felling, pruning and regeneration
A strip under each conductor is cleared for stringing, from 3 m for lines up to 400 kV twin bundle. After stringing, "natural regeneration will be allowed to come up".
Elsewhere in the corridor, trees are felled or lopped only as needed to keep clearances, with the local forest officer's permission. In hilly areas with enough clearance, trees are not cut beyond the stringing minimum.
How does compensatory afforestation work for lines?
The default under Rule 13 is equivalent non-forest land, afforested at the user agency's cost.
Rule 13(4) gives a special dispensation for transmission line projects. CA may be raised over degraded forest land at least double in extent.
- CA work must start within two years of the diversion order.
- Plantations should reach 0.4 canopy density in the fifth year, and be able to mature toward 0.7.
- Linear projects can get working permission, including for charging lines, as the approval specifies.
For the full CA process and CAMPA funds, read compensatory afforestation and CAMPA explained. Pipeline teams can see CA for pipelines and linear projects.
What can be planted in and around the corridor?
The corridor itself has to stay safe. The aim is low vegetation that holds soil and supports wildlife without reaching conductors.
Inside the right of way
Let grasses, shrubs and low native species regenerate in cleared strips. Keep tall-growing species out of conductor zones.
At the corridor edges
Plant native trees and shrubs to soften the edge and reduce erosion. Choose species by mature height, keeping fall distance in mind.
Near towers and access tracks
Stabilise slopes with grasses and shrubs. Keep tower footings clear for maintenance.
All corridor planting needs the forest department's agreement and must follow the utility's clearance standards.
Working with the forest department
CA plantations are raised on land handed to the Forest Department, under a plan it approves. Agree species, spacing, fencing and the care schedule early.
Keep a shared record of planting dates, survival counts and gap-filling. It makes canopy checks in year five far simpler for both sides.
Where else can plantation help a transmission company?
- CA plantations raised and cared for with the State Forest Department.
- Green Credit Programme plantations, usable once for CA, CSR or statutory plantation after five years and 40% canopy density.
- CSR planting with communities along the route. See the CSR compliance checklist.
- BRSR Principle 6 disclosures on land and biodiversity.
How Grow Billion Trees helps
We support transmission utilities with CA land assessment, nursery and planting plans, corridor-edge and slope planting, and multi-year care with the State Forest Department. See our power sector page. We geo-tag every tree, report on GreenTrack, and hold to 85% survival across our programmes. Projects are priced per project after a site survey; you can plan a programme with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide can a transmission corridor be in forest land?
The 2014 guidelines set maximum right-of-way widths by voltage, from 7 m at 11 kV to 46 m at 400 kV and 89 m at 1,200 kV.
Can trees grow back under a line?
Yes. After stringing, natural regeneration is allowed in the cleared strips, with felling or lopping only to keep electrical clearances.
How much land is needed for compensatory afforestation for a line?
Equivalent non-forest land by default. Transmission line projects may use degraded forest land of at least double the diverted area under Rule 13(4).
When does CA need to start?
Within two years of the order diverting the forest land.
Do lines through sanctuaries need special measures?
Yes. The 2014 guidelines require insulated conductors in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife corridors.
Can Green Credits help with CA?
Green Credits, issued after five years and 40% canopy density, can be used once for compensatory afforestation, CSR or statutory plantation.
Sources: MoEF guidelines for laying transmission lines through forest areas, 5 May 2014 · Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023 and Amendment Rules, 2025 · PIB: Green Credit Programme plantation rules. Last updated: October 2026. Rules change; check the latest notification before you rely on any detail.
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