Damaging trees in our surroundings not only harms the environment but is also a safety hazard. Did you know that damaging trees in Qatar can cause you to pay hefty fines? Read on to find out more!

What are the violations as per MME?

As per the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), there is a penalty in Qatar for cutting, uprooting trees, shrubs, weeds, or burning, removing, transporting, stripping them of their leaves or bark, or damaging them.

* ماهي عقوبة مخالفة قطع أو خلع أو اقتلاع الأشجار والشجيرات والحشائش والأعشاب، أو حرقها أو إزالتها أو نقلها، أو تجريدها من أوراقها أو قشورها، أو الإضرار بها، حسب قانون رقم (32) لسنة 1995 بشأن منع الإضرار بالبيئة النباتية ومكوناتها؟
#لنعمل_معاً_من_أجل_حماية_بيئة_قطر#قطر #Qatar pic.twitter.com/FSklykYEZ1

— وزارة البلدية والبيئة | MME (@albaladiya) January 7, 2021

What is the penalty for the same?

Based on Article 5 of Law No. 32 of 1995 regarding Preventing Damage to Plant Ecology and Ecosystems, the punishment for the above-mentioned violations is:

• Imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months and a fine of no less than QR 2,000 and not more than QR 20,000 or one of these two penalties. The penalty is doubled in the event of recurrence.
• Confiscation of the means of transportation, machinery, and equipment used in committing the violation.
• The person convicted of the crime also has to pay the appropriate compensation for the damages and losses incurred in damaging the environment.

How to request tree pruning with MME?

Did you know that citizens, residents, government, and semi-government entities may submit a request to the Services Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) to get tree cutting, pruning, and trimming services? This service is carried out by the Public Cleanness Department of MME. Below are the steps to request tree pruning with MME.

What are the online instructions?

• Click on the online form and enter all the required information.
• Enter requester information (example: your name, mobile number, QID number, etc).
• The next step is to enter the “My Address” information.
• Next, click on “Start Workflow”.

What are the fees for this service?

• There are no fees for this service.

What are some of the additional things to remember?

• As per Hukoomi, the house should be within the borders of the competent municipality.
• After the request is submitted, an SMS will be sent to the applicant to confirm receipt.
• They will then be asked later to book an appointment for MME to provide the service.
• This service can also be obtained via Oun mobile app (Google Play or App Store) or by contacting the Call Center on 184.
• This service requires 5-8 days to be completed.

RELATED:

• What are the pedestrian laws and fines for violations in Qatar?
• Cybercrimes in Qatar: The law and how to report them

Source: MME, Hukoomi
Cover image source: Shutterstock

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