[3A. Power of Tree Officer to order planting of trees.- (1) If in the opinion of the Tree Officer the number of trees in any land (other than the land falling in any permanent drought-prone area identified by the State Government) is not adequate according to the standards prescribed by rules made under section 15, the Tree Officer may, by order, after giving a reasonable opportunity to the owner or occupier of the land of being heard, require him to plant such trees or additional trees, as the case may be, at such places in the land as may be specified in the order; and the owner or occupier of the land shall comply with the order by planting such trees or additional trees in the ensuing planting season :
[Provided that, nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to an artificial plantation.]
(2) It shall be the duty of the owner or occupier of the land who is required by an order made under sub-section (1) to plant a tree or trees to ensure that they grow properly and are well preserved.
(3) Where the owner or occupier fails to comply with an order made under sub-section (1) the Tree Officer may, after giving a reasonable opportunity to such owner or occupier of making representation and without prejudice to any other action which may be taken against the defaulter under this Act take necessary action himself and recover the expenditure incurred therefor from the owner or occupier, as the case may be, after giving a notice of demand for the amount payable by him. If the amount is not paid within the time specified by the Tree Officer in the notice, it shall be recovered along with interest at six per cent. per annum and other incidental expenses, if any.]