Collector S. Kandasamy has said that prior permission from the Erode district administration is mandatory for cutting palm trees, except in unavoidable circumstances. During cyclones and storms, palm trees remain largely unaffected, particularly in coastal areas. However, the number of palm trees in the State has been steadily declining. Considering their ecological and economic importance, the government has imposed restrictions on felling palm trees without permission. To increase their numbers, cutting palm trees without approval has been prohibited, the Collector added.