Maharashtra’s Ambitious Plan to Plant 300 Crore Trees to Boost Forest Cover
Maharashtra, a state known for its rapid urbanization and industrial growth, is now taking significant steps to enhance its environmental sustainability. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has unveiled an ambitious plan to plant 300 crore trees across the state, with the goal of increasing forest cover to 33%. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate arboriculture into government policy, ensuring the conservation and health of trees.
The CM made this announcement at the 'Vriksh Vardhan: 2nd International Arboriculture Conference 2026' in Mumbai. Arboriculture, the study and practice of growing trees and shrubs, is gaining recognition as a crucial field in environmental conservation. Fadnavis emphasized that arboriculture provides specialized expertise, akin to 'doctors for trees,' which can assess the health of trees and implement conservation measures using advanced technology.
Modern tools and technologies are at the core of this initiative. The state government plans to use these tools to create digital twins of cities, enabling scientific planning for tree plantations. This technology can help predict whether a tree is likely to fall, whether it needs protection, and whether its branches pose any danger. By leveraging these insights, the government aims to ensure that new plantations are not only abundant but also sustainable and safe.
Fadnavis highlighted that the state has already made significant progress in this direction. Previously, the government implemented a program to plant 50 crore trees, which has been noted in the publication 'Forest in India' for its positive impact on Maharashtra's forest area. Building on this success, the new initiative aims to plant 300 crore trees to achieve the target of 33% forest cover.
According to the Maharashtra Economic Survey 2025-26, the state's total forest cover currently stands at 16.5% of its geographical area, which is 3,07,713 sq km. This figure is well below the 33% benchmark set by the National Forest Policy, 1988. To bridge this gap, the new plantations will be carried out using scientific data, taking into account agro-climatic conditions, soil types, and the suitability of various tree species for different regions.
The success of this initiative will depend on the involvement of various stakeholders, including arboriculturists, startups, and technologists. The state government is committed to engaging these experts to ensure that the tree planting drives are effective and sustainable.
Fadnavis also addressed the issue of mangrove conservation. He noted that permission from the Bombay High Court is required to cut mangroves, and while some areas have been cleared for development projects, compensatory measures such as the creation of mangrove parks have been implemented. The government's focus is on ensuring that green cover increases alongside development, rather than declining.
This comprehensive approach to environmental conservation reflects the state's commitment to balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability. By planting 300 crore trees and integrating advanced technologies, Maharashtra is setting a commendable example for other states and regions to follow.
