Mumbai: Maharashtra to Plant 300 Crore Trees by 2031, Announces CM Devendra Fadnavis
Mumbai: In a significant move to increase the green cover in the state, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a mission-mode program to plant 300 crore trees between 2026 and 2031. This initiative aims to enhance environmental conservation, mitigate climate change, and generate rural employment. Fadnavis emphasized the involvement of experts, NGOs, and startups in the plantation drive to ensure its success.
Fadnavis held a review meeting on the proposed Green Maharashtra Authority – 300 Crore Tree Plantation Mission at his official residence, Varsha. He directed that a proposal to establish the Green Maharashtra Authority be presented before the cabinet. The mission will prioritize regions with low forest cover, such as Marathwada, to ensure a balanced distribution of greenery across the state.
Under the Green Maharashtra initiative, approximately 20 crore trees will be planted in the first year, depending on the availability of saplings. The plantation will include bamboo and teak species, which are known for their ecological and economic benefits. To ensure a steady supply of saplings, the government will collaborate with government nurseries, private nurseries, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
During the meeting, MITRA CEO Pravin Pardeshi presented the details of the mission. The plantation will be carried out using species that are suitable to local ecosystems, based on agro-climatic zones. The initiative will focus on restoring grasslands and wetlands rather than afforesting them. The implementation of the mission will be monitored through a digital and satellite-based real-time system, ensuring transparent recording of plantation and tree survival rates.
Regular monitoring of tree survival, forest development, and sapling growth will be conducted. Maintenance for three to five years will be ensured through various government schemes, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority), Agriculture Department, and local self-government schemes. However, the tree survival period has been extended to 10 years to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Green Maharashtra initiative not only aims to increase the state's tree cover to 33 percent but also to create a sustainable and resilient environment for future generations. By involving various stakeholders and utilizing advanced monitoring technologies, the state government is committed to achieving its ambitious goal of planting 300 crore trees by 2031.
