Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed the administration to initiate a significant project to plant 300 crore trees between 2026 and 2031. The objective of this endeavor is to boost the green cover of Maharashtra, focusing on environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and rural employment generation. During a review meeting, CM Fadnavis stressed the involvement of startups, experts, and NGOs in this mission, aiming to establish the Green Authority – 300 Crore Tree Plantation Mission.
The Chief Minister highlighted the need for a mission-oriented approach to elevate the state’s forest cover to 33%. He proposed the creation of the Green Maharashtra Authority to oversee this initiative, emphasizing collaboration with startups to encourage innovation and create job opportunities. Priority will be given to regions like Marathwada with low forest cover, with an initial target of planting around 20 crore trees, including Bamboo and Teak, in the first year based on sapling availability. Private nurseries, Self-Help Groups, and government nurseries will be engaged to meet the sapling demand.
Furthermore, specific targets will be assigned to the Forest Department, government departments, and nurseries. The Chief Minister called for active participation from farmers, youth, and women in rural areas. The initiative’s roadmap was presented by Praveen Pardeshi, CEO of ‘MITRA’, focusing on ecological balance, digital monitoring, longevity, and care. The planting strategy will concentrate on indigenous species suitable for local agro-climatic zones, with a restoration focus rather than planting in natural grasslands or wetlands.
A digital and satellite-based real-time monitoring system will be utilized to ensure transparency in plantation and survival rates. Unlike existing schemes with maintenance periods of 3-5 years, this mission extends maintenance to 10 years to guarantee tree survival. Apart from enhancing green cover, the mission is anticipated to aid in groundwater recharge, soil fertility improvement, biodiversity enhancement, and the creation of extensive employment opportunities in rural Maharashtra.
