By bringing all tree plantation efforts under a unified system, Maharashtra is set to advance its long-term environmental goals. In this direction, the Maharashtra cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Wednesday, approved the creation of a Green Maharashtra Commission to oversee an ambitious plan to plant 300 crore trees across the state by 2047.
State’s forest cover
Currently, Maharashtra’s forest and tree cover stands at around 21.25 per cent, which is much lower than the 33 per cent target recommended under India’s forest policy.
Bridging the gap
State aims to expand green cover by 2047 through large-scale plantation and better land management. To achieve this, the government plans to create a land bank for tree plantation. At present, about 29,000 sq km of land is available, but nearly 27 lakh hectares will be needed to meet the 300 crore plantation target. Different departments, including the forest department and rural employment schemes, will work together to make land, funds and resources available.
The commission will not only focus on planting more trees but also on improving water conservation, soil quality, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
