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Maharashtra's 300 Crore Tree Mission to Boost Green Cover & Rural Jobs

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the administration to launch a massive mission to plant 300 crore trees between 2026 and 2031. The initiative aims to increase the state's forest cover to 33%, with a focus on low-cover regions like Marathwada. The plan involves startups, NGOs, private nurseries, and Self-Help Groups, and will use a digital satellite system for real-time monitoring. Beyond environmental benefits, the mission is designed to generate rural employment and ensure tree survival with an extended 10-year maintenance period.

Key Points: Maharashtra's 300 Crore Tree Plantation Mission by 2031

  • 300 crore trees by 2031
  • Boost forest cover to 33%
  • Focus on Marathwada region
  • 10-year maintenance plan
  • Digital satellite monitoring
2 min read

Implement 300 crore tree plantation mission for a Green Maharashtra: CM Fadnavis

CM Devendra Fadnavis launches a massive 300 crore tree plantation drive from 2026-2031 to increase forest cover, combat climate change, and create rural jobs.

"The programme should be executed in mission mode to increase the state's forest cover to 33 per cent. - Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis"

Mumbai, Feb 3

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday directed the administration to undertake a massive programme to plant 300 crore trees between 2026 and 2031.

This initiative aims to increase Maharashtra's green cover based on the three pillars of environmental conservation, combating climate change, and rural employment generation.

Along with experts and NGOs, the Chief Minister emphasised the inclusion of startups in this mission. The directives were given during a review meeting chaired by CM Fadnavis at his official residence, 'Varsha', regarding the proposed Green Authority - 300 Crore Tree Plantation Mission.

The Chief Minister stated that the programme should be executed in mission mode to increase the state's forest cover to 33 per cent. A proposal for the establishment of the Green Maharashtra Authority to coordinate this programme must be submitted to the Cabinet. By involving startups alongside government departments, the state aims to build an ecosystem that fosters innovation and creates new employment opportunities, said the Chief Minister.

Hr further stated that regions like Marathwada, which currently have low forest cover, will be prioritised. In the first year, approximately 20 crore trees (including Bamboo and Teak) are to be planted based on sapling availability. To meet the demand for saplings, the government will engage private nurseries and Self-Help Groups in addition to government nurseries. Specific targets will be set for the Forest Department, various government wings, and nurseries, said the Chief Minister. He urged the active participation of farmers, youth, and women in rural areas.

Praveen Pardeshi, CEO of 'MITRA', presented the initiative's roadmap. Key operational details include ecological balance, digital monitoring, longevity and care.

"Planting will focus on indigenous species suited to local agro-climatic zones. Crucially, the mission will focus on restoration rather than planting trees in natural grasslands or wetlands. The mission will utilise a digital and satellite-based real-time monitoring system to maintain transparency regarding plantation and survival rates. While existing schemes (MGNREGA, CAMPA, etc) typically cover 3-5 years of maintenance, the government has decided to extend the maintenance period to 10 years to ensure tree survival," he said.

Beyond increasing green cover, the mission is expected to facilitate groundwater recharge, improve soil fertility, enhance biodiversity, and generate large-scale employment in rural Maharashtra, he noted.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Ambitious target of 300 crore! Hope the execution is as solid as the plan. Involving startups for innovation and SHGs for saplings is a smart move for rural employment. My only request: please ensure transparency in the digital monitoring system so citizens can also track progress.
A
Aman W
Good step, but we've heard such big promises before. The real challenge is on-ground implementation and preventing corruption in fund allocation. I appreciate the focus on restoration over planting in natural grasslands—that shows ecological sense. Hope they deliver.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Pune, the air quality and heat are real concerns. Increasing forest cover to 33% would make a massive difference. The multi-benefit approach—groundwater, soil, jobs—is very comprehensive. Hope other states follow this model.
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Vikram M
Including bamboo and teak shows they're thinking about economic value for farmers alongside ecology. Bamboo grows fast and has many uses. If managed well, this can be a game-changer for rural Maharashtra's economy. Jai Maharashtra! 🙏
K
Kriti O
The emphasis on "indigenous species" is the most important part of this article. Planting foreign species like eucalyptus has caused so much damage to water tables in the past. This scientific approach with digital monitoring gives me confidence. Let's do this!

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