Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced an ambitious plan to plant 100 million trees across the state this year under the Harit Maharashtra, Samruddhi Maharashtra campaign, aimed at increasing forest cover and promoting environmental sustainability.
The initiative builds on Maharashtra’s previous large-scale afforestation efforts, which successfully planted 330 million and 500 million trees in earlier phases. Fadnavis emphasized that the campaign must evolve into a people’s movement, urging citizens, local bodies, and social organizations to actively participate. He stressed that tree plantation is essential for maintaining ecological balance, reinforcing Maharashtra’s leadership in forest conservation.
The Chief Minister highlighted the success of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, a tree-planting initiative inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, and reiterated the state’s commitment to achieving 33% forest cover over the next two decades. He directed that funds under CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) be fully utilized to support the campaign.
To ensure the survival of planted trees, Fadnavis called for the use of artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and satellite technology to monitor growth and improve transparency. He also emphasized the importance of planting one-and-a-half to three-year-old seedlings, ensuring higher survival rates.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar underscored the need to consider future road widening when planting trees along national and state highways. He advocated for the inclusion of indigenous and shade-giving species such as Jambhu, Bahava, Surangi, Peepal, Vad, Kadulimba, and Arjun, ensuring that trees are suited to regional conditions.
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik confirmed that the forest department will oversee highway tree plantations, ensuring that CAMPA funds are effectively utilized. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to successfully implementing the 100 million tree plantation campaign, reinforcing Maharashtra’s position as a leader in environmental conservation.
With this initiative, Maharashtra aims to strengthen biodiversity, improve soil fertility, enhance water availability, and boost climate resilience, setting a precedent for large-scale afforestation efforts across India.
