Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 30: The Maharashtra government has sanctioned Rs 90.72 lakh for the maintenance of tree plantations across the state for 2026-27, making a minimum 90 per cent sapling survival rate mandatory for the release of funds.
The allocation comes amid drought conditions affecting 304 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas following inadequate rainfall this year, raising concerns over water availability and the survival of existing plantations.
According to a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Revenue and Forest Department on Thursday, the funds have been earmarked for the fourth-year maintenance of plantations under the Panchayat Van, Bel Van and Amrut Van components of the state’s afforestation initiative.
The allocation will cover plantations spread across 227 hectares in various districts. The Pune forest circle has received the highest share of Rs 42.80 lakh, followed by Nagpur with Rs 20.80 lakh and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with Rs 20.76 lakh.
The GR specifies that funds will be released only for plantation sites where at least 90 per cent of the saplings have survived. Local self-help groups and biodiversity management committees will be responsible for the maintenance, protection and upkeep of the plantations.
The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Budget, Planning and Development), Maharashtra, has been directed to ensure compliance with the prescribed conditions and submit a utilisation certificate for the released funds within seven days.
The allocation comes as the state steps up drought mitigation measures. On Monday, the government ordered soil and water conservation works in 304 talukas where drought-related triggers were activated during the 2026 Kharif season. The measures include constructing water absorption pits, desilting water bodies and repairing check dams.
The afforestation initiative was launched in 2023 under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav programme to mark the 75th anniversary of India's Independence. It aims to increase green cover and strengthen ecological stability in urban and rural areas, as well as at religious sites.
The scheme has three components focusing on different locations. Amrut Van aims to develop dedicated urban forestry gardens in 75 major cities and key urban centres using indigenous tree species on land belonging to local authorities or the Forest Department.
Under the Panchayat Van initiative, woodland clusters are to be developed in 25 selected villages in every district. Each cluster will feature five culturally significant and ecologically suitable tree species to promote biodiversity.
The Bel Van component focuses on plantations at 75 prominent pilgrimage and religious sites across Maharashtra. These plantations include sacred and medicinal species such as bael, Sita Ashok, rudraksha, ber and swastik plants, combining environmental conservation with the state's religious and cultural traditions.