Maharashtra government has sanctioned Rs 90.72 lakh for the maintenance of tree plantations across the state for 2026-27, with a minimum 90 per cent sapling survival rate made mandatory for the release of funds, reported the PTI.
The allocation comes as 304 of the state’s 358 talukas have been declared drought-affected following poor rainfall this year, raising concerns over water availability.
According to a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Revenue and Forest Department on Thursday, the funds will be used for the fourth-year maintenance of plantations under the Panchayat Van, Bel Van and Amrut Van components of a state afforestation scheme, the news agency reported.
Pune gets highest allocation
The funds will cover plantations spread across 227 hectares in various districts.
The Pune forest circle has received the highest allocation of Rs 42.80 lakh, followed by Nagpur with Rs 20.80 lakh and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with Rs 20.76 lakh.
The GR states 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, according to the PTI.
The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Budget, Planning and Development), Maharashtra, has been directed to ensure that the prescribed conditions are followed and submit a utilisation certificate for the released funds within seven days.
Allocation comes amid drought concerns
The funding comes amid concerns over water availability after poor rainfall this year. The state government has declared 304 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas drought-affected.
On Monday, the government issued an order for soil and water conservation works in these 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.
Three components of afforestation scheme
The state launched the afforestation initiative in 2023 under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav programme to mark the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence. It aims to expand green cover and strengthen ecological stability in urban and rural areas, as well as at religious sites, as per the PTI.
The initiative has three components — Amrut Van, Panchayat Van and Bel Van — focusing on urban centres, villages and prominent pilgrimage sites, respectively.
The Amrut Van component 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, reported the PTI.
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, bringing environmental conservation together with the state’s religious and cultural traditions, the news agency reported.
(with PTI inputs)
