Maharashtra Targets 3 Billion Tree Plantation Drive with Science and Technology Support

Mumbai, March 2026 : The Maharashtra government has set an ambitious target of planting 300 crore (3 billion) trees across the state as part of a mission-mode initiative aimed at balancing environmental conservation with development. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the large-scale programme will be implemented with the support of modern science and technology to ensure effective and sustainable outcomes.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the Second International Arboriculture Conference organised jointly by the Nanaji Deshmukh Pratishthan and Amenity Tree Care Foundation at Hotel Sahara in Mumbai. The event was attended by several dignitaries including Sanjay Pande, President of Nanaji Deshmukh Pratishthan; Aryan Pande, Chief Executive Officer; and Vaibhav Raje of the Amenity Tree Care Foundation, along with experts and stakeholders from the environmental sector.

Speaking at the conference, Chief Minister Fadnavis said the state government is committed to achieving a balance between environmental protection and economic development. He said the massive tree plantation initiative will be carried out in mission mode to increase the overall forest and tree cover in the state.

According to the Chief Minister, Maharashtra currently has around 23 percent tree and forest cover, while the goal is to increase it to at least 33 percent, which is considered essential for maintaining ecological balance. To achieve this target, around 250 crore trees are required. However, the government has set a higher goal of 300 crore trees to ensure the success and sustainability of the programme.

Fadnavis emphasized that the plantation campaign will not be limited to simply planting trees. Instead, it will focus on long-term sustainability and measurable environmental impact. The entire programme will be scientifically designed by considering factors such as local climate, soil conditions, regional biodiversity, and long-term survival of the trees.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that environmental experts, researchers, and technology-driven startups will be actively involved in the initiative. He announced that the government plans to organise a dedicated conference for startups working in environmental conservation and green technologies in the near future. This step is expected to encourage innovation and bring new technological solutions to large-scale environmental programmes.

Speaking about development projects in Mumbai, Fadnavis noted that environmental conservation is being carefully considered while implementing major infrastructure initiatives. He referred to the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, where some mangrove areas were affected during development. However, as compensation, the government has created two new mangrove parks. According to the report of the Forest Survey of India, this effort has helped increase the mangrove cover in Mumbai.

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of arboriculture, a specialized field that focuses on the care and management of trees. With the help of modern technologies, it has become possible to monitor tree health, protect them, and maintain a detailed record of their lifecycle.

He explained that advanced technologies such as “Digital Twin” systems can help track every tree by recording its growth, health condition, and maintenance requirements. Such technologies can make tree management more efficient and ensure better survival rates for planted trees.

Another key aspect discussed was tree transplantation, which is often required during large infrastructure projects. Earlier, the success rate of transplanting trees during road and construction projects was around 30 to 40 percent. However, with the adoption of improved techniques and scientific methods, the success rate has now increased to nearly 80 percent. The government aims to further improve this to almost 100 percent through the use of advanced technology and improved practices.

Fadnavis also highlighted that India has a long tradition of respecting nature and maintaining harmony with the environment. He said ancient Indian texts, from Vedic literature to traditional knowledge systems like “Vriksha Ayurveda,” have always emphasized the importance of trees and ecological balance.

However, he noted that over time society moved away from these sustainable practices, which contributed to modern environmental challenges such as climate change. He stressed that restoring ecological balance is now essential for ensuring a sustainable future.

Congratulating the experts and participants attending the conference, the Chief Minister said the government would carefully study and follow up on the recommendations and suggestions emerging from the event. These insights will help shape future environmental policies and strengthen conservation efforts across the state.

The two-day conference featured several scientific sessions, presentations on research findings, and discussions on innovative solutions in arboriculture and environmental management. Environmental experts, researchers, and academicians shared ideas and strategic approaches that could guide future policies for sustainable development and ecological protection.

Fadnavis concluded by reiterating the state government’s commitment to making Maharashtra clean, prosperous, and environmentally sustainable through strong policy measures and collaborative initiatives.