Maharashtra sanctions Rs 90.72 lakh to tend saplings, tied to 90% survival at each site

The Maharashtra government has sanctioned Rs 90.72 lakh for the financial year 2026-27. The money will be spent on looking after trees and plants raised across the state under its afforestation programme. A key condition has been attached to the release of funds: at least 90 per cent of the plants at every plantation site must be alive.

The state's Revenue and Forest Department has issued a Government Resolution (GR) for the purpose. According to the GR, the amount will go towards fourth-year maintenance of plantations created under three initiatives: Amrut Van, Panchayat Van and Bel Van.

The sanction comes as Maharashtra battles drought. After scanty rain and growing concern over water availability, 304 of the state's 358 talukas have been declared drought-affected.

After drought-related incidents were recorded in the 2026 kharif season, the government has also ordered soil and water conservation work in these areas. The suggested works include building percolation pits, desilting existing water bodies and repairing check dams. The aim is to improve water availability, enhance groundwater recharge and provide relief to drought-hit areas.

Maharashtra began the tree-planting initiative in 2023 under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav programme, when India completed 75 years of independence. It aims to increase greenery in urban areas, villages and important religious sites, promote biodiversity and strengthen ecological balance.

Under Amrut Van, special urban forestry gardens are being created in 75 large cities and important urban centres of the state. The gardens are coming up on land belonging to local self-government bodies or the Forest Department, with an emphasis on planting native trees.

Panchayat Van plans woodland clusters in 25 selected villages in every district. Each cluster will have five trees that are culturally significant and ecologically suitable. The effort is meant to expand the green cover of villages and also raise awareness about local biodiversity and the environment.

Under Bel Van, saplings are being planted at 75 special pilgrimage and religious sites across Maharashtra. They include sacred and medicinal plants such as bel, Sita Ashok, rudraksha, ber and swastika. The thinking behind it is to link protection of the environment with the state's cultural and religious traditions.

By linking the funds to 90 per cent survival of plants, the government wants to ensure that the programme does not merely meet planting targets but delivers long-term environmental benefits. The involvement of local self-help groups and biodiversity management committees is also expected to strengthen community participation in protecting green spaces.

With drought affecting large parts of the state, the new sanction shows that the government is focusing both on sustaining the existing green cover and on strengthening water conservation efforts.