Maharashtra Allocates ₹90.72 Lakh for Plantation Maintenance Amid State-Wide Drought

The Maharashtra government has officially sanctioned ₹90.72 lakh for the maintenance and upkeep of state-run tree plantation projects for the 2026-27 period. This financial allocation arrives as 304 out of the state's 358 talukas have been declared drought-affected due to inadequate rainfall.

Allocation and Eligibility

According to the Government Resolution (GR) issued on October 29, 2026, the funds are designated for the fourth-year maintenance of three specific afforestation components:

• Amrit Van: Dedicated urban forestry sites in major cities.
• Panchayat Van: Woodland clusters across selected villages in each district.
• Bel Van: Plantations located at prominent pilgrimage and religious sites.

The government has mandated a strict survival rate threshold for these projects. Funding will only be released to sites where at least 90% of the saplings remain alive. Maintenance and protection tasks will be managed by local self-help groups and biodiversity management committees.

Regional Distribution

The funds are spread across 227 hectares, with specific allocations to forest circles:

• Pune Forest Circle: ₹42.80 lakh
• Nagpur Forest Circle: ₹20.80 lakh
• Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Forest Circle: ₹20.76 lakh

Context of Drought Measures

This allocation follows an order issued on October 26, 2026, which initiated soil and water conservation efforts—such as desilting water bodies and constructing absorption pits—to mitigate the impact of the current drought. The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests is responsible for overseeing compliance and must submit a utilization certificate for the released funds within seven days.

The afforestation initiative, which began in 2023 to mark the 75th anniversary of India's Independence, seeks to improve green cover while integrating ecological stability with cultural and religious landmarks across the state. Verification of these projects can be conducted through the Revenue and Forest Department’s official GR portal.