Maharashtra releases funds for plantation maintenance across drought-hit areas

Maharashtra's state government has released ₹90.72 lakh to support the maintenance of community forestry initiatives across 304 drought-affected talukas. The funds are earmarked for the fourth-year upkeep of three plantation schemes: Panchayat Van, Bel Van, and Amrit Van.

The disbursement is conditional on achieving a minimum survival rate of 90 per cent for planted saplings, a measure designed to ensure accountability and effective resource utilization across the state's green cover expansion programmes. Officials said the requirement incentivizes local communities and administration to properly nurture and protect plantations established under these schemes.

The allocation comes as Maharashtra continues to grapple with drought conditions affecting hundreds of talukas. State authorities have prioritized plantation and afforestation activities as part of broader efforts to enhance water retention, improve soil quality, and build long-term climate resilience in drought-prone regions.

The three schemes—Panchayat Van (village forest), Bel Van (fruit orchard forest), and Amrit Van (sacred species forest)—represent different approaches to community-based tree-planting initiatives. These programmes have been instrumental in involving local panchayats and residents in environmental conservation while providing potential livelihood benefits through fruit and timber production over time.