Maharashtra grants ₹90 lakh for tree upkeep as drought hits most talukas

The Maharashtra government has released ₹90.72 lakh to maintain tree plantations across the State as severe drought grips 304 of its 358 talukas. Issued on October 29, 2026, by the Revenue and Forest Department, the funds are meant for the fourth-year upkeep of 'Panchayat Van', 'Bel Van' and 'Amrit Van' projects covering 227 hectares.

Funds and Work

The Pune forest circle receives the largest share of ₹42.80 lakh, followed by ₹20.80 lakh for Nagpur and ₹20.76 lakh for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Local self-help groups and biodiversity management committees will handle the actual upkeep and protection work on the ground. However, money is released only if at least 90% of the planted saplings are still alive at the site.

Wider Context

This support arrives during a difficult season marked by poor rainfall and widespread water scarcity. Earlier in October, the State ordered soil and water conservation projects like building water pits and cleaning up water bodies in the same 304 drought-hit talukas. The afforestation scheme itself began in 2023 for the 75th year of Independence to grow urban forests, village woodland clusters, and green spaces at religious sites.

Context

Tree plantation maintenance programs often link financial support directly to survival rates to make sure agencies care for young plants properly rather than just planting them. Drought conditions make this upkeep harder because young trees need steady water to survive their early years. Government forest circles manage these regional efforts with local community help.