09 March,2026 12:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/Maharashtra CMO
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday rang the ceremonial bell at the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) to mark the listing of the Green Municipal Bond issued by Nashik Municipal Corporation, a significant step toward promoting sustainable urban financing in the state.
The listing ceremony celebrated the successful public issue of "Maharashtra's ULB Green Municipal Bond" by the civic body, aimed at raising funds for environmentally sustainable infrastructure and development projects in Nashik.
Speaking at the event, Fadnavis highlighted the importance of innovative financial instruments such as green bonds in enabling urban local bodies (ULBs) to mobilise resources for climate-resilient and eco-friendly projects. The initiative is expected to support infrastructure improvements while aligning with broader sustainability goals.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan, Nashik Mayor Himgauri Aher-Adke, and NSE Managing Director and CEO Ashish Chauhan, along with senior officials and stakeholders from the financial and municipal sectors.
The green bond issuance by Nashik Municipal Corporation is being seen as a milestone for municipal financing in Maharashtra, potentially encouraging other urban local bodies to explore capital markets for funding sustainable urban development projects.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that Maharashtra will plant 300 trees to increase the state's forest cover to 33 per cent and will incorporate arboriculture into government policy to ensure conservation of trees, reported PTI.
The CM was speaking at the 'Vriksh Vardhan: 2nd International Arboriculture Conference 2026' in Mumbai. Arboriculture is the study or practice of growing trees and shrubs.
Fadnavis said arboriculture essentially provides "doctors for trees", enabling experts to assess the health of trees and undertake conservation measures with the help of advanced technology, reported PTI.
He said modern tools now make it possible to scan cities and create digital twins for scientifically planning tree plantations. "Technology can help determine whether a tree is likely to fall, whether it needs protection, and whether its branches pose any danger," he said.
Fadnavis said the state government had earlier implemented a programme to plant 50 crore trees and that the publication 'Forest in India' has noted an increase in Maharashtra's forest area, reported PTI.
He said the government now plans to plant 300 crore trees to achieve the target of 33 per cent forest cover in the state.
(With inputs from PTI)
