04 May,2026 08:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The state aims to promote environmental balance in Mumbai, an official statement said. Pic/Special Arrangement
Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar on Monday directed the officials to prepare a plantation plan for around 65 acres of land in Aarey colony during the upcoming Mumbai monsoon season.
He instructed the Mumbai Suburban District Collector Saurabh Katiyar to prepare a detailed action plan to increase tree cover and improve the density of the Aarey forest.
The initiative is part of a broader state-level programme under which the Maharashtra government plans a large-scale tree plantation drive.
An official statement said that the state aims to promote environmental balance in Mumbai, which is facing rising temperatures and urban pressure.
As part of the review, Shelar visited several government offices and institutions within Aarey colony to assess available land for plantation. These included veterinary facilities, dairy headquarters, police establishments, agricultural bodies, and other government campuses.
During the inspection, officials were asked to identify vacant land and assess how many trees could be planted in each area, officials said.
The minister also suggested exploring dense plantation methods such as the Miyawaki forest technique in suitable areas to accelerate green cover, the statement said.
He directed officials to examine whether such methods could be used to improve forest density across Aarey.
Preliminary assessments indicate that around 65 acres of land across various government holdings in Aarey may be available for tree plantation, the statement further stated.
Officials have been asked to conduct a detailed survey and submit a comprehensive report on the feasibility, species selection, and plantation strategy.
Shelar also reviewed land parcels including proposed sites for Metro-related infrastructure and other government facilities.
He asked officials to evaluate whether unused or vacant land could instead be used for plantation purposes.
Shelar directed that a detailed action plan be prepared to not only plant trees but also improve the long-term density and sustainability of the Aarey forest ecosystem.
He emphasised coordination between the district administration, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), and other agencies to properly execute the plan, said the officials.
