05 June,2026 10:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar. File Pic
Maharashtra Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar on Friday announced a plan to plant five lakh trees across 80 acres of land in Mumbai's Aarey Colony under the state government's 'Green Maharashtra 300 Crore Tree Plantation' campaign, reported PTI.
The initiative was launched on World Environment Day 2026 and forms part of a larger afforestation drive being undertaken across Maharashtra, an official statement said.
"Aarey has been recognised as a forest on paper. We now want to create a lush, thriving forest that will inspire future generations," said Shelar in a statement.
According to the statement, around 80 acres of vacant land identified across Aarey Camp, the Metro car shed area, Metro Bhavan premises, National Dairy Development Board land, Mahanand Dairy, Force One, the State Reserve Police Force campus and other government properties will be brought under afforestation.
The land parcels were identified following inspection drives conducted by various government departments and a survey undertaken by the Mumbai Suburban Collector's office, reported PTI.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at creating a long-term environmental legacy rather than merely increasing tree cover.
The project will utilise GIS-based planning, digital monitoring systems and dedicated conservation mechanisms to track the growth and survival of planted saplings.
Authorities will also adopt the Miyawaki method, along with conventional plantation techniques, to develop dense, self-sustaining and biodiversity-rich urban forests, reported PTI.
The initiative seeks to strengthen environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable urban development while enhancing green cover across Mumbai's suburban region.
Officials said the project is expected to contribute significantly to improving the city's ecological balance and creating greener urban spaces for future generations.
Mumbai BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde on Friday launched a tree plantation drive at the Kanjurmarg landfill site under the 'ReRoot' urban forest restoration initiative, with plans to plant around 16,000 trees in the area.
As per the official statement, the initiative, jointly undertaken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Antony Waste Handling Cell Limited, was inaugurated on the occasion of World Environment Day at the waste processing centre located within the Kanjurmarg landfill site.
Addressing the gathering, Tawde said, "The civic body would undertake similar plantation drives around all landfill sites in Mumbai and urged citizens to actively participate in making the city greener."
She appealed to every Mumbaikar to plant at least one tree and contribute towards environmental conservation."
(With PTI inputs)
