'Majhe Van': Ganesh Naik Inaugurates New Forest Offices In Matheran & Shelu To Boost Afforestation
Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Thursday inaugurated the newly constructed Range Forest Officer’s office in Matheran and a forest check-post building in Shelu, reaffirming his commitment to the beautification, empowerment, and strengthening of the state’s Forest Department.
Addressing the event, Minister Naik announced the launch of the innovative “Majhe Van” (My Forest) scheme, aimed at boosting afforestation efforts and increasing green cover across Maharashtra.
Under the initiative, every active forest officer and staff member will voluntarily plant trees on one acre of land within their jurisdiction during the 2025 monsoon, using personal funds and effort. Special emphasis will be placed on Jamun tree species like Surangi and Bahadoli, with a target of covering 338 acres statewide.
“This initiative will ensure that degraded forest areas are revived and tree cover is enhanced through personal responsibility and focused care,” said Naik, who described the project as a major step in strengthening the forest network across the state.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by MLA Mahendra Thorve, Principal Secretary of Forests Shomita Biswas, Chief Conservator of Forests (Thane) K. Pradeepa, Deputy Conservator of Forests Rahul Patil, and other senior officials.
Minister Naik also assured that traditional road routes passing through forest areas would not be obstructed and that necessary blacktopping would be carried out. He further stated that during his tenure, the state’s forest cover will be increased by 5%, in addition to the current 21%, and promised financial support for setting up a forest park in Karjat.
Efforts are also underway to provide employment to families affected by the Morbe Dam project, and similar promises have been made for those who will be affected by the upcoming Poshir Dam. Naik added that he had raised the demand for an independent water supply system for the expanding Karjat and Neral regions in the recent Cabinet meeting.
During the event, MLA Mahendra Thorve appealed for the planting of aromatic trees in Karjat to develop it as a Green Karjat Hub, and requested expedited work on State Highway 76, where forest-related issues have delayed progress.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shomita Biswas emphasized the growing role of technology in conservation, noting that AI tools will be used to prevent forest fires and monitor forest health. She added that the “Majhe Van” initiative could be scaled statewide in the future.
The event also saw the formal approval of road development in remote forest villages like Waghinichi Wadi and Mouje-Kalkarai under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, with official documents handed over to the beneficiaries.
Recognition was given to Joint Forest Management Committees for their outstanding conservation work. In addition, a MoU was signed between the Alibag Forest Range and Nagaon Gram Panchayat under the Clean Seashore Initiative to pursue Blue Flag certification.
Another significant MoU was signed with Universal AI University, enabling the use of Artificial Intelligence in forest fire tracking, plantation monitoring, boundary protection, and encroachment control, thus enhancing operational efficiency across the department.
The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony honoring citizens who have made significant contributions to forest conservation. Deputy Conservator of Forests Rahul Patil, who conceptualized the “Majhe Van” scheme, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the various innovative initiatives being led by the Alibag Forest Division.
news