Maha Deputy CM orders probe into tree plantation drive during Fadnavis rule

MUMBAI: The Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra on Wednesday announced a probe into BJP led government’s another dream project of the plantation of 33 crore tress in state during 2014-19.

The announcement was made by the Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to a question raised by the former Speaker Nana Patole in the State Assembly.

Minister of State for Forest Datta Bharne said that the BJP led government had spent Rs 2,429 crore on the ambitious tree plantation drive.

He stated in a written reply that 28.27 crore trees were planted in the state by the Forest Department during the years 2016 -2017 and 2019-20. At the end of October 2020, 75.63 per cent of the saplings or 21 crore saplings are alive.

A committee will be formed by March 31 and will be given six months to complete its probe on the tree plantation drive. The Forest Department was held by senior BJP legislator Sudhir Mungantiwar during Fadnavis regime.