Maharashtra promotes afforestation through new green city policy

News:

•   As per the National Forest Policy, 1988 the state should have a forest cover of over 33 per cent of its total landmass area.
• Maharashtra government has come out with a new Green City policy that lays emphasis on afforestation on private land and on those reserved for community purposes, protection and increasing of biodiversity among other measures.
• The policy which has come into effect from July 31, places the responsibility of drawing up plans for afforestation by local self governing bodies.
• The government does admit that finding vacant land in urban areas is difficult as there is 45 per cent urbanisation in the state due to rapid industrialisation, commerce and growth in employment opportunities.

Source: BS