'Arboriculture' and 'Development Works' Will Walk Hand in Hand: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
· Free Press Journal
"Development works and tree conservation are not mutually opposed. Sustainable development through scientific tree conservation alongside development work — this is the policy and goal of the state government." This was the clear declaration made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday at the International Arboriculture Conference.
The 2nd International Arboriculture Conference (VrikshVardhan 2026), themed 'Growing Cities, Greener Canopies', was held at Hotel Sahara, Mumbai. Chief Minister Fadnavis outlined the direction of the state's green policy at the conference. The event was jointly organised by the Amenity Tree Care Association (ATCA) and Nanaji Deshmukh Pratishthan.
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Present on the occasion were ATCA Director Vaibhav Raje, Director Nakul Sawani, Nanaji Deshmukh Pratishthan CEO Aryan Pandey, Nanaji Deshmukh Pratishthan President Sanjay Pandey, Dean of Dapoli Forest College Dr. Ajay Rane, CEO of the International Society of Arboriculture Kathleen Polyhan, and CEO of the Arboriculture Association, England, John Parker.
Delivering the opening remarks, Nanaji Deshmukh Foundation President Sanjay Pandey said, "The presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Arboriculture Conference is a golden opportunity. Therefore, through the CSR route, conservation of existing trees, inclusion of Arboriculture Impact Assessment reports in all infrastructure development projects, conservation of Heritage Trees in every district, and establishment of tree laboratories in every district must be pursued."
Responding to these demands, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the feasibility and utility of all three demands — conservation of trees through CSR funds, inclusion of Arboriculture Impact Assessment reports in infrastructure development, and conservation of Heritage Trees and establishment of tree laboratories in every district — have been duly noted, and they will be incorporated into state policy.
The Chief Minister said, "The state budget was announced just two days ago, in which we have resolved to plant three hundred crore trees. All this tree plantation will be carried out in mission mode. To bring forest cover to 33 percent, the success rate of replanting trees displaced due to projects has been increased from 30 percent to 80 percent."
India's culture and the thoughts of saints and sages have always championed tree conservation. Sant Tukaram conveyed the greatness and importance of trees with the words 'Vrikshavalli amha soyare vanachare' (Trees are our kinfolk, companions of the forest).
The Chief Minister said that Vriksha Ayurveda is India's traditional system of arboriculture. Although our traditional knowledge has faded over time, through modern arboriculture we are making every effort to achieve sustainable development and combat the crisis of climate change.
Former US President Barack Obama had expressed the sentiment that we may be the first generation to suffer the consequences of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.
"We will certainly march forward in the direction of tree conservation and sustainable development with the help of new technology," the Chief Minister said with confidence. "The government will certainly deliberate on the deliberations and study findings of the Arboriculture Conference. I congratulate all participants and give my assurance to carry this sustainable thinking forward," Devendra Fadnavis said in conclusion.
Nanaji Deshmukh Pratishthan CEO Aryan Pandey delivered the welcome address. ATCA Director Vaibhav Raje, presenting the journey of arboriculture, shared that ten years ago, upon realising that trees were disappearing, he pursued higher education in arboriculture in England. "Two years ago, when we began through the Arboriculture Conference, we never imagined this journey would transform into such a grand event. But now the word 'arboriculture' is on everyone's lips, including policymakers. This movement of tree conservation will certainly become a part of all our lives," said Vaibhav Raje.
ATCA Director Nakul Sawani offered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the programme.