CM Eknath Shinde commends urban afforestation initiative, tax benefits announced for housing societies creating urban forests

X: @the_news_21

Mumbai: In a significant move to address the climate crisis and promote sustainable urban development, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a series of initiatives aimed at encouraging urban afforestation across Mumbai, India’s financial capital. Speaking on Independence Day function, the Chief Minister highlighted the pressing need to establish urban forests in the city’s open spaces, positioning Mumbai as a frontrunner in environmental conservation.

A noteworthy example of this initiative is ‘The Address,’ a cooperative housing society in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, which has successfully developed an urban forest spanning two and a half acres, driven by active public participation. This green project has led to the planting of 5,200 trees of various species, setting a new standard for urban afforestation efforts.

Chief Minister Shinde visited the site, accompanied by Pasha Patel, Chairman of the Agriculture Price Commission and Executive Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Environment and Sustainable Development Task Force, Manoj Kotak, former MP and Organizing Committee Chairman, MLA Parag Shah, and other distinguished citizens, including MLA Ram Kadam.

The event celebrated the collective efforts of ‘The Address’ society in creating the urban forest and Oxygen Park, transforming it into a green sanctuary in the heart of Mumbai. During the program, bamboo toothbrushes were distributed to the residents of the housing society as a symbolic gesture, encouraging the adoption of sustainable materials in daily life.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote eco-friendly practices among citizens. Chief Minister Shinde praised the initiative, drawing parallels with the national ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized the critical importance of urban afforestation projects in combating global warming and addressing the climate crisis, particularly in densely populated urban centres like Mumbai.

Expressing concern over recent extreme weather patterns, including record temperatures of up to 52 degrees Celsius in Delhi this summer, Chief Minister Shinde underscored the urgent need for tree plantation as an essential strategy to protect the planet. He advocated for the widespread adoption of the ‘Ek Jhaad Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree in the Name of Mother) program, inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s vision.

This initiative encourages the planting of trees in memory of loved ones, contributing to a greener and healthier environment. The Chief Minister also stressed the role of urban afforestation in reducing pollution and enhancing environmental protection. He assured that the state government would provide necessary support, including tax reductions for housing societies that create projects like Oxygen Parks, to further incentivize such green initiatives. In conclusion, Chief Minister Shinde reiterated the critical need for collective action to combat the climate crisis and called on all citizens to actively participate in urban afforestation efforts.