In a pioneering move to revive degraded forest land without using government funds, the Alibag Forest Division is set to implement a new initiative titled “Majhe Van” (My Forest), conceptualized by Deputy Conservator of Forests Rahul Patil. The scheme will be officially launched on May 22 by Maharashtra’s Forest Minister Ganesh Naik through a symbolic tree plantation at Compartment No. 50A in Mouje Jumapatti, Karjat Taluka (Matheran Range).

The unique scheme encourages all serving forest officials to voluntarily adopt one acre of forest land within their jurisdiction and plant native trees of their choice during the 2025 monsoon season—at their own cost. Each officer will also be responsible for the maintenance and protection of their designated patch. Officers are allowed to name their adopted plot, adding a personal touch to the initiative.

With 338 active field officers in the Alibag Division—including 1 Deputy Conservator, 2 Assistant Conservators, 12 Range Forest Officers, 74 Circle Officers, and 249 Beat Officers—the scheme aims to cover approximately 338 acres of degraded land this monsoon.

Officials believe that the Majhe Van scheme will lead to more focused and personalized forest restoration efforts, significantly improving green cover in degraded areas.

The Alibag Forest Division spans 11 forest ranges—Alibag, Vadkhal, Pen, Panvel, Uran, Khalapur, Karjat East, Karjat West, Matheran, Sudhagad, and Nagothane—covering a total forest area of 1,065.61 square kilometers.