‘Task for Maha to get 11 cr saplings in three months'
Mumbai: As part of the 'Green Maharashtra' initiative, chief minister
Devendra Fadnavis
declared an ambitious plan to plant 11 crore saplings in three months, but the big challenge before the administration will be to procure such a large number of saplings.
"It is expected the exercise will have to be completed before monsoon, and before that we will have to procure the saplings and plant them across the state. It will be a challenging task," a revenue official said.
According to the presentation made before the CM on Wednesday, the forest department will provide 1.8 crore saplings – 1.04 crore from its own units and 76 lakh from the social forestry wing, while the rest will have to be procured by other departments from their own funds. "Non-forest departments will have to purchase saplings from their own funds," he said. The official said while a new target of 11 crore has been set up, Fadnavis must ask the forest department the status of the tree plantation drive last year.
— Prafulla Marpakwar
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Eid wishes
,
messages
, and
quotes
!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Indian students made up one in four international students in US in 2024: ICE report
Indian students accounted for nearly 27% of all international students in the United States in 2024, according to the latest report by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The report, titled SEVIS by the Numbers 2024, shows that 4.2 lakh Indian students were actively enrolled in the US, marking an 11.8% increase from 2023. This growth helped push the total number of foreign students in the US to 15.8 lakh — a 5.3% rise over the previous year. As per a report by Lubna Kably in the Times of India, the data comes from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a tool used by the US Department of Homeland Security to track foreign students. F-1 visas are issued for academic programs, while M-1 visas are used for vocational training. Asia remained the largest source region, with nearly 11 lakh students — making up 72% of the total foreign student population. India and China were the two top source countries. While Indian student numbers rose sharply, China saw a slight decline of 0.25%, with 3.2 lakh students in 2024. The ICE report highlights that more than 90% of foreign students — about 14.3 lakh — were enrolled in higher education degree programs. California and New York were the top destinations for international students, hosting 2.37 lakh and 1.72 lakh students respectively. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) However, new data for the March 2024 to March 2025 period suggests a sharp reversal in trend. Chris R. Glass, a professor at Boston College, studied SEVIS data and reported an 11.3% drop in total active international student records. The number fell from 11.53 lakh in March 2024 to 10.22 lakh in March 2025. Live Events You Might Also Like: Columbia Crisis: Trump's crackdown sends chill through Indian students Indian student numbers dropped significantly by 28%, from 3.54 lakh to 2.55 lakh. In contrast, Chinese student numbers rose slightly to 2.63 lakh, an increase of 3.28%. Glass said, 'The current year-over-year decline is a reflection of an enrollment cycle that began under the Biden administration, so the March 2025 numbers have yet to reflect any impacts of policies implemented under the second Trump administration.' Experts point to several reasons for the recent fall in Indian student numbers — including the arbitrary termination of F-1 visas and SEVIS records, legal uncertainties, delays in consular services due to planned social media scrutiny rules, doubts about the continuation of the STEM-OPT program, and widespread layoffs in the US job market. These factors could push student numbers further down in 2026. Despite recent declines, Indian students continue to lead in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. In 2024, nearly 1.65 lakh international students received a two-year STEM OPT extension after graduation. Of these, 48% were Indian students and 20.4% were Chinese. You Might Also Like: UK tightens student visa rules: Shorter stays, stricter checks, fewer perks The number of OPT students overall also increased. About 1.94 lakh international students in 2024 had employment authorization and were working in the US under the OPT program, a 21.1% rise from 2023. These figures reflect both the growing interest of Indian students in the US and the challenges they now face amid changing visa policies and immigration uncertainties. You Might Also Like: Indian students look beyond the 'Big 4' for study-abroad dreams
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
NTPC Korba wins 'Champion Award' for environmental sustainability
RAIPUR: NTPC Korba has received the "Champion (Outstanding)" award in the 'Environment Sustainability' category under the 'Power (Inclusive Renewables)' sector at the 19th EXCEED Environment, CSR & HR Awards 2025. The Sustainable Development Foundation (EKDKN), a non-governmental organisation, conferred the award. The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Government of India, supported the event. EKDKN focuses on environmental protection, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and human resource development. This recognition highlights NTPC Korba's commitment to sustainable environmental practices, renewable energy integration, and inclusive growth. The EXCEED Awards recognise organisations demonstrating excellence in environmental sustainability, occupational health and safety, renewable energy, oil and gas, HR, and CSR. NTPC Korba has undertaken various environmental conservation initiatives, including afforestation, emission reduction, water management, fly ash utilisation, and green energy adoption. This award validates NTPC's vision of becoming a leading sustainable power producer and a responsible corporate citizen. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The Sustainable Development Foundation (Ek Kaam Desh Ke Naam), founded in 2007, works towards social upliftment across India. Through platforms like the EXCEED Awards, it aims to inspire, recognise, and reward excellence in practices that contribute to sustainable development and nation-building. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) to host first-ever excellence awards in Visakhapatnam on June 10
VISAKHAPATNAM : The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) will host its first-ever 'FAPCCI Excellence 2025' awards ceremony in Visakhapatnam city on June 10 at Hotel Grand Bay. The announcement was made by FAPCCI President Kankatala Mallikharjuna Rao at a press conference held in the city on Saturday. Andhra Pradesh Minister for Industry and Commerce TG Bharath and Visakhapatnam MP M Sribharat will grace the event as chief guests and present the awards to the winners. Mallikharjuna Rao said the awards were instituted to foster a culture of excellence, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in the State. 'We received over 90 nominations across 11 categories, including agro and aqua industries, MSMEs, CSR initiatives, start-ups, innovation, green energy, rural entrepreneurship, and women-led enterprises,' he said. The awardees were selected by an independent jury chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar. The panel included Aditya Nath Das, Chief Advisor to the Government of AP, Srini Raju, Promoter of Sri City Pvt. Ltd, M Chandrasekhar, Director of IIM-Visakhapatnam, and Janaki Ramachandran from Krea University. Highlighting the credibility of the process, Mallikharjuna Rao said the jury followed a rigorous and transparent selection mechanism, with a strong emphasis on impact and innovation. 'This is not merely about honouring achievements,' he added, 'but about placing Andhra Pradesh firmly on the national and global industrial map through the power of recognition and encouragement.' He expressed optimism that the initiative would serve as a catalyst for industrial growth, attract investment, and inspire a new generation of enterprises to strive for global competitiveness. Also present at the press meet were CV Atchut Rao, Founder President of FAPCCI; Vice President A. Satyanarayana; and Managing Committee Members Ch. Kishore Kumar and Dr. Hema Garigipati, who expressed their full support to the initiative. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
