Maharashtra Forests Facing Dual Threats: Bureaucratic Delays and Deforestation

As of November 10, 2025, Maharashtra's forests are in a precarious state, facing a dual threat of bureaucratic delays and ongoing deforestation. According to official records, the state has notified 1,21,198 hectares of forest land for protection under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, but only 65,611 hectares have been granted full legal status as reserved forests. This means that 46% of the notified land remains in procedural limbo, leaving these areas vulnerable to degradation.

Independent data from Global Forest Watch shows that Maharashtra has lost 22,400 hectares of tree cover between 2001 and 2024, resulting in 10.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. The state has also seen a concerning rise in forest fires, with 1,358 fire alerts recorded in 2025 alone, primarily during the dry season. Over the past four years, Maharashtra has logged more than 52,000 fire alerts, further threatening the health of these vital ecosystems.

Environmentalists have called for the government to establish a dedicated monitoring system to track the pending notifications and coordinate better with district revenue departments. They also advocate for strengthening Community Forest Rights to empower local communities in conservation efforts. The delay in granting full legal protection, coupled with the ongoing loss of forest cover, has weakened Maharashtra's ability to withstand climate shocks, as these forests and mangroves play a crucial role as flood buffers and carbon sinks.