Maharashtra’s Economic Survey Reveals Mixed Environmental Trends

Maharashtra’s recent Economic Survey for 2025-26 indicates a complex ecological landscape, highlighting both improvements in tree cover and wildlife conservation alongside significant challenges in forest degradation and rising pollution levels in major rivers. The survey was presented to the state legislature on March 6, 2025.

The report reveals that Maharashtra’s total forest cover is currently at 50,859 square kilometers, representing 16.5 percent of the state’s total geographical area of 307,713 square kilometers. This figure remains well below the 33 percent benchmark established by the National Forest Policy. Notably, the state has experienced a reduction of 54.47 square kilometers in forest cover since the last assessment in 2021.

Understanding the difference between “forest area” and “tree cover” is crucial in evaluating environmental health. The forest area is designated by the government as forest land, which may include regions with sparse vegetation, while tree cover consists of smaller patches of trees and scattered trees outside of recorded forests. Maharashtra leads the nation in tree cover outside forests, with 14,525 square kilometers identified, equating to 4.7 percent of its land area. This represents a steady increase from 10,806 square kilometers in 2019 to 12,108 square kilometers in 2021 and up to 14,525 square kilometers in 2023, largely attributed to social forestry and urban greening initiatives.

Despite these gains, environmental analysts caution that increased tree cover does not compensate for the ecological losses associated with natural forest degradation. The survey classifies Maharashtra’s forests by canopy density, revealing that 19.4 percent are very dense, 42.4 percent are moderately dense, and 38.2 percent are open forests.

The survey also highlights environmental pressures such as industrialisation and urban expansion, which contribute to climate anomalies, including rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns. However, some ecological indicators have seen improvements. Maharashtra boasts 315.09 square kilometers of mangrove cover, constituting approximately 6.3 percent of India’s total mangrove area. The state has designated 11,548 hectares of mangroves as reserved forests to enhance protection.

Wildlife conservation efforts appear to have yielded positive results, with the tiger population in Maharashtra increasing from 312 tigers in 2018 to 444 tigers in 2022.

In stark contrast, the survey raises alarm over water pollution and waste management issues. Major rivers, including the Mithi in Mumbai and the Mula-Mutha in Pune, continue to suffer from severe ecological stress. Data from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board indicates that the Mithi river has dangerously high pollution levels, with a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of 101.8 mg per litre and faecal coliform levels reaching 1,882.2 mg per litre. The Mula-Mutha river similarly shows high levels of BOD and faecal coliform, underscoring the ongoing contamination from untreated sewage and urban runoff.

The survey attributes a significant portion of river pollution to inadequate sewage treatment capabilities, noting that only 51.4 percent of sewage generated in the state was treated by December 2025. This shortfall leads to nearly half of the wastewater being discharged untreated into rivers and water bodies.

On a more positive note, the state has shown progress in managing solid waste. Out of 544,000 metric tonnes of solid waste generated daily in 2024-25, approximately 81.8 percent was treated. Initiatives like the ‘Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyaan,’ which involves over 27,000 gram panchayats, aim to enhance environmental awareness and expand green cover across the state.

While these initiatives are producing tangible improvements in areas such as tree plantations and wildlife conservation, the survey’s findings suggest they have not yet fully addressed the environmental pressures resulting from rapid economic growth and urbanization. The need for comprehensive approaches to tackle pollution and enhance ecological resilience in Maharashtra remains urgent.