Prithviraj Chavan calls for a new 'Green Revolution' in Maharashtra

Saying that tree-cover in the state must increase, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan today called for a new "green revolution".

Speaking at the `Vanashree Awards' distribution function in Pune, Chavan said, "Against the backdrop of increasing pollution, each city should have its own forest."

"Today the state has only 10 to 14% forest cover. It should increase to 20 to 25%. We can get at least Rs4000 crore from Centre to implement environmental projects, but we have to work hard on this front."

He promised civic bodies all help for implementing `city forest' scheme, which aims at increasing green cover in urban areas.

Social forestry department gives away Vanashree awards to the individuals and organisations who contribute to tree plantation.

The chief minister gave away awards to altogether 261 persons/organisations for the years 2007 and 2008.