Mumbai: “Through modern arboriculture, we will establish ‘tree clinics’, include funding and policy for trees within municipal areas, and celebrate ‘tree literature’ and ‘tree festivals’,” declared Mumbai’s Guardian Minister and Minister for Information Technology and Culture, Ashish Shelar.
The Second International Arboriculture Conference — VrikshVardhan 2026 — themed ‘Growing Cities, Greener Canopies’, got underway at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai. Jointly organised by the Amenity Tree Care Association (ATCA) and Nanaji Deshmukh Pratishthan, the conference was graced by the special presence of Ashish Shelar. ATCA Directors Vaibhav Raje and Nakul Savani, Nanaji Deshmukh Pratishthan CEO Aryan Pandey and Chairman Sanjay Pandey were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Shelar said, “The problem of pollution is felt in Mumbai, Delhi and many cities around the world. Everywhere, a conflict between nature and humans is ongoing. It gives me satisfaction to see that this International Arboriculture Conference is finding environment-based solutions to all these problems. It is a reality that despite spending crores of rupees through traditional tree authorities, the expected results have not been achieved.”
He added, “Trees are a part of our country, our state and every culture. Just as humans can be treated, trees too can be treated — and I got to see a tree clinic at this conference. For the protection of the environment in future, arboriculture will be included in policy and the necessary expenditure will also be incurred.”
As the State’s Cultural Minister, Ashish Shelar put forward the concepts of Tree Literature and Tree Festival, and emphasised the need to promote scientific tree conservation and take Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ to every household and every individual.
Nanaji Deshmukh Pratishthan CEO Aryan Pandey presented the background and purpose behind organising the Arboriculture Conference.