Under Article 48A of the Directive Principles of State Policy, The State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. In addition, under 51A(g) of the Fundamental Duties of India, it shall be the duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. The State Government of Maharashtra has taken up the 50 crore plantation program intended to increase the forest cover in the state from the current 20% to the nationally mandated 33% of Maharashtra's land area. Insufficient manpower with the Forest Department calls for the initiative of Green Army.
To ensure partnership from people of all walks of life, an initiative has been taken for an on-line channel for public engagement, partnership, sharing and dissemination.