Bhubaneswar: To make the 75th birthday (September 17) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi special and memorable, the Odisha government has announced an unprecedented green campaign. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that 75 lakh saplings will be planted across the state in a single day. This campaign will not only promote environmental protection but will also be a tribute gift from the people of Odisha to the Prime Minister.
In a review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhavan, the Chief Minister reviewed the preparations for this mega plantation program with departmental officials, District Magistrates and Forest Department officials. The Chief Minister said, “This is not just plantation, but a symbol of respecting the life of the Prime Minister and his incomparable contribution.” Every section will be connected with public participation
The Chief Minister appealed to all citizens, public representatives, government and non-government organizations, schools, colleges, Anganwadi workers, NSS, NYKS, self-help groups and youth to participate in this campaign. He said, “Every person should plant a tree and upload its picture on the ‘Meri Life’ portal and social media. They will also get a digital certificate for this.”
Targets assigned to departments
To make this mega campaign successful, the state government has assigned plantation targets to various departments:
Forest Department: 15 lakh
Panchayati Raj Department: 34 lakh
Agriculture Department: 23 lakh
Industry Department: 15 lakh
Police and paramilitary forces: 5.2 lakh
Banks and financial institutions: 2 lakh
Apart from this, about 2 lakh teachers, 15 lakh students, 76 thousand Anganwadi workers, 17 thousand Asha workers, 10 thousand eco clubs, 17,500 forest protection committees, and 1 lakh NSS volunteers will participate in the campaign.
So far 4.65 crore saplings have been planted
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and Additional Secretary Satyabrata Sahu said that so far 4.65 crore saplings have been planted in Odisha in the year 2025. The target of planting 75 lakh saplings on September 17 is completely practical. To ensure the quality and monitoring of the campaign, it will be implemented in ‘election mode’.
Step towards development with environment
The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign is not only an emotional bond but also an inspiration to promote greenery. Last year, Odisha had secured fourth place in the country by planting 6.72 crore saplings under this initiative. This year a target has been set to plant 7.5 crore saplings.
