Odisha to plant record 75 lakh saplings in single day on Prime Minister’s 75th birthday

Odisha sets target of 75 lakh saplings in one day under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign

Bhubaneswar, Sept 2025: In commemoration of the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the nationwide plantation drive “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”, the Odisha government has set an ambitious target of planting more than 75 lakh saplings in a single day.

Chairing a review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan today, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Shri Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said this initiative will make Odisha greener and more climate-resilient. He emphasized that trees play a crucial role in reducing pollution, improving the environment, mitigating climate change, and sustaining life.

“Planting is only the first step — nurturing saplings into full-grown trees is equally important. Special attention must be given to industrial belts like Jharsuguda, Talcher, and Kalinga Nagar, as well as regions with low rainfall and dry lands,” the Minister stressed.

Major Achievements So Far

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha has already made significant progress. In the last 45 days alone, the Forest Department has planted 4.7 crore saplings. Last year, the state planted 6.72 crore saplings, ranking 4th nationwide. This year, Odisha has set an even higher goal of 7.5 crore saplings.

Shri Singhkhuntia appreciated the tireless efforts of forest officials and staff, thanking them for their dedication in transforming Odisha into a greener state.

Community Participation Key

The Minister urged widespread community involvement in the plantation campaign. Participants include panchayats, students, youth groups, eco-clubs, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, women self-help groups, volunteers, and officials from departments such as Panchayati Raj, Agriculture, Industry, and Women & Child Development.

He also called upon every participant to document their activities by uploading photographs on the “Meri LiFE” portal, which will help track and showcase the campaign’s success.

Execution Plan for September 17

Shri Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, instructed all district and field officials to ensure that plantations are completed between sunrise and sunset on September 17. He further directed that data from the field must be uploaded promptly on the portal.

Meeting Attendance

The review meeting was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Suresh Pant, CAMPA CEO Shri G. Rajesh, senior officers, and all Divisional Forest Officers from across Odisha.

Saurav Pradhan
PRO, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department