Odisha captivates world with massive plantation drive in single day

Around 1.5 Crore Saplings Planted in Just 12 Hours: Odisha Breaks Records, Sets New Global Benchmark Sundergarh tops the chart with over 14 lakh saplings

Bhubaneswar, Sept 2025: In a historic and unprecedented achievement, Odisha has planted nearly 1.5 crore saplings within just 12 hours, setting a new global record and a landmark in environmental activism. This extraordinary feat reflects the people’s deep devotion to both their mother and motherland.

Odisha has once again shown the world that when united by purpose, its citizens can turn even the loftiest vision into reality. From building the Konark Sun Temple centuries ago to now leading the globe in afforestation, the people of Odisha have proven their unmatched potential. September 17, 2025, will forever be etched in history as the day when a simple act of tree planting blossomed into a movement of hope, harmony, and global inspiration.

Campaign of Hope and Action

The record-breaking plantation drive was conducted under the nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam – 2.0”, launched to mark the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi had appealed to citizens to plant 75 lakh saplings between sunrise and sunset. The response was overwhelming — with nearly 1.5 crore saplings planted by 4:30 PM, double the original target.

This historic achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of government departments, voluntary organizations, educational institutions, students, youth groups, and ordinary citizens across the state.

Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Shri Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia expressed deep gratitude, saying:
“Odisha is turning pledges into flourishing forests, hope into shade, and activism into enduring life. Beyond numbers, this drive reflects our commitment to a greener, cleaner, and self-reliant Odisha.”

Breaking Past Records

To put this accomplishment into perspective:

• Madhya Pradesh previously held a record with 11 lakh saplings planted in one day.
• Assam followed with 9.26 lakh saplings.

Odisha’s achievement of 1.49 crore saplings in half a day has set a new global humanitarian record, one that will inspire generations.

District-Wise Highlights

By 4:30 PM, a total of 1,49,11,339 saplings had been planted across 30 districts at 71,924 plantation sites.

• Sundergarh led with 14,21,618 saplings.
• Koraput followed with 11,01,624 saplings.
• Keonjhar stood third with 10,42,927 saplings.
• Mayurbhanj (9,17,659) and Kalahandi (7,67,510) rounded off the top five.
• Deogarh recorded the lowest plantation with 1,31,885 saplings.

Beyond Numbers

While the statistics are impressive, the larger vision stands out — building an ecologically secure, climate-resilient, and prosperous Odisha for future generations.

Saurav Pradhan
PRO, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department