Odisha embarks on green initiative to plant 75 lakh saplings in a single day as PM Modi turns 75

In commemoration of the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the national tree plantation campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”, the Odisha Government has embarked on an ambitious green initiative of planting more than 75 lakh saplings in a single day.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi planted saplings at Ekamra College here to launch the mission, which is being seen as the largest plantation drive ever undertaken in the state.

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The plantation of this nature will go a long way in protecting the environment, which is bearing the brunt of pollution. It will help make the state greener and more climate-resilient, CM Majhi said on the occasion.

Till 1 pm, around 55 lakh saplings have already been planted across the state. By daybreak, the target of planting 75 lakh trees will be achieved, said an official.

Trees are very important for life on Earth, as they help reduce pollution, improve the environment, stop climate change, and protect all living beings. Just planting saplings is not enough—we must also take good care of them so they grow into healthy trees, with special focus on industrial areas like Jharsuguda, Talcher, and Kalinga Nagar, and places with less rainfall or dry land, said Majhi.

Last year, Odisha planted 6.72 crore saplings under the same campaign and ranked 4th in the country. This year, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the state has set a bigger target of 7.5 crore saplings. In the past 45 days, the department has already planted 4.7 crore saplings, Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said.

The Government has sought voluntary involvement of everyone in the campaign—including panchayats, school and college students, youth, forest protection and eco groups, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, women self-help groups, volunteers, and officials from various departments like Panchayati Raj, Agriculture, Industry, Women & Child Development, etc. And the involvement of large sections is paying dividends as the plantation drive is progressing fast, said an official.