By Sarat Paikray
75 Lakh Trees to be Planted: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will turn 75 on September 17 this year. To mark this special occasion and honour his remarkable contribution to the nation and particularly to Odisha, the state government has announced an ambitious campaign to plant 75 lakh trees across the state in a single day.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made this announcement while chairing a preparatory meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan today regarding the ongoing ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
It may be noted that Prime Minister Modi had launched the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative last year. In its second edition, titled Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0, the campaign is being held from June 5 to September 30, 2025, with a statewide target of planting at least 7.5 crore saplings. As a part of this mega drive, 75 lakh saplings will be planted across Odisha on a single day — September 17 — as a symbolic gift from the people of Odisha to the Prime Minister.
Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister Majhi said the campaign has evolved into a public movement. Odisha had exceeded its target last year by planting 6.72 crore saplings and secured the fourth position nationally. This year, the state aims to plant 7.5 crore saplings, including 75 lakh on one single day — a feat that could set a new record.
To ensure the campaign’s success, the Chief Minister called for active participation not only from the Forest and Agriculture departments but also from various government departments, PSUs, NGOs, youth associations, and voluntary organizations. Panchayati Raj Institutions, schools, colleges, and Self Help Groups will also play a crucial role, he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for widespread publicity and awareness to turn the campaign into a mass movement for environmental protection. He directed the Information and Public Relations Department to carry out an impactful outreach initiative.
Plantation alone is not enough, said the CM — post-plantation care, protection, and monitoring are equally vital. He urged all government employees and citizens to take ownership and responsibility for the trees they plant. Trees such as Neem, Karanja, Tamarind, Arjun, Harida, Bahada, Jackfruit, Palmyra, Peepal, Banyan Tree , Ashoka, Jamun, Kadamba, Amla, Debdaru, Sunari, and Chakunda have been identified for plantation in forests, villages, roadside areas, and individual premises.
Additionally, the CM directed that photos and data of the plantations be uploaded to the Meri Life portal. Panchayat officers in rural areas will oversee and accelerate the plantation drive, ensuring proper monitoring and execution. He also proposed a reward mechanism to recognize outstanding performances at individual and group levels.
The Chief Minister further stated that fruit-bearing trees suitable to local agro-climatic conditions should be distributed to the public.
Among those present in the meeting were Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of Information & Public Relations Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary to CM Shashwat Mishra, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Suresh Panth, PCCF (Wildlife) P.K. Jha, Principal Secretary of Women & Child Development Shubha Sharma, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Commissioner and Secretary S.N. Girish, School & Mass Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shalini Pandit, and Director of I&PR Department Anuj Das Pattnaik.
