Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable tribute to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on his 75th birth anniversary on September 17, the State of Odisha, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, has announced an ambitious and rare feat: the planting of 75 lakh saplings in a single day.
This massive undertaking, named ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0,’ is a testament to both a deep sense of gratitude for the Prime Minister and a strong commitment to environmental conservation. The initiative aims to blanket the state in new greenery, with saplings taking root in every corner of Odisha, from rural villages to industrial hubs.
A high-level preparatory meeting, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Shri Satyabrat Sahu, laid out a meticulous, multi-departmental plan to achieve this monumental target. The plan involves a coordinated effort across several key government bodies to ensure the successful planting and long-term care of the saplings.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries, Information and Public Relations Department Shri Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department Dr. Arbinda Padhee, Secretary of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department Shri Girish S. N., Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Suresh Pant, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Shri Prem Kumar Jha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests(Kendu Leaf) Shrimati Uma Nanduri, Chief Conservator of Forests Shri G. Rajesh, Director of Information and Public Relations Shri Anuj Kumar Das Patnaik, all the District Collectors and other concerned departmental officials participated and gave their well-considered suggestions and proposals.
Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department is at the forefront of the campaign, with a target of planting 15 lakh saplings from its 2025-26 afforestation goal. The department will supply over 33.97 lakh saplings free of cost to the Panchayati Raj Department, specifically for planting at the Gram Panchayat (GP) level. The saplings, which will be mainly of fruit-bearing, flowering, and multi-purpose species, are being meticulously prepared and will be supplied to GPs by September 10, 2025. Forest officers will play a crucial role in identifying suitable plantation sites, providing nursery maps, and ensuring the saplings are supplied on time.
With a target of planting 33.97 lakh saplings, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department will implement the initiative at the grassroots level through Panchayat Institutions under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The entire process, from selecting planting sites with the approval of the Gram Sabha to three years of post-planting maintenance, will be managed by the GPs. Panchayat-level teams comprising beneficiaries like Eco-Club teachers, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, WSHGs, and My Bharat volunteers will be mobilized for the campaign. The department will also be responsible for uploading planting data and geo-tagged photos to the Merilife portal on the day of the event.
Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department will contribute significantly to the total by planting 23 lakh saplings. The Directorate of Soil Conservation and Watershed will be responsible for 10 lakh of these saplings, while the Directorate of Horticulture will handle the remaining 13 lakh. Both directorates will finalize planting locations and distribute the saplings to ensure their timely plantation on September 17.
To promote green belts in industrial areas, the Industries Department has been given a target of planting 15 lakh saplings. This effort will encourage Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and industries to plant on their premises. The department will finalize the requirements and locations, and in collaboration with the Forest Department, will ensure saplings are provided, with industries arranging their own if needed. This initiative will not only contribute to the plantation drive but will also foster a culture of environmental responsibility within the industrial sector.
This unprecedented ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ scheme is more than just a massive tree-planting drive; it is a symbol of a grateful state honoring the respected leader with a gift that benefits all of nature.
The campaign is a powerful merger of patriotic sentiment, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment, showcasing a united effort to create a greener, more sustainable future for Odisha and the nation.