Bhubaneswar: Odisha is preparing for a massive environmental conservation drive, with a target of planting 75 lakh saplings on a single day, September 17, as a tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday. The initiative is part of the second edition of the “Ek Peed Maa Ke Naam” campaign, which aims to plant a total of 7.5 crore trees across the state by the end of September.
Announced by Additional Chief Secretary Shri Satyabrat Sahu, the campaign will see banks contributing to the effort by planting 2 lakh saplings.
Shri Sahu also stated that districts and panchayats that perform the best in the plantation drive will be recognized and rewarded for their efforts. Principal Secretary Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Dr.Arabinda Kumar Padhee was present in the meeting.
The campaign is being executed as a “collective effort” involving multiple government departments, including Forest, Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Panchayati Raj, and Industries, as well as PSUs, NGOs, youth and voluntary organizations, schools, colleges, and women self-help groups.
To ensure the success and long-term sustainability of the initiative, the government is placing a strong emphasis on post-planting care and maintenance. Data and geo-tagged photos of the planted saplings will be uploaded to the MeriLife portal for monitoring and accountability. Panchayat officers have been empowered to oversee local implementation and supervision.
A diverse range of indigenous and fruit-bearing trees will be planted, including Neem, Karanja, Tentuli, Arjun, Peepal, Ou, Jamukoli, Mango, and Amla. The planting sites will include forests, villages, industrial areas, and community spaces.
Logistical support for the campaign is being managed through plantation staging centers set up at major district administrative centers or forest offices. These hubs will serve as collection, storage, and distribution points for the saplings, coordinating ground-level work with local Panchayati Raj institutions and forest guards.
The Information and Public Relations Department has been tasked with launching a broad publicity campaign to ensure the drive becomes a mass movement for environmental protection. The initiative is being promoted as both a tribute to the Prime Minister and a symbol of Odisha’s commitment to a sustainable and green future.