Bhubaneswar: In a monumental display of environmental commitment, the State of Odisha has planted a record-breaking number of trees in a single day as part of a massive afforestation drive. The state government, along with thousands of volunteers and community groups, successfully planted over 1.06 crore saplings, a new milestone in its ongoing green initiatives.
The historic plantation drive, part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign, was conducted across all 30 districts of the state. The initiative, which has gained momentum since its inception, aims to honor both birth mothers and Mother Earth by increasing Odisha’s green cover and combating the effects of climate change.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi hailed the achievement as a “people’s movement” and a proud moment for the state. “This incredible effort reflects our collective commitment to a greener and more climate-resilient Odisha,” he said. “Exceeding our target of 75 lakh saplings in a single day is a testament to the dedication of our people and officials. It shows that when we work together, we can make a real difference for our environment and for future generations.”
In a remarkable feat of environmental stewardship, Odisha’s Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of Home, Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Shri Satyabrata Sahu, was at the helm of a massive afforestation drive that saw the planting of over 1.06 crore trees in a single day.
This unprecedented achievement was the culmination of a meticulously planned and executed operation that spanned over 45 days, a testament to the state’s “war footing” approach to combating climate change and enhancing its green cover.
The campaign saw widespread participation from various segments of society, including government departments, school students, self-help groups, and local community members. The Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, along with other key departments like Panchayati Raj and Agriculture, led the charge, ensuring saplings were strategically planted in rural and urban areas, as well as industrial hubs.
The planted saplings, which included a mix of fruit-bearing and climate-resilient species, will be geo-tagged on the “Meri LiFE” portal for real-time monitoring and care. Officials emphasized that the success of the drive will now depend on the proper nurturing of these young trees to ensure their long-term survival.
This record-breaking feat is part of a larger plan by the Odisha government to plant a total of 7.5 crore saplings throughout the year. The state has already made significant progress in this regard, with millions of saplings already planted in recent months. The success of this single-day plantation drive further solidifies Odisha’s position as a leader in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Senior officials involved in the initiative have lauded ACS Shri Sahu’s hands-on leadership, noting his daily monitoring of activities to ensure every aspect of the project, from sapling procurement to site selection and community engagement, was on track. This vigilant oversight played a crucial role in the successful outcome of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign.
The drive was not just a one-day event but a well-oiled machine operating with precision. ACS Shri Sahu’s unwavering commitment and daily check-ins with various departments and on-ground teams ensured seamless coordination and swift resolution of any challenges.
This proactive and diligent approach, as acknowledged by officials, was instrumental in mobilizing thousands of volunteers and government workers, turning a seemingly daunting task into a resounding success and setting a new benchmark for environmental initiatives in the country.