Bhubaneswar: On World Environment Day, celebrated with great fervor at the OUAT Krishi Shiksha Sadan, Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ambitious target: the state government will plant 7.5 crore trees within the next year. This significant commitment underscores Odisha’s dedication to expanding its green cover and combating climate change.
Chief Minister Majhi, joined by Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia and Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja, personally participated in a test planting under the ‘Ek Peed Ma Ke Naam’ (One Tree in Mother’s Name) program at Krishi Shiksha Sadan. The event also featured an environment day exhibition, drawing students from across the state.
Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Forest Environment and Climate Change, Satyabrat Sahu delivered the welcome address.
PCCF and HoFF Suresh Pant, PCCF Wildlife, P K Jha, PCCF Nodal Dr. K. Murugesan, Chief Of CAMPA, G Rajesh, RPRC Chief S K Khora along with environmentalists and scientists were also present at the function.
In his address, Chief Minister Shri Majhi emphasized the critical need for environmental protection and climate change awareness, highlighting that a greener environment is essential for a healthy future. He specifically targeted the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, particularly single-use plastics, which he identified as a triple threat contributing to climate change, erosion, and pollution of water, land, and biodiversity. He called for a “mass movement” against plastic waste.
Further solidifying the state’s environmental agenda, the Chief Minister announced the launch of the State Clean Air Programme, aimed at reducing air pollution in urban areas. He affirmed the government’s active steps to ban single-use plastic, promote sustainable alternatives, and strengthen waste management systems.
Highlighting past successes, Chief Minister Shri Majhi noted that the state government has already planted over 6.5 crore trees under the ‘Ek Peed Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. He also proudly stated that Odisha has achieved a net increase of approximately 560 square kilometers in forest and tree cover, ranking fourth highest among all Indian states. The conservation efforts extend to wildlife, with Similipal officially recognized as the 107th National Park and the launch of the ‘Aam Similipal’ scheme with an expenditure of Rs 50 crore for wildlife and plant conservation.
The event also saw the felicitations of 185 ‘Prakriti Mitra’ and 211 ‘Prakriti Dutha’ awardees for their exemplary work in environmental protection, along with winners of the Eco-Model Exhibition and Best Eco Club awards.
To further disseminate crucial information and strategies, several key publications were launched, including the State Pollution Control Board FAQs Book, Coastal Health Status Report, Study on Water Efficiency in Thermal Power Plant, Fluoride in Aluminum Smelters Risk and Response, and the State Clean Air Programme-2025. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by State Pollution Control Board Member Secretary, Uma Nanduri.