Odisha sets world record by planting 1.5 crore saplings in a single day

Bhubaneswar, Sep 17 (UNI) In a historic and unprecedented achievement, Odisha today captured global attention by planting approximately 1.5 crore saplings in just 12 hours.

The state demonstrated that when united by purpose, its citizens can surpass even the loftiest goals. From building the iconic Konark Sun Temple to setting a world record in environmental activism, Odisha’s people have once again showcased their extraordinary potential.

September 17, 2025, will be remembered not only in India’s history but also as a global milestone, where a simple act of planting saplings blossomed into a powerful movement of hope and harmony.
This monumental effort was conducted under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam – 2.0” campaign, commemorating the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had called upon the citizens to plant 75 lakh saplings between sunrise and sunset.

Official sources confirmed that the response was overwhelming, with around 1.5 crore saplings planted in just half a day, far exceeding the target. By 4:30 PM,
Odisha had not only achieved a staggering number of plantations but also secured its place in the world records.

The success was made possible through the combined efforts of government departments, voluntary organisations, educational institutions, students, and countless citizens.
Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia expressed heartfelt gratitude and said Odisha is steadily turning pledges into flourishing forests, hope into shade, and activism into enduring life.
To put Odisha’s achievement into perspective, previous records were held by Madhya Pradesh with 11 lakh saplings planted in a single day and Assam with 9.26 lakh saplings. Odisha’s feat far surpasses these, establishing a new humanitarian and environmental benchmark.
While the numbers are impressive, Minister Singkhuntia emphasised that the larger vision matters most—building a cleaner, greener, more prosperous, and self-reliant Odisha for future generations.
By 4:30 PM, a total of 1,49,11,339 seedlings were planted across 30 districts, spanning 71,924 plantation sites, highlighting a massive drive toward afforestation and ecological restoration.
Sundergarh district topped the list with 14,21,618 seedlings followed by Koraput: 11,01,624 seedlings Keonjhar( 10,42,927 seedlings), Mayurbhanj( 9,17,659 seedlings) and Kalahandi
(7,67,510 seedlings)

This record-breaking plantation drive marks a significant step toward environmental sustainability and sets an inspiring example for the world.