Odisha to plant 75 lakh saplings on PM Modi’s 75th birthday on Sep 17

Bhubaneswar, Sep 9 (UNI) Odisha is set to create a unique record on September 17 by planting 75 lakh saplings to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday.

The plantation drive will be a symbolic gift to the Prime Minister, officials announced.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Satyabrata Sahu, said the massive programme would see the participation of students from all high schools and higher secondary schools across the state.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, Sahu described students as “torchbearers of green consciousness.” Their collective energy and commitment, he said, would ensure the success of the plantation drive and help strengthen long-term environmental protection. Students would also inspire communities to participate, acting as “Green Ambassadors.”
“The September 17 initiative is not just about increasing tree numbers—it is about building a mass movement for environmental conservation,” Sahu emphasised.

Nearly 15 lakh students from about 40,000 schools, guided by two lakh teachers, will plant saplings at designated locations on September 17 under the supervision of District Education Officers.
Additional District Education Officers, Block Education Officers and headmasters will coordinate the effort.

Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, Dr. Arabinda Padhee, said students would play a crucial role not only in plantation but also in protecting and nurturing the trees.

“Planting alone is not enough. Students should take responsibility for watering, safeguarding and caring for the saplings until they grow,” he stressed. The Horticulture Department will provide free indigenous fruit-bearing saplings for the drive.

To spread awareness, various competitions on themes related to the environment and plantation will be organised at the school level, and winners will be felicitated on September 17.

School & Mass Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shalini Pandit said the location for plantation by each school would be finalised in advance by Block Development Officers and Education Officers.
Panchayati Raj Commissioner-cum-Secretary Girish S.N. informed that 37,000 plantation sites have already been identified across the state at the panchayat level.

The drive will take place from 5AM. to 5PM . on September 17, with photos of plantations uploaded on the “Meri Life” portal. Training for uploading will be held on September 11.

During the meeting, Green India Mission (CAMPA) CEO G. Rajesh presented detailed plans under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0, highlighting the plantation programme.

OSEPA State Project Director Ananya Das and Environment Director K.S. Pradeep also shared suggestions. District Education Officers from all districts joined virtually to review preparations.