Odisha to plant 75L saplings on Modi’s birthday: CM Majhi

Bhubaneswar, July 31 (UNI) As a tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to Odisha’s development and his goodwill toward the people of the state, Odisha will plant 75 lakh saplings on September 17, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced today .

Chairing a preparatory meeting on the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign at Lok Seva Bhawan, Majhi said the plantation drive will serve as a symbolic gift from the people of Odisha to the Prime Minister on his birthday.

The Chief Minister recalled that during his visit to Odisha last year—coinciding with his birthday—PM Modi launched the Subhadra Yojana in honour of mothers.

He emphasised that the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative was also launched by the Prime Minister last year and has since gained momentum as a people’s movement.

Majhi informed that the second edition of the campaign, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’, will run from June 5 to September 30, with a statewide target of planting 7.5 crore saplings.

“Last year, Odisha exceeded its target and ranked fourth in the country by planting 6.72 crore saplings. This year’s goal of 7.5 crore trees—including 75 lakh in a single day—will be a record,” Majhi stated.

He said that while the Forest Department and the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department will lead the campaign, wider participation from government departments, PSUs, NGOs, youth groups, and voluntary organisations is essential for success.

The Chief Minister also urged involvement from Panchayats, schools, colleges, and self-help groups, highlighting their vital role in mobilizing grassroots support.

Majhi instructed the Information and Public Relations Department to launch a massive publicity campaign to turn the plantation drive into a public movement for environmental protection.

He stressed that each government employee and citizen should take responsibility for maintaining and caring for the saplings after planting.

Suggested species for plantation include Neem, Karanj, Tentuli, Phasi, Arjun, Harida, Bahada, Pansa, Tal, Pijuli, Krishnachuda, Peepal, Barbacha, Ashok, Jamu, Kadamba, Amla, Deodaru, Sunari, Chakunda, and others, which will be planted in rural forests, along roadsides, and on individual plots.

The Chief Minister directed that photos and data of the plantation be uploaded on the Meri Life portal, and instructed Panchayat officers to expedite and closely monitor the plantation activities in their respective areas.