Bhubaneswar, Odisha : In a bid to strengthen environmental conservation and mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, the Odisha government has announced a state-wide tree plantation campaign under the initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0.” The drive will witness paramilitary forces planting two lakh saplings across the state on September 17, 2025, with each village targeted to plant 150 saplings.
A high-level preparatory meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Forest & Environment Department, Mr. Satyabrata Sahu, with participation from top officials including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Suresh Panth, PCCF (Kendu Leaf) Smt. Uma Nanduri, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF and NCC leaders, and senior officers from forestry and environmental departments.
The plantation drive will involve multiple agencies and stakeholders. BSF will plant 40,000 saplings in districts including Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Koraput, and Khordha, while CRPF and ITBP will contribute 50,000 saplings collectively. NCC cadets, school and college students, Anganwadi workers, and volunteers from Nehru Yuva Kendra will plant an additional 1 lakh saplings across the state.
The Department of Agriculture and Horticulture will supply 23 lakh saplings, including fruit-bearing and climate-resilient species such as neem, tamarind, guava, mango, jackfruit, and ber. The state’s art and industry departments will contribute another 15 lakh saplings, ensuring broad community participation. All saplings will be geo-tagged and documented on the MeriLiFE portal for long-term monitoring and care.
This campaign emphasizes local species selection, climate resilience, and post-plantation care, aiming to transform it into a people-driven environmental movement. The initiative also engages panchayats, NGOs, youth organizations, and self-help groups, fostering grassroots environmental stewardship across Odisha.
With a target of planting 75 lakh saplings in a single day, this initiative underscores Odisha’s commitment to environmental protection, sustainable development, and community engagement.
