Bhubaneswar : On the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Odisha will mark a historic occasion by planting 75 lakh saplings on September 17 as a unique birthday gift. Students from all high schools and higher secondary schools across the state will actively participate in this massive plantation drive, said Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Shri Satyabrata Sahu.
Presiding over a high-level meeting today, Shri Sahu said students embody green consciousness. With their energy, enthusiasm, and collective efforts, they can make this massive tree plantation drive a lasting success and ensure long-term environmental protection. He emphasized that students play a vital role in inspiring their communities to join the plantation drive, acting as “green ambassadors” for this initiative.
“The tree plantation programme on September 17 is not just about increasing tree numbers in the state; it will serve as a model for a mass environmental movement. Students, as the most vibrant section of society, will lead this green revolution. With their determination and sense of responsibility, they can transform this one-day event into a long-term movement for a greener, safer, and healthier Odisha,” Shri Sahu added.
Around 15 lakh students from nearly 40,000 schools, guided by 2 lakh teachers, will plant saplings at pre-designated locations across the state. District Education Officers, Additional District Education Officers, Block Education Officers, and school headmasters will supervise the initiative.
Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department Dr. Arvind Padhi highlighted that students can nurture and protect trees as part of their personal responsibility. “Planting is just the beginning. Students must water, safeguard, and monitor the growth of the saplings over the next three years. The Horticulture Department will provide free indigenous fruit saplings and support their maintenance. We will also organize competitions on tree plantation and environmental awareness at the school level, awarding winners on September 17,” he said.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of School and Mass Education Department Mrs. Shalini Pandit said Community Development Officers and Education Officers will pre-assign which students plant saplings at specific locations. Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department Shri Girish S.N. added that 37,000 plantation sites have been finalized at the Panchayat level and banners will guide students to each location. Planting will take place from 5 am to 5 pm, and photos of the saplings will be uploaded on the Meri Life portal. Training for photo uploads is scheduled on September 11 at 11 am.
During the meeting, Chief Executive Officer of KAMPA Shri G. Rajesh presented details of Ek Peed Ma Ke Naam 2.0, particularly the September 17 plantation drive. State Project Director OSEPA Ananya Das and Director of Environment Shri K.S. Pradeep provided thoughtful suggestions. District Education Officers joined the meeting via video conference and shared updates on local preparations.
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