In a landmark initiative to mark the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Odisha government will launch a massive tree plantation drive on September 17, aiming to plant 75 lakh saplings across the state.
The campaign will be led by 15 lakh students from over 40,000 high schools and higher secondary schools, supported by 2 lakh teachers.
Presiding over a high-level meeting, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Shri Satyabrata Sahu, emphasized that students are the “green ambassadors” of this movement. “This is not just a plantation programme—it’s a green revolution,” he said, highlighting the long-term environmental impact and the role of youth in driving change.
The initiative will be coordinated by District Education Officers, with support from Additional District Education Officers, Block Education Officers, and Headmasters. Saplings will be planted at 37,000 designated Panchayat-level locations between 5 am and 5 pm. Photos of the planted saplings will be uploaded to the Meri Life portal, with training for this process scheduled on September 11.
Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, Dr. Arvind Padhi, stressed the importance of nurturing the saplings post-plantation. The Horticulture Department will provide free indigenous fruit saplings and oversee their care for the next three years. Competitions on environmental awareness will also be held in schools, with prizes awarded on the day of the event.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of School and Mass Education Department, Mrs. Shalini Pandit, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, Shri Girish S.N., outlined logistical plans and coordination efforts. CEO of KAMPA, Shri G. Rajesh, presented details of the Ek Peed Ma Ke Naam 2.0 campaign, reinforcing the scale and vision of the initiative.
This student-led drive is expected to set a national benchmark for environmental action and community participation.
