In a monumental push for environmental sustainability, Odisha is set to plant 75 lakh saplings on September 17, 2025, as part of the second edition of the *Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam* campaign.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday celebrations and aims to foster environmental awareness and conservation across the state. Notably, banks across Odisha will contribute by planting 2 lakh saplings on the same day, with top-performing districts and panchayats to be rewarded for their efforts.
During a high-level preparatory meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, the state outlined its ambitious plan to plant 7.5 crore trees by the end of September under this campaign. The initiative will see participation from various government departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), NGOs, youth organisations, schools, self-help groups, and local communities. The focus will not only be on planting but also on ensuring the survival and maintenance of the saplings, with geo-tagged photos and data uploaded to the *Merilife* portal for transparency and accountability.
The campaign will involve planting diverse species such as neem, karanja, tamarind, arjuna, peepal, and fruit-bearing trees like mango, jackfruit, and custard apple, across forests, rural areas, industrial zones, and community spaces. Local panchayats, schools, and volunteers will play a pivotal role in coordinating the effort, with district administrations overseeing logistics, including sapling distribution and site preparation. The initiative is designed as a collective movement, emphasising community ownership and long-term environmental stewardship.
Sahu highlighted that the campaign is more than just planting trees—it’s a tribute to PM Modi and a commitment to a greener, sustainable Odisha. To ensure success, the state has planned a robust media campaign through print, electronic, and social media to drive public participation. District collectors will coordinate with forest, agriculture, and panchayati raj departments to finalise planting sites and monitor post-plantation care for three years. The Information and Public Relations Department will spearhead awareness efforts, turning the campaign into a people’s movement.
The meeting saw participation from key officials, including Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Panchayati Raj Secretary Girish S.N., Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Suresh Pant, and other district collectors, who provided valuable inputs to ensure the campaign’s success.
Odisha’s *Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0* campaign underscores the state’s dedication to environmental conservation, aiming to create a lasting impact through collective action and meticulous planning.
