In a monumental push for environmental conservation, Odisha is gearing up for a one-day tree plantation drive on September 17, 2025, aiming to plant 75 lakh saplings across the state to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday.
Spearheaded by the Central Paramilitary Forces, this ambitious initiative under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign seeks to transform the state’s green cover by planting 150 saplings in every village.
The plan was finalised in a high-level meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, attended by key officials from the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department, alongside representatives from BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, and NCC. The campaign will see diverse participation from schools, colleges, NGOs, self-help groups, and local communities, turning it into a mass movement for environmental sustainability.
The Central Paramilitary Forces will lead the charge, with BSF and CRPF each planting 40,000 saplings in districts like Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Khordha, while ITBP and CISF will contribute 10,000 saplings each. The NCC will mobilise 60,000 cadets to plant 1 lakh saplings across educational institutions.
The Forest Department will supply saplings free of cost, including fruit-bearing trees like mango, jackfruit, and guava, and beneficial species such as neem and tamarind, with distribution completed by September 10.
To ensure success, planting sites will be finalised by August 30, and preparation, including pit digging and fencing, will be completed by September 10. Post-plantation, saplings will be geo-tagged on the MeriLiFE portal for monitoring, with volunteers and community groups assisting in documentation. The Information and Public Relations Department will amplify awareness through print, electronic, and social media platforms.
Other departments are also stepping up: Panchayati Raj will plant 33.97 lakh saplings, Horticulture 13 lakh, Soil Conservation 10 lakh, and Industries 15 lakh, collectively aiming for the 75 lakh target. The campaign emphasises climate-resilient, locally suitable species to ensure long-term survival, with provisions for post-plantation care.
ACS Sahu emphasised, “Our goal is to plant 150 saplings per village, making this a people’s movement for a greener Odisha.” This initiative not only honours the Prime Minister but also underscores Odisha’s commitment to combating climate change and fostering sustainable development.
