By Yajati Rout
Copyright pragativadi
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed preparations for this ambitious program at Lok Seva Bhawan, emphasising widespread participation from public representatives, students, women, youth, and private institutions to achieve this monumental target.
The Chief Minister urged citizens to plant trees from sunrise to sunset, take selfies, and upload them to the Meri LiFE portal and other social media platforms to promote environmental awareness. “This is a tribute to our honourable Prime Minister from the people of Odisha,” Majhi said, highlighting PM Modi’s five-decade-long political journey that has inspired the nation and accelerated Odisha’s development.
The state has already made significant strides in this campaign, having planted 4.65 crore trees this year, to reach 7.5 crore by the end of 2025. Last year, Odisha planted 6.72 crore trees, securing the fourth position nationally. To ensure the success of the single-day plantation drive, district collectors have been instructed to coordinate with all stakeholders and monitor the program closely.
Majhi emphasised planting eco-friendly, local species, including fruit and flowering trees, to enhance environmental sustainability. He also stressed the importance of regular monitoring to ensure the survival of the saplings. The initiative, inspired by PM Modi’s vision for environmental conservation, aims to balance development with ecological protection.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja assured that the target of 75 lakh trees would be met, with measures in place for ongoing care of the saplings. Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department, confirmed the state’s readiness, stating that the plantation will occur from sunrise to sunset on September 17, monitored in an election-like mode for transparency and efficiency.
The program involves contributions from various sectors: the Forest Department will plant 15 lakh trees, the Panchayati Raj Department 34 lakh, the Industries Department 15 lakh, the Agriculture Department 23 lakh, the Central Armed Police Forces 2.2 lakh, the State Police 3 lakh, and banks and financial institutions 2 lakh. Over 2 lakh school teachers, 15 lakh students, 76,000 Anganwadi workers, 17,000 ASHA workers, 10,000 eco-clubs, 17,500 forest protection committees, 1 lakh NSS volunteers, 16,500 Mera Bharat volunteers, and numerous self-help groups and private organisations will participate.
The Meri LiFE portal will feature Odisha’s single-day plantation drive as a special event, offering certificates to participants.
