Bhubaneswar, July 7: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi inaugurated the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav at Bhakta Kabi Madhusudan Government High School in Old Bhubaneswar, calling for a mass movement to protect the environment through large-scale tree plantation.
Speaking at the event organized by the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department, the Chief Minister said it was a privilege to celebrate the festival in a school setting, spreading the message of the plantation from the sacred soil of Lord Lingaraj to the entire state. “Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility. But it's concerning that forests are being destroyed, disturbing ecological balance, accelerating global warming, and changing weather patterns,” he said.
To address these challenges, the CM announced that 7.5 crore trees will be planted this year, including 18 lakh palm trees, which help mitigate lightning strikes. He also highlighted the success of the campaign ‘One Subhadra, One Tree’, which will now be expanded statewide. Last year, over 6 crore saplings were planted.
Majhi praised the traditional role of women in environmental protection, noting their efforts in planting Tulsi and Bel trees around homes. “ Let us take a pledge today to plant at least one tree outside every house,” he urged.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that the government is now using artificial intelligence to combat forest fires, but emphasized the critical role of local villagers living near forest areas in protection efforts.
Other dignitaries at the event included Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, and Additional Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, along with several senior department officials. The program was coordinated by Mrutyunjaya Rath.
