Bhubaneswar, Sep 9: Odisha is gearing up to set a remarkable record on September 17, the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by planting 75 lakh saplings across the state in a single day.
The initiative, one of the largest of its kind in India, is part of the national campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0.”
The ambitious green drive will involve approximately 15 lakh students from 40,000 schools, guided by 2 lakh teachers, making it a historic student-led plantation campaign. Saplings will be planted at 37,000 designated locations between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m., coordinated at the panchayat and school levels.
Photos of the planted saplings will be uploaded to the Meri Life portal, with training for the uploading process scheduled on September 11.
Presiding over a high-level preparatory meeting, Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, described the initiative as the beginning of a student-led “green revolution” in Odisha.
“Students are the beacons of green consciousness. Their enthusiasm and collective strength can turn this plantation drive into a long-term mass movement for a green, safe, and healthy Odisha,” he said.
To boost student engagement, schools will hold competitions on tree plantation and environmental conservation, with prizes to be awarded on September 17.
Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, emphasized the importance of tree care beyond plantation.
“Planting is just the first step. Students should adopt trees as their personal responsibility—watering, protecting, and nurturing them. The Horticulture Department will provide free indigenous fruit saplings and ensure their maintenance for three years,” he added.
Shalini Pandit, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department, said community development officers will work with schools to allocate plantation sites.
Girish S.N., Secretary of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, announced that banners will be displayed at all planting locations to promote the campaign.
Detailed planning for the event was presented by G. Rajesh, CEO of KAMPA, while senior officials including Ananya Das (State Project Director, OSEPA) and K.S. Pradeep (Director, Environment) shared updates and suggestions. District Education Officers across Odisha joined via video conferencing to provide district-wise preparation status.
