Talcher, July 3: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today launched the second phase of the nationwide plantation drive, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0,” during an event held at Handidhua village and Gopalprasad Reserve Forest in Talcher, as part of the 76th Van Mahotsav–2025 celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, Pradhan highlighted the campaign’s emotional foundation, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of planting “a tree for mother,” calling it a heartfelt commitment to preserving nature for future generations.
Citing rising pollution due to extensive coal production in Talcher and Angul, the Minister emphasized the urgent need to balance industrial development with environmental sustainability. He called upon students, youth organizations, government institutions, women's groups, and volunteers to actively join the movement and contribute towards making Angul a green city.
Pradhan announced an ambitious plan to plant 10 lakh trees annually in Angul for the next 10 years, urging the public to take a collective pledge to support the initiative. He added that the Angul Forest Division aims to plant 7.5 lakh saplings this year, double the previous year’s effort, with a target of reaching 10 lakh saplings by September.
