Bhubaneswar, 2nd Aug 2025: This year, on September 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will turn 75. The Prime Minister has made significant contributions to the nation, especially to the state of Odisha. On his birthday last year, he visited Odisha and launched the Subhadra scheme. As a tribute to the PM’s commitment to Odisha’s development and as a token of goodwill from the people of Odisha, a mass plantation drive titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” will be organized. On a single day—September 17—75 lakh saplings will be planted across the state. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that this initiative will serve as a gift from the people of Odisha to the Prime Minister.
A preparatory meeting regarding the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign was held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister at Lok Seva Bhawan. This campaign was initiated by the Prime Minister last year. Its second phase—Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0—will be conducted from June 5 to September 30 this year.
Last year, Odisha exceeded its plantation target by planting 6.72 crore saplings, achieving the fourth position nationally. This year, the target is to plant 7.5 crore saplings, with 75 lakh to be planted on a single day, which would be a record, said the Chief Minister.
While the Forest and Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment departments will play key roles in this mission, the CM emphasized that the campaign should be expanded further with the active involvement of other government departments, PSUs, NGOs, youth groups, and volunteer organizations.
Panchayat institutions, schools, colleges, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will have a vital role, the CM said. After planting, it is essential that each sapling is cared for and monitored. The responsibility for this lies with both government employees and the general public.
The Chief Minister also directed that photos and data of each plantation activity be uploaded on the ‘Meri Life’ portal. Panchayat officers will be responsible for accelerating the campaign in rural areas and ensuring ongoing monitoring. The Chief Minister added that awards will be given to individuals and groups who perform well in this initiative.
> “This will be a gift from the people of Odisha to the Prime Minister,” the CM reiterated.
Highlights from the Meeting:
- In this second phase, a total of 7.5 crore saplings will be planted.
- Officials present at the meeting included:
- Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja
- Development Commissioner Anu Garg
- Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change: Satyabrata Sahu
- Additional Chief Secretary, I&PR Department: Hemant Sharma
- Principal Secretary to CM: Shashwat Mishra
- Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force: Suresh Panth
- Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife): P.K. Jha
- Principal Secretary, Women & Child Development: Shubha Sharma
- Secretary, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water: S.N. Girish
- Secretary, School & Mass Education: Shalini Pandit
- Director, Information and Public Relations: Anuj Das Pattnayak
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