Odisha Govt Focuses on Survival of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Saplings
Bhubaneswar, Oct 17: The Odisha Government has stepped up efforts to ensure the survival and healthy growth of saplings planted under its flagship “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign. A State Level Monitoring Committee meeting was convened on Thursday to review the progress and implementation of the programme’s detailed protection and monitoring guidelines.

Chairing the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Satyabrata Sahu emphasized that the real success of the campaign depends not on the number of trees planted but on their survival and sustained growth. He directed all departments and field officers to strictly adhere to the official guidelines and take comprehensive measures to protect and nurture the saplings.

The meeting, held about a month after the mass plantation drive on September 17, reviewed the implementation of the three-tier monitoring and accountability framework introduced through consolidated instructions on September 22.

A detailed presentation on the ORSAC-based monitoring web portal was also made, showcasing how the unified digital platform will track plantation survival and growth across the state. The committee further decided to organize training programmes for field-level officers to ensure effective utilization of the system.

Sahu expressed gratitude to all districts and departments for their coordinated efforts and active participation in the initiative. “The true measure of success lies not in how many trees we plant, but in how many thrive,” he remarked.

The meeting was attended by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), the Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department, and senior officers from the Agriculture, Panchayati Raj, Horticulture, and ORSAC departments, along with District Collectors, Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs), and Chief Development Officers (CDOs).