Odisha to Plant 75 Lakh Saplings on PM Modi’s 75th Birthday

Bhubaneswar, Sep 9: Odisha is set to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday on September 17 with a massive plantation drive, aiming to plant 75 lakh saplings across the state, officials announced. The initiative is being described as a symbolic gift to the Prime Minister and a major step toward environmental conservation.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Satyabrata Sahu, said the programme will see participation from students of all high schools and higher secondary schools in Odisha. Chairing a high-level review meeting, he described students as “torchbearers of green consciousness,” whose energy and commitment would ensure the success of the drive and encourage community involvement as “Green Ambassadors.”

“September 17 is not just about increasing tree numbers—it is about building a mass movement for environmental conservation,” Sahu emphasized.

Nearly 15 lakh students from approximately 40,000 schools, guided by two lakh teachers, will plant saplings at designated locations under the supervision of District Education Officers. Additional District Education Officers, Block Education Officers, and school headmasters will coordinate the effort.

Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, highlighted the importance of post-plantation care. “Planting alone is not enough. Students should take responsibility for watering, safeguarding, and nurturing the saplings until they grow,” he said. Indigenous fruit-bearing saplings will be provided free of cost by the Horticulture Department.

To raise awareness, schools will organize competitions on environment and plantation themes, with winners felicitated on September 17. School & Mass Education Commissioner Shalini Pandit confirmed that plantation sites for each school will be finalized in advance by Block Development and Education Officers. Panchayati Raj Commissioner Girish S.N. added that 37,000 plantation sites have already been identified across the state at the panchayat level.

The plantation drive will take place from 5 AM to 5 PM on September 17, with photographs of plantations uploaded to the “Meri Life” portal. Training for uploading images is scheduled for September 11.

The meeting also saw presentations by Green India Mission (CAMPA) CEO G. Rajesh under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 programme, with contributions from OSEPA State Project Director Ananya Das and Environment Director K.S. Pradeep. District Education Officers joined virtually to review preparations.

This ambitious initiative is expected to create a strong awareness of environmental conservation while fostering active participation from students and communities across Odisha.