Bhubaneswar, July 31 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, announced on Thursday a large-scale tree plantation initiative to honor the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17.

As part of the second phase of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, an unprecedented 75 lakh (7.5 million) trees will be planted throughout the state in a single day as a homage from the people of Odisha to the Prime Minister.

During a preparatory meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, CM Majhi stated that this plantation drive will serve as Odisha's gift to Modi, acknowledging his significant contributions to both the nation and the state.

“The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign has evolved into a widespread movement. Last year, Odisha exceeded its goal under this initiative by planting 6.72 crore (67.2 million) trees, ranking fourth nationally. This year, we aim for 7.5 crore (75 million) trees, with 75 lakh (7.5 million) to be planted in a single day, marking a historic achievement,” CM Majhi announced.

It is essential to note that the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign was inaugurated by PM Modi last year.

The Odisha government plans to plant 7.5 crore saplings statewide this year during the campaign’s second phase, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’, running from June 5 to September 30, 2025.

Last year, Odisha surpassed its target by planting 6.72 crore saplings, securing fourth place in the nation.

CM Majhi stressed the need for ongoing care and protection of the trees, emphasizing that the initiative will involve extensive participation from various departments, including Forest, Agriculture, and Farmers Empowerment.

He called for active involvement from PSUs, NGOs, youth associations, voluntary organizations, Panchayati Raj institutions, schools, colleges, and women’s self-help groups.

The Chief Minister instructed the Information and Public Relations Department to launch a comprehensive and impactful publicity campaign, asserting that Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam must evolve beyond a mere event into a significant movement for environmental conservation.

“Planting a tree is just the beginning. Every government employee and citizen must take accountability for nurturing and safeguarding them,” the CM stressed.

He recommended that tree plantation efforts focus on group forests, village forests, roadside areas, and private land, advocating for species like Neem, Karanja, Tamarind, Arjun, Harida, Bahada, Jackfruit, Palm, Fig, Krushnachuda, Pipal, Ashok, Jamun, Kadamba, Amla, and more.

Data and photographs from the plantation will be uploaded to the “Meri Life” portal for tracking.

Panchayat officers will be assigned to oversee local implementation and monitoring. The CM also proposed awards for both individuals and groups demonstrating exceptional participation. He emphasized the distribution of saplings suited to the local climate.