Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable feat demonstrating community spirit and environmental commitment, Odisha has exceeded its ambitious goal of planting 75 lakh saplings in a single day under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ initiative on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.

Officials said more than 1.04 crore saplings were planted across the state by 2.16 pm against the target of 75 lakh.

By 1.40 pm, the state had planted an impressive 80,38,615 seedlings across 30 districts and 30,025 sites, marking PM Modi’s 75th birthday with a green tribute to Mother Earth.

Launched as a sequel to last year’s successful campaign, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ aims to honor motherhood while combating climate change through mass afforestation. The drive, part of the broader ‘Seva Parv’ from September 17 to October 2, 2025, mobilised government departments, volunteers, and local communities statewide.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hailed the effort as a “people’s movement,” stating, “This reflects our commitment to honour Mother Earth and ensure a greener future for Odisha on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of PM Narendra Modi. Crossing the 80-lakh mark is a proud milestone, achieved through the dedication of our people and officials.”

In a massive push for environmental conservation, the state had set a target to plant 75 lakh saplings as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign, which has evolved into a people’s movement since its inception last year.

As part of the plantation drive, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi participated a programme held at a college in Bhubaneswar. Accompanied by Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia and other dignitaries, the Chief Miniter planted a sapling, while highlighting the importance of ecological balance.

Majhi, who had earlier announced plans to plant over 75 lakh saplings on PM’s birthday, emphasised the significance of trees as vital to life, companionship, and prosperity, urging citizens to contribute to a greener and healthier Odisha for future generations.

A meeting chaired by Minister Singhkhuntia on Tuesday had also worked out plans for the plantation drive. Nationwide, about 1.5 crore saplings are set to be planted on the same day.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, the Forest Minister said trees are essential for reducing pollution, improving the environment, combating climate change, and sustaining life. He emphasized that planting alone is not enough—proper care must be taken to ensure saplings grow into healthy trees, with special focus on industrial areas like Jharsuguda, Talcher, and Kalinga Nagar, as well as drought-prone regions.

As part of the drive, over 23 lakh saplings were planted under the aegis of Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment department with Principal Secretary Arabinda Padhee leading the campaign.
Similarly, Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania launched a plantation drive at Khurda and called upon the police force in all districts and establishments to make the programme a success.

Another important initiative – “Healthy Women, Empowered Families” – aims to create a digital database of women’s health in Odisha and conduct screenings for diseases like breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer, menstrual issues, and malnutrition. Running until October 2, the campaign will include 29,000 screening camps and over 3,000 health camps, targeting over 2 crore women. Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said the data collected will facilitate tracking and follow-up care. While Prime Minister Modi inaugurates this initiative from Madhya Pradesh, Odisha’s state-level programme will see participation of the CM and others.

The Subhadra Yojana, a flagship scheme of the BJP government, also celebrated its anniversary on this day. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida highlighted that 338 Child Development Project Offices will host “Dhanyavaad Modi” events to acknowledge the success of the Prime Minister’s welfare schemes.

This apart, the state will observe Awas Diwas, with housing fairs organised in every district and urban local body until October 31. These fairs, part of the Angikaar-2025 campaign, will promote the completion of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), facilitate home loans, and raise awareness about interest subsidies and other government schemes like PM Suryaghar and Ayushman Bharat.