Odisha exceeds plantation goals with 93.6 lakh saplings for PM Modi's 75th birthday

Bhubaneswar: Odisha launched a massive plantation drive with a target of planting 75 lakh saplings to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday on Wednesday. By 2 pm, the state had exceeded expectations — with over 93.6 lakh saplings planted across 30,000 sites.CM Mohan Charan Majhi led the initiative from Bhubaneswar. “This collective effort reflects our deep sense of duty towards Mother Earth and has grown into a true mass movement,” Majhi posted on X, expressing gratitude to all who participated.At an event at Ekamra College, the CM planted an amla (Indian gooseberry) seedling. Majhi described each sapling as a living tribute to Modi’s affection for Odisha and his commitment to its development.

He said the campaign has united people across the state in a shared environmental mission, and will continue to grow, leaving a lasting impact on nature and future generations.The plantation drive is part of the ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign, which began last year. Odisha had planted 6.72 crore saplings under the initiative, earning the fourth position nationally. In its second edition, the state aims to plant 7.5 crore saplings — of which over 6 crore have already been planted, the CM said.

Attending a state-level programme for the launch of ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ (Healthy Women, Empowered Family Campaign), launched nationwide by PM Modi, Majhi announced that 1.5 crore women across Odisha will benefit. The campaign, focused on women’s health and nutrition, will run till Oct 2.Majhi said, “From education and health to economic empowerment, Modi ji’s initiatives have supported women at every stage of life.

This campaign is a tribute to his enduring commitment to the mothers of the nation.”Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, CM Majhi, BJP members, legislators and senior functionaries participated in the event and inaugurated health screening stalls.Majhi said the campaign will raise awareness about nutrition, hygiene and access to clean food and water. It includes blood donation drives and health screening for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, anaemia, tuberculosis, sickle cell disease and maternal and adolescent health issues.