Bhubaneswar, 17 October (H.S.): The State-Level Monitoring Committee meeting under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign was convened at the Conference Hall of the Forest Department to review the protection, survival, and healthy growth of plantations as per the programme’s detailed guidelines.

Chairing the meeting, Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, stressed that the true success of the campaign lies in ensuring the survival and sustained growth of saplings rather than focusing solely on the number of trees planted. He called upon all departments and field officers to take proactive steps to protect and nurture the plantations in strict adherence to the official framework.

Held about a month after the statewide mass plantation drive conducted on 17th September 2025, the meeting assessed the implementation of the three-tier monitoring and accountability mechanism introduced through consolidated instructions on 22nd September 2025. Detailed discussions were held on the issued guidelines, and a presentation was made on the ORSAC-based monitoring web portal designed to track plantation survival and growth across the State.

It was further decided to organize training programmes for field-level officers to ensure effective use of the monitoring system.

The Additional Chief Secretary commended all districts and departments for their active participation and collaborative efforts in implementing the initiative. He reiterated that the essence of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” lies not just in plantation drives, but in ensuring long-term ecological sustainability through the survival of every planted tree.

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

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda