Bhubaneswar, 3 July (H.S.): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today inaugurated the second phase of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign along with the 76th Van Mahotsav 2025 by participating in a plantation drive at Handidhua village playground and Gopalprasad Reserve Forest in Talcher, Odisha.

Joining hands with school students, local residents, and members of social organizations, Mr. Pradhan took part in the tree plantation and appealed to the people of Angul district to commit to planting 1 million saplings every year for the next ten years.

Highlighting the emotional and inspirational vision behind the campaign, Mr. Pradhan said that “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” is an initiative conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honor and protect Mother Nature. The second phase of this national campaign has now commenced and reflects a long-term commitment to environmental conservation and a sustainable future for coming generations.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister noted that regions like Angul and Talcher, being major coal-producing zones, face significant environmental challenges due to increased pollution. While coal production is vital for the country’s energy needs, it must go hand-in-hand with environmental protection, he said. He urged citizens to actively participate in afforestation efforts to combat pollution and restore ecological balance.

Mr. Pradhan called upon students, educational institutions, youth organizations, government departments, women’s groups, and volunteers to join the movement and contribute towards transforming Angul into a green and sustainable district.

He announced that the Angul Forest Division aims to plant 7.5 lakh saplings this year double the number planted last year with a target of reaching 1 million saplings by September. The minister emphasized the importance of not just planting trees, but also nurturing them and turning the movement into a mass public campaign.

During the event, Mr. Pradhan also inaugurated several green initiatives of the Angul Forest Division, including a mobile nursery van, information awareness vehicle, the ‘Harit Angul’ mobile app, a wildlife rescue truck, and a newly launched website and digital portals of the forest department.

He appreciated the efforts to raise public awareness and transform the plantation campaign into a people’s movement, calling it a vital step toward ecological restoration and environmental stewardship.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda