Bhubaneswar, 26 September (H.S.): Odisha planted more than 47 lakh saplings across the State in a single day under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0’ campaign on September 25. The plantation drive was organised as part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan–2026, with participation from all districts and Gram Panchayats.

The State-wide drive was conducted at more than 14,000 locations, surpassing last year’s single-day plantation figure of 37 lakh saplings. The extensive mobilisation brought communities and grassroots institutions together to promote environmental conservation and build a greener and healthier Odisha.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik welcomed the participation from across the State and said the involvement of every district and Gram Panchayat reflected the collective resolve of the people to protect the environment and create a greener future.

Naik emphasised that plantation was only the first step and that nurturing the saplings and ensuring their survival was equally important. He called for sustaining the momentum generated by the campaign to make villages across Odisha greener, healthier and more sustainable.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, Girish S.N., congratulated the teams and communities involved in the plantation drive. He said the achievement demonstrated the potential of the State when coordinated efforts are undertaken with commitment and determination.

Girish particularly appreciated the efforts of teams across Odisha for completing the drive despite inclement weather conditions. He stressed the need to maintain the same spirit and momentum in the coming days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda