Image Source: Odisha Barta
A Green Tribute for a Milestone
On September 17, Odisha will mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday with a massive environmental initiative. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that the state will plant 75 lakh (7.5 million) saplings in one day as a symbolic gift from the people of Odisha under the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam-’. This plantation drive is part of a larger goal to usher in a greener Odisha and honour Modi’s leadership and special focus on the state’s development.
Campaign Scope and Goals
• The campaign is running its second edition, which started on June 5 and runs until September 30.
• The target for the full campaign is 7.5 crore (75 million) trees to be planted across Odisha this season.
• On the specific day of Modi’s birthday, the target is the 75 lakh saplings — making that day a symbolic high point.
People and Participation
• Chief Minister Majhi has called upon students, youth groups, self-help groups, voluntary organisations, and ordinary citizens to join in the effort. 
• Schools are involved too, but the directive has drawn concerns: the drive coincides with first-term exams and some argue it disrupts academic schedules.
• Other stakeholders include Forest and Agriculture departments, PSUs, NGOs, eco-development committees, and community volunteers to ensure inclusive participation.
Symbolism and Environmental Significance
• The campaign is called ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree for Mother) to connect respect for mothers with respect for Mother Earth. 
• Odisha wants not just to plant trees but also ensure their survival — care, maintenance, and long-term nurturing are emphasised. 
• Planting at this scale in a single day reflects a strong environmental commitment, aligning with global urgencies like climate change, biodiversity conservation, and ecological restoration.
Challenges and Criticisms
• Some school authorities and teachers have expressed concern over exam disruptions, arguing academic work may suffer due to participation in the plantation drive.
• There are logistical concerns about ensuring all saplings survive — planting is just the first step; watering, protection from grazing, disease, and climate are crucial.
What’s Next After Planting
• Monitoring mechanisms will likely be instituted through local forest departments, community groups, and voluntary organisations to track how well saplings grow.
• Post-planting care measures are expected to include regular watering, protection from environmental threats, and possibly geo-tagging or monitoring technology where feasible.
• The success of this drive could set a template for future large-scale afforestation drives in India, tying together symbolism, mass participation, and environmental impact.
Closing Thoughts
Odisha’s plan to plant 75 lakh trees as a gift for PM Modi’s 75th birthday is more than just a gesture. It’s a blend of symbolism, environmental action, community mobilization, and political expression. The campaign reflects how public sentiment, ecological necessity, and developmental politics can intersect. Whether the saplings survive long term will determine if this becomes a green legacy or merely a green headline.
Sources: The New Indian Express, Deccan Chronicle, Times of India, The Hans India, Telegraph India
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