BHUBANESWAR: Reaffirming the Odisha government’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday called for greater public participation in tree plantation and forest protection.
The CM made the remarks while attending a special programme organised at Kapileswar Government High School, Bhubaneswar as part of the 77th Van Mahotsav Week celebrations.
He said large-scale afforestation remains the most effective solution to the growing challenges of global warming and climate change.
During the event, Majhi planted an Ashoka sapling under the Centre’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, an initiative inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to encourage citizens to plant trees in honour of their mothers.
Addressing the gathering, the CM said protecting and serving nature is a sacred responsibility of every citizen. He noted that rising global temperatures and climate change can be addressed effectively only through sustained and large-scale afforestation efforts.
Majhi further said the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign has evolved into a people’s movement in Odisha, witnessing encouraging participation in both urban and rural areas. He added that the initiative has played a significant role in promoting environmental awareness and expanding tree plantation activities across the state.
Highlighting the state’s environmental initiatives, the Chief Minister said the government is implementing several long-term programmes to increase Odisha’s green cover and preserve the ecological balance.
He cited the Sabuja Mahanadi Mission for river conservation, the Aama Jungle Yojana for the restoration of degraded forests, the Urban Afforestation Programme, and initiatives under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority and Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes as key measures supporting environmental protection and sustainable development.
Majhi also acknowledged the contribution of forest protection committees and local communities in strengthening Odisha’s forest cover. He said their active participation has helped the state emerge as one of the leading performers in forest conservation in the country.
Emphasising that development and environmental protection must go hand in hand, the CM said the two are complementary rather than contradictory. He urged people from all walks of life to plant more trees and actively contribute towards building a greener, healthier, and more prosperous Odisha.
