Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said forests form the foundation of life and act as a vital shield for environmental security.
He made the remarks while attending a special programme organised on the occasion of World Forest Day at the Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Centre.
During the event, Majhi visited a photo exhibition and reviewed displays highlighting Odisha’s achievements in forest conservation and biodiversity protection.
In a post on X, Majhi said Odisha has emerged as a leading state in enhancing forest and tree cover due to scientific forest management and active public participation.
He added that the government has taken steps to address challenges such as forest fires and climate change by allocating adequate budgetary support and deploying modern technologies like artificial intelligence and drones.
He cautioned that a decline in forest cover leads to increased human-wildlife conflict and stressed the need for stronger conservation efforts. The chief minister urged citizens to actively participate in protecting forests and preserving the natural environment.
Highlighting the importance of tree plantation, he said saplings planted today would help build a better future. He also called for collective efforts to make the prime minister’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign successful and to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle for a prosperous Odisha.
Majhi thanked all those working in the field of forest protection and afforestation. He advised them to remain vigilant in preventing forest fires and reducing human-wildlife conflict.
He also directed the concerned department to take strict action against those responsible for man-made forest fires.
He said lush green forests are a unique gift of nature and form the foundation of both life and livelihood.
