Bhubaneswar: In a historic and unprecedented achievement, Odisha planted approximately 1.5 crore saplings within just 12 hours as a mark of gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turned 75 Wednesday. In a remarkable display of environmental commitment, a total of 1,49,11,339 seedlings have been planted across 30 districts by 4.30pm.
This massive effort spans 71,924 plantation sites, highlighting a significant drive toward afforestation and ecological restoration in the state, a statement released by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change department read. September 17, 2025, will be remembered not only in India’s history but also as a global milestone – where a simple act of planting saplings blossomed into a magnificent movement of hope and harmony, the statement added.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced through a social media post that more than one crore saplings were planted by 2.16pm, surpassing the target of 75 lakh plantations, which was achieved at 1.33pm. “As of 2:16pm today, our collective efforts have successfully resulted in the plantation of 1,00,21,236 saplings. Sincere gratitude and congratulations to all involved,” Majhi said in a post on X. “The trees being planted today – each tree is a testament to our resolve for a green and beautiful Odisha, each tree is to thank Modi ji’s love for Odisha, his reverence, and his commitment to Odisha’s development.
Today’s campaign has united our entire society for the environment,” Majhi said, adding that in the days to come, this campaign will become even more widespread. The Chief Minister said it will have a positive impact on the environment and will carry the testament of Modi ji’s leadership and resolve, as well as our responsibility, for the safety of our future generations. To put Odisha’s achievement into perspective, previous records were held by Madhya Pradesh with 11 lakh saplings planted in one day and Assam with 9.26 lakh saplings. Odisha’s incredible accomplishment far surpasses these, setting a new humanitarian record that will inspire generations to come. Sundargarh district led the plantation drive with an impressive 14,21,618 seedlings planted.
Following closely, Koraput secured the second position with 11,01,624 seedlings, while Keonjhar stood third with 10,42,927 seedlings. Around 25 lakh people, including industries and the armed forces, made it possible, an official said. The picture and video of plantations were uploaded on ‘Meri LiFE’ portal. The progress of the plantation was being tracked easily through the portal. All participants were requested to upload photos of their plantation activities on the portal, a Forest department official said, adding that the plantation drive is being conducted under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign-2.
Meanwhile, Majhi also participated in a cleanliness drive under the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign in Master Canteen area of Bhubaneswar on the occasion of Modi’s 75th birthday.