Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi led the 77th State-Level Van Mahotsav celebrations at Kapileswar, emphasising Odisha’s leadership in forest conservation and green cover creation.
He said development and environment are complementary, not conflicting, and large-scale plantation is the only long-term solution to climate change and heatwaves.
Odisha has added 558 square kilometres of forest cover in the past two years, securing the third position nationally. Under the Ama Jungle Yojana, the state restored 19,975 hectares of degraded forest and engaged 43.18 lakh beneficiaries in livelihood-based programs worth Rs 1,488 crore.
The Chief Minister announced the creation of green belts along seven major rivers—Mahanadi, Tel, Ib, Brahmani, Rushikulya, Baitarani, and Vansadhara—under the Sabuj Mahanadi Mission. This year, 5.65 lakh saplings were planted across 774 hectares, with a target of nine lakh saplings next year. Urban areas will see nearly seven lakh new trees to combat pollution.
He also highlighted initiatives under CAMPA, OFSDP-II, MISHTI, and ECRICC projects, including mangrove restoration and palm tree plantations for lightning protection. Majhi praised citizens for turning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign into a mass movement, noting that Odisha planted 1.49 crore saplings in a single day last year.
During the event, the Chief Minister honoured Jerenga Budhipahad Forest Protection Committee (Anugola) and Gudgudia Environment Development Committee (Mayurbhanj) with Rs 2 lakh awards for their contributions to forest conservation.