Bhubaneswar: Odisha celebrated World Forest Day 2026 at a state-level event in Bhubaneswar on Saturday with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighting the state’s pioneering role in forest conservation and environment protection.
While highlighting the state’s achievements in forest protection and expansion, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of forests for both the environment and livelihoods.
Describing forests as nature’s greatest gift and the foundation of life and livelihood, Majhi noted that Odisha has emerged as a leading state in forest conservation and green belt creation.
Over the past two years, the state added 558 square kilometres of forest and tree cover, raising the total to 58,597 square kilometres, which accounts for 37.63 per cent of Odisha’s geographical area.
He pointed to large-scale plantation drives, including the Prime Minister’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, under which Odisha planted 1.49 crore saplings in a single day and more than 8 crore in one year. Majhi emphasised balancing industrial growth with environmental protection, stating that forests must serve as both ecological and economic contributors.
‘The Chief Minister urged stronger measures to prevent forest fires and human-wildlife conflicts. He directed strict action against those responsible for man-made forest fires. He also praised officials and communities working in forest protection and honoured outstanding forest officers, guards, and rangers.
Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia underlined the government’s commitment to tribal development and livelihood opportunities in forest areas.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg stressed the role of forests in Odisha’s economic growth and employment generation, linking them to tourism and the emerging “Green Economy.”
The World Forest Day 2026 celebration concluded with exhibitions, book releases, and recognition of best-performing forest divisions.