Min aims to plant 1L trees in Sambalpur
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Sambalpur: To give Sambalpur a new identity as the "City of Trees," Union education minister and local MP
Dharmendra Pradhan
launched a large-scale plantation drive 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0', a national campaign on Saturday.
The initiative aims to plant 1 lakh trees across the district by Aug 31.
Participating in a Van Mahotsav programme at Potapali on Saturday, Pradhan planted saplings alongside students, women, volunteers and social activists. He urged every person to plant at least one tree in their mother's name. "Just like Maa Samaleswari, Nuakhai, and the Mahanadi give identity to Sambalpur, let tree plantation become another pride of the city," said Pradhan.
He said the nationwide campaign under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership aims to plant 10 crore trees this year. The district administration and forest department will lead Sambalpur's goal of planting 1 lakh trees by Aug-end. He encouraged plantation drives in schools, colleges, roadsides and offices, gifting saplings and reducing single-use plastics.
"This mission should become a people's movement," he said. "By planting trees, we protect our forests, rivers, and wildlife and ensure a healthier future." The event concluded with an environmental pledge led by the minister, where participants vowed to contribute to a greener and cleaner Sambalpur.
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