Odisha Prioritises Tree Survival Over Numbers in ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’

Bhubaneswar:17/10/25:In a pivotal review meeting, Odisha’s State Level Monitoring Committee underscored the essence of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign, shifting focus from sheer plantation volumes to the long-term survival and robust growth of saplings.

Chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu of the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, the gathering at the Forest Department’s Conference Hall emphasised meticulous protection and nurturing as per the programme’s comprehensive guidelines.

Held just weeks after the statewide mass plantation drive on September 17, 2025, the meeting evaluated the rollout of a robust three-tier monitoring and accountability framework, outlined in consolidated instructions dated September 22, 2025. Discussions delved into the operational details of these guidelines, highlighting their role in fostering accountability across departments.

A key highlight was a detailed presentation on the Odisha Remote Sensing Application Centre (ORSAC)-powered monitoring web portal. This innovative digital platform is set to become the state’s central hub for real-time tracking of plantation health and survival rates, enabling data-driven interventions statewide. To maximize its impact, the committee resolved to launch targeted training sessions for field-level officers, equipping them with the skills to leverage the system effectively.

Shri Sahu lauded the collaborative spirit of all involved stakeholders, thanking District Collectors, Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs), Chief Development Officers (CDOs), and representatives from Agriculture, Panchayati Raj, and Horticulture departments for their unwavering commitment. “The campaign’s true victory isn’t in the saplings planted, but in those that stand tall and green for generations,” he remarked, reinforcing the need for sustained vigilance against environmental threats.

The event drew a high-level attendance, including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), Principal Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, and senior officials from ORSAC. As Odisha accelerates its environmental agenda, this monitoring push signals a deeper commitment to ecological restoration, aligning with national goals for a greener India.

With climate change looming large, initiatives like “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” not only combat deforestation but also inspire community-driven conservation. Officials anticipate the portal’s full operationalisation will yield measurable improvements in survival rates, setting a benchmark for other states.