Bhubaneswar: Forty lakh saplings will be planted across the state on July 7 in order to boost the plantation drive.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik announced this at the state-level Vana Mahotsav function held at the Patrapada-Bhabanpur High School on the city outskirts.
People of all walks of life will be involved in this programme, said the chief minister.
"Trees are the soul of nature. Deforestation ruins it. So, the protection of plants are responsibility of all of us," said Naveen.
Stating that the state's forest cover had grown by 2,500sqkm in the past 10 years, the chief minister thanked the forest officials and the forest protection committees formed at the village level.
According to the Forest Survey of India report for 2018, the state's forest area has been measured at 51,239sqkm as against 50,354sqkm recorded in 2015. Odisha has ranked fourth in terms of growth in forest cover.
Besides, the state government has launched a Green Mahanadi Mission to plant two crore saplings in the Mahanadi basin along the river banks.
"The Mahanadi is the lifeline of Odisha. So, two lakh saplings will be planted in the river basin," said Naveen, seeking the co-operation of all for the programme's success.
The programme was launched in Sambalpur on the Mahanadi river bank near the Samaleswari temple on June 5. The programme aims to create a green belt within 1km width from the river banks of Mahanadi, its tributary Tel and Ib.
"Civilization and culture can be protected by the protection of greenery in the state. So, the people should take care of plants like their own family members and create a green and beautiful environment for the coming generations," said Naveen, calling upon the people to plant trees.
He planted a sapling on the premises of Patrapada-Bhagabanpur High School on the occasion and gave away the state-level Biju Patnaik Award to the Baliput Vana Suraksha Samiti of Ganjam and the Oram-Niktimal Vana Surksha Samiti for their good performance in the field of plantation. He also distributed prizes to the winners in the debate and painting competitions on plantation.
