Pravati Parida: Self-help groups in Odisha will plant 2.5 crore saplings

BHUBANESWAR. Bhubaneswar: To improve the green cover of the state, the Mission Shakti department on Sunday pledged to plant 2.5 crore saplings through its women self-help group (SHG) members and leaders under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the green campaign on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5. Under the campaign, the Center plans to plant lakhs of trees across the country. Launching the initiative at the premises of Mission Shakti Bhawan, Deputy Chief Minister Parvati Parida said that though it is planned to be implemented on a large scale, this plantation drive will be carried out without putting any major burden on the government exchequer.

Parida, who is also handling the responsibility of Mission Shakti department, highlighted the need for community participation in environmental sustainability. She said, “By planting a tree in the name of our mother, we will not only contribute to reviving our planet but will also create a positive mindset among the next generation to nurture and respect nature as one respects his mother.” Parida further informed that the members and leaders of the self-help groups have pledged to plant 2.5 crore saplings as part of the campaign. He also spoke about the socio-economic revolution brought about by Mission Shakti in the state and hoped that its stakeholders will make the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign a grand success.

The minister planted a ‘Baula’ sapling on the occasion. He chaired a meeting of Mission Shakti district and block associations leaders and community support workers and urged them to take the campaign across the state and contribute to this noble cause. He said that the plantation will be done within a fixed time-frame. A report on the implementation and progress of the campaign will be submitted to the Prime Minister.