Bhubaneswar, July 1, 2018: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced plantation drive of 40 lakh trees on July 7, involving people from all strata of the society. The first week of July each year is observed as Van Mahotsav to encourage massive tree plantation and show of collective resolve for environment protection.
At the inauguration of week-long 69th State-level Vana Mahotsav, Patnaik laid emphasis on the importance of trees in the ecosystem, he urged upon all to nurture trees like a member of the family and encourage others to plant more trees.
He called upon people to join hands for the Green Mahanadi Mission, under which about two crore trees will be planted along the Mahanadi river bank. The drive will improve the forest cover near river Mahanadi, the lifeline of Odisha.
The CM congratulated Forests and Environment Department and Vana Surakshya Samitis for their continuous efforts towards growth in state’s forest cover, a remarkable 2,500 sqkm in the last decade.
He presented the State-level Biju Patnaik Award to Baliput Vana Surakshya Samiti (Ganjam) and Oram-Nikitimal Vana Surakshya Samiti for commendable work in environment protection. He also awarded prizes to students who had excelled in various competitions.
