Jharigaon, 20th Aug 2025: Under the initiative of Jharigaon Forest Ranger Gobinda Nayak, a program titled “Ek Ped Maa Ka Naam 2.0” was organized on Sunday near the Model School at the block headquarters under the Urban Afforestation Scheme.
Member of Parliament Balabhadra Majhi, MLA Narsingh Bhatra, and DFO Shubhendu Prasad Behera participated and planted saplings on the occasion.
Speaking at the event, MP Balabhadra Majhi said that the environment is being degraded day by day, leading to climate change. Therefore, along with planting trees, it is equally important to ensure their protection and care.
MLA Narsingh Bhatra emphasized that 17 lakh saplings have been targeted to be planted in the district and stressed the need to focus on how environmental destruction can be curbed. So far, under the Urban Afforestation Scheme, 13.4 lakh saplings have already been planted in the district.
On September 17th, marking the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a statewide campaign will plant 75 lakh trees, of which 2 lakh saplings will be planted in Nabarangpur district.
DFO Behera noted that since a large portion of forests in the district has already been destroyed, continuous efforts are being made by the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department to restore greenery and natural balance. He added that maintaining environmental balance requires not only planting trees but also nurturing them with care.
Among those present at the program were Jharigaon Ranger Gobinda Chandra Nayak, Forester Gupta Prasad Mohanty, T.K. Paricha, Harelal Nial, Amit Das, Raju Mandal, Krishna Bisoee, Babita Nayak, Ananta Jhankar, along with forest guards, para-workers, and students of the Model School.