Paperman Media (Bhubaneswar - Our green forests are a unique gift of nature. It is the basis of our life and livelihood, said Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi while celebrating World Forest Day-2026 in saturday.
At a state-level program organized in this regard at Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Center in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister said that we are celebrating this World Forest Day to create public awareness about the importance of forests for a healthy environment and human life. Today's day is dedicated to spreading awareness about forest conservation and climate change.
He further said that through good forest management practices, extensive tree plantation and public awareness, Odisha has today become the leading state in the country in forest protection and creation of green belt. In the last two years alone, the forest and tree cover in the state has increased by 558 square kilometers. Currently, 37.63 percent or 58,597 square kilometers of the total land area of the state is covered with forest and tree cover. In the historic 'Ek Peed Ma' Ke Naam' campaign of the Prime Minister, more than 8 crore saplings have been planted in the state in a year, with 1.49 crore saplings planted in a day.
The Chief Minister further said that today there have been many advances in science and technology. Today it has become possible to industrialize by using less land and without polluting the environment. Therefore, if we can maintain a proper balance between environment and industrialization, then environment and industrialization can complement each other instead of complementing each other, he said.
Highlighting the theme of the World Forest Day celebration this year on 'Forests and Economy', the Chief Minister said that forests are very important not only for the environment, but also for the development of our state and the country. Along with forest protection, we have started a comprehensive program to make forests a major source of livelihood and have been successful. With everyone's cooperation, we will move further in this field.
The Chief Minister thanked all those working in the field of forest protection and reforestation and advised them to be vigilant in preventing forest fires and man-wildlife conflicts. He directed the Chief Minister's Department to take strict action against those responsible for man-made forest fires.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister visited the photo exhibition organized by the Department, released books related to forest protection and honored the best performing Forest Officers, Forest Guards and Forest Guards.
Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Shri Ganeshram Singh Khuntia highlighted the importance of celebrating World Forest Day and said that the esteemed Prime Minister always gives importance to the development of rural and forest dwellers. Keeping this in mind, we have been continuously working in this direction in the state under the leadership of the Chief Minister. The Department is making efforts to improve the livelihood of the people living in the forest areas. This work has been intensified by the Department in tribal dominated districts. Ample opportunities are being created for them to earn their livelihood from other sources instead of depending solely on the forest.
Chief Secretary Smt. Anu Garg said that we have a big goal in mind for 2036 and 2047. Along with the growth of Odisha's economy, there is a target of massive employment. There is a plan for 2.5 million jobs from the tourism sector alone. The Forest Department will have a big role to play in the employment of the tourism sector. Therefore, we have to develop the forest not only as an Ecological Contributor but also as an Economical Contributor. Like the Blue Economy, we have to pay special attention to the Green Economy.
The Principal Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, delivered the welcome speech at the event and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief of Forest Force, Dr. K. Murugeshan, proposed the vote of thanks.
