3.7 lakh saplings to be planted as part of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign

The Delhi Directorate of Education announced on Sunday that a Greening and Tree Plantation Drive, aimed at increasing green cover in and around schools, would commence on July 1. The action plan, approved by the Department of Forest and Wildlife, aims to plant a total of 3.7 lakh saplings across the city, a move that is expected to significantly boost the region’s greenery.

The special plantation drive will run from July 1 to July 27, coinciding with the occasion of Hariyali Teej. According to a circular issued by the Directorate, the saplings would be provided free of charge by designated government nurseries. Each participating school is required to plant at least 350 saplings, including 100 trees, 180 shrubs and 70 bamboos, throughout the year.

Heads of Schools (HoSs) and Eco-Club in-charges are encouraged to actively engage both students and staff in the plantation efforts. Schools are also tasked with raising awareness through creative activities such as poster-making, role plays, street plays (nukkad nataks), essay writing and slogan competitions, the circular noted.

To ensure proper tracking and accountability, schools would be required to submit monthly plantation reports to their designated science centre. The campaign would be conducted under the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and will be featured on the ‘Meri LiFE’ portal managed by the Department of Forest and Wildlife.

The Directorate has called on all concerned officials and schools to collaborate in making the initiative a success and contribute to creating a greener, cleaner Delhi.