New Delhi: Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa chaired a high-level meeting with representatives from over 20 leading educational institutions to accelerate the capital’s large-scale plantation campaign under the government’s green agenda.
The meeting, attended by officials from the Education Department, Forest and Environment Department, and civic bodies, focused on making academic institutions the backbone of Delhi’s environmental transformation.
Educational Institutions to Become Backbone of Green Movement
Addressing the meeting, Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that schools, colleges, and universities must act as the “backbone of Delhi’s green movement.”
He stressed the active participation of students, teachers, and administrative staff in plantation activities and long-term maintenance of trees to ensure sustainable environmental impact.
Institutions such as IIT Delhi, NSUT, and Jamia Millia Islamia were part of the discussions.
70 Lakh Trees Target Under Green Action Plan 2026–27
The initiative is part of the Delhi Government’s Green Action Plan 2026–27, which aims to plant over 70 lakh trees, plants, and shrubs across the city.
The programme involves coordinated efforts from 22 government departments, making it one of the largest urban afforestation drives in the capital.
Public Participation and Community Engagement
Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted that the government is working to involve more than 8 lakh citizens in the plantation drive.
Participants are being encouraged to plant saplings in the name of their mothers and “Mother Nature,” promoting emotional and social connection with environmental conservation.
Free Saplings and Multi-Agency Support System
Under the programme:
- Forest Department will provide saplings free of cost
- MCD, NDMC, and DDA horticulture wings will support plantation efforts
- Institutions will identify land and submit plantation plans
All activities will be supervised by horticulture wings across Delhi’s 13 zones, along with elected representatives and senior officials.
Plantation Drive to Begin During Monsoon 2026
The plantation campaign is scheduled to begin in the first half of July 2026, aligning with the monsoon season to ensure better survival and growth of saplings.
Officials said that plantation timing has been carefully planned to improve ecological success rates.
Digital Monitoring Through Green Drive Portal
The government will use the Green Drive 2026–27 portal for real-time monitoring of the plantation programme.
Key features include:
- Geo-fencing of each planted sapling
- Real-time tracking of plantation progress
- Institutional participation data
- Transparent reporting system
This digital system aims to ensure accountability and long-term maintenance of planted trees.
Green Awards to Encourage Long-Term Care
The Delhi government will also introduce Green Awards to recognize institutions and individuals who ensure the best survival and maintenance of planted saplings.
Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the focus will not only be on plantation numbers but also on survival rates and long-term care of trees.
Schools and Colleges as Climate Responsibility Hubs
The minister emphasized that educational campuses should become living examples of environmental responsibility, helping improve air quality and creating better micro-climates.
He added that environmental awareness among students will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable urban future for Delhi.
Towards a Greener Delhi Future
Officials said that the initiative aims to transform Delhi into a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable city by actively involving citizens and institutions in environmental conservation.
The government believes that consistent participation from educational institutions will lead to a long-term cultural shift towards sustainability and climate responsibility.
