Lucknow: In celebration of World Environment Day 2026, the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Centre of the Institute of Wildlife Sciences (IWS), Lucknow University, in collaboration with the Neewa Foundation and the Department of Zoology, organized a week-long tree plantation campaign across the university campus from June 1 to June 5.
The initiative aimed to promote environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and sustainable development through a series of plantation and awareness activities at multiple locations within the university.
Campaign Begins at Zoology Department
The plantation drive commenced on June 1 at the Department of Zoology, where six saplings of environmentally significant species were planted. The inaugural activity highlighted the importance of expanding green cover and preserving biodiversity within educational institutions.
Plantation at DSW Office
On the second day, June 2, six additional saplings were planted at the Dean Students’ Welfare (DSW) Office complex. The plantation included species such as Rudraksha, Sandalwood, Sindoor, and Savani, known for their ecological, medicinal, and cultural significance.
Green Initiative Reaches University Hostels
Coinciding with World Bicycle Day on June 3, the campaign expanded to the university’s 18 hostels located on the old campus. Three saplings were planted in each hostel, resulting in the plantation of 54 saplings in a single day.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, research scholars, students, hostel residents, and international students. Among those present were Prof. Amita Kanojia, Dr. Vineet Maxwell David, Dr. Vineet, Prof. Ashish Awasthi, Prof. Mahendra Agnihotri, Dr. Sachi Rai, Dr. Karunashankar Kanojia, Dr. Santhil, Dr. Anand Pandey, and K.M. Dwivedi, who collectively emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship.
Activities at ONGC CAS Building
On June 4, a plantation programme was organized at the ONGC Centre for Advanced Studies (CAS) Building within the university campus. Three saplings of Savani and Sindoor species were planted by Prof. Sudhir Mehrotra of the Department of Biochemistry and Prof. Amita Kanojia, Coordinator of the EIACP Centre, IWS, Lucknow University.
Staff members of the ONGC CAS Building and EIACP personnel participated in the programme and highlighted the need for environmental protection and sustainable green development.
Grand Finale on World Environment Day
The week-long campaign concluded on June 5 with a plantation programme at the university’s Administrative Building. Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Saini planted saplings of Sandalwood, Rudraksha, and Sindoor, reaffirming the university’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable growth.
The closing ceremony was attended by Chief Proctor Prof. Rakesh Dwivedi, Additional Proctor Prof. O.P. Shukla, Dr. Rahul Pandey, Prof. Sharma, Dr. Shuban Alam, Prof. Monisha Banerjee, Prof. Rita Chaudhary, along with faculty members, officers, staff, and students.
Significant Environmental Impact
During the five-day campaign, a total of 72 saplings were planted across the campus:
- Zoology Department Campus – 6 saplings
- DSW Office Complex – 6 saplings
- 18 University Hostels – 54 saplings
- ONGC CAS Building – 3 saplings
- Administrative Building – 3 saplings
Total Saplings Planted: 72
Organizers noted that the initiative will contribute to increasing green cover, enhancing biodiversity, improving carbon absorption, and fostering environmental consciousness among students and the wider community.
Over 500 Participants Join Green Movement
More than 500 participants, including teachers, students, research scholars, university employees, international students, and members of the public, took part in the week-long programme.
Through plantation drives and awareness activities, the campaign successfully promoted environmental conservation, biodiversity enhancement, energy conservation, sustainable transportation, and the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event concluded with a collective pledge to adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles, conserve natural resources and energy, protect biodiversity, and work together toward building a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.
