Dhanbad: In a concerted effort to boost environmental sustainability, the National Service Scheme (NSS) and the Centre of Societal Mission (CSM) at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, in collaboration with the Horticulture Section of the Dean (Infrastructure) Office and the EIACP Programme Centre (RP) from the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, spearheaded a substantial plantation drive on Saturday.
The event took place at Rajkiya Anusuchit Jati Uchcha Vidyalaya in Bhelatand, Govindpur, where a total of 100 saplings were planted using the Miyawaki Technique, as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. The objective was to establish a “Matri Van” and significantly enhance the area’s green cover.
The drive was inaugurated by Professor Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, and Prabodh Pandey, Registrar of the institute. They were joined by notable figures including Professor A.R. Dixit, Dean (Infrastructure); Professor Alok Sinha, Head of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering and Coordinator of EIACP (PC-RP); Professor Vikas Mahto, NSS Coordinator; Professor Sanjeev Sahu, CSM Coordinator; and Dr. Dhiraj Kumar, Horticulture Officer.
Approximately 60 NSS students and local school children participated in the event, planting a variety of 100 saplings across a 50-square-meter area. The selection included native forest species such as Teak, Saal, Bakul, and Semal, alongside sericulture host plants like Mulberry (Morusalba) and Arjun (Terminalia arjuna).
This diverse selection aims to support the expansion of sericulture host plantations, enhancing the silk industry while contributing to environmental conservation and biodiversity.
During the event, Professor Dheeraj Kumar highlighted the importance of ongoing care for the newly planted saplings, stressing that the real success of the initiative depends on nurturing the plants and fostering a lasting connection with nature.
The plantation drive forms part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, an initiative led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and organized under the directives of the Ministry of Education, the Department of Higher Education, and the Department of Youth Affairs. The event not only increased the green cover in the region but also promoted environmental stewardship among the youth.
The successful establishment of the “Matri Van” reflects the strong collaborative efforts between IIT(ISM) Dhanbad and its partners, setting a benchmark for future sustainable practices and highlighting the crucial role of community involvement in environmental conservation.