Eco-Club of Sri Venkateshwar International School, Sector-18, Dwarka, in association with a number of government, NGO, private, and corporate agencies carried out a month long plantation drive in August. Van Mahotsav, an annual feature in the school calendar, was launched by Mrs Hazel Siromoni, President YMCA, School Chairman, Mr. Sailander Solanki along with School Principal Mrs. Nita Arora, Advisor Gp Captain Mr. Ishwar Singh and Mr. P.K.Dutta by planting saplings at the school premises on August 1, 2015.

On August 3, the students of Class X took the initiative further by participating in Green India programme which started with a small presentation followed by a Tree-Plantation drive. We witnessed enthusiastic participation by the students as they were excited to get involved in such an eco-friendly activity. Awareness about this is also important, especially at a time when Delhi is struggling with the problem of severe pollution. We encouraged the students to keep their environment as green as possible and simultaneously nurture and maintain these plants. All the plants for the occasion were procured through various government nurseries by Mr. P. K. Dutta, President GreenOlution. The event proved successful because of the efforts of Director Corporate Social Responsibility and School Social Responsibility Mr. Ankur and Mr. Rishabh.

Perhaps, the most effective step that one can take to improve air quality is to plant saplings and nurture them till they grow into big trees. This can protect us and the future generations from the adverse effects of air pollution. These trees can also make neighbourhoods less scorching in summer by improving the micro-climate. They will attract a variety of birds, improve biodiversity and restrict desertification in Delhi.

With this objective in mind, Students of Class VIII participated in the Times of India Green Drive at Sector 16, Dwarka on August 4, 2015.

Students of Class VI enthusiastically volunteered in the “Conserve My Planet (CMP)” programme. It is a participative and educational training program to build communities sensitive to energy conservation by Schneider Electric India Foundation. The program aims to educate the young minds about energy saving, energy efficiency, green energy, recyclable sources of energy. The CMP team conducted a workshop on August 21, 2015 to instill a sense of responsibility amongst the children and give them a platform to display their skills. The workshop began with an overview by CMP representative on the energy saving, energy efficiency, renewable sources of energy and conservation of environment. Participants then shared their own views and initiatives. After the workshop an open competition for all participants was announced in which students participated with great zeal and enthusiasm.

Taking the Greening Mission forward on August 27, 28 and September 3, 2015, the school Director CSR/SSR, Mr Ankur and Mr Rishabh with the NGO Hara Jeevan, under the leadership of Principal Ms. Nita Arora, Headmistress Junior Wing Ms. Shama Kapoor, Head Innovation Ms. Shailja Chandar planted some more saplings along with the Eco–Club Incharge Ms. Bhawna Sharma and students of Class X under the ‘Shramdaan’ endeavour of students.

The efforts of the school management and the students do not just end with planting trees. The school has an ‘Adopt-a-Tree’ programme in place which makes each student responsible to upkeep the tree planted by him/her and to make sure that it is taken care of. Each young tree is adopted by a student who agrees to regularly water, weed and care for the tree. The goal is to help new trees thrive in the first few years after planting while the tree is establishing its root systems.

The overall enthusiasm of the students and Sri VIS towards this initiative has been overwhelming as more and more students are coming forward to adopt a tree.

Citizen’s reporter
Reena Kalra

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