PAU Vice-Chancellor’s green initiative takes root

Ludhiana, July 8

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has come up with ‘one student, one tree’ initiative and plans to plant 15,000 trees under the same.

The varsity has embarked on a massive month-long plantation drive as a part of its ‘Clean and Green PAU Campus Drive’, initiated during its Diamond Jubilee year. This initiative aligns with Van Mahotsav, the annual tree-planting festival celebrated in the first week of July, which promotes environmental awareness and the three Rs of reduce, reuse and recycle.

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, vice-chancellor, articulated the ambitious goals of the plantation drive. He elaborated on vision of a future where lush forests flourish, providing alternative fuels and boosting food production.

He also emphasised the creation of shelter belts to enhance agricultural productivity. The first week of July is ideal for planting in India due to the monsoon, he added.

Central to this drive are the first-year students, each entrusted with planting and nurturing a sapling throughout their academic journey. This ‘one student, one tree’ model will extend to PAU’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras, research stations and seed farms. Additionally, PAU plans to establish a Miyawaki Forest over an acre, funded by Vardhman Special Steel Pvt Limited.

Dr Gosal highlighted the importance of trees in combating climate change, improving air quality, conserving water, maintaining soil health, enhancing and urban environments.

Dr RIS Gill, PAU’s Estate Officer, unveiled the strategic locations for the plantation drive. Bougainvillea will grace the Gate 3, Neeli Gulmohar and palms will line ATARI road, Kachnar trees will enhance the surroundings near Parker House and Lagerstroemia will adorn CIPHET road. Sterculia will be planted along the boundaries. Launched on July 3, the initiative will see 150-200 saplings planted daily, continuing until the end of

the month.

Dr Parminder Singh, Head of the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, outlined the diverse array of plants to be grown. From vibrant shrubs and towering trees to traditional Punjabi flora, the aim is to conserve precious germplasm and counter the looming threat of climate change. The initiative will focus on creating lush new plant avenues across the campus, with evergreen plants offering shade in summer and deciduous varieties for the winter months, he added.