Delhi schools to plant 3.5 lakh saplings in 2026–27 under govt greening plan

New Delhi: The Delhi government has drawn up an action plan to intensify tree plantation and greening activities across schools for the academic session 2026–27, setting a target of planting 3.5 lakh saplings. According to the plan issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), the target includes one lakh trees and 2.5 lakh shrubs to be planted in government, government-aided and private unaided recognised schools through Eco-Club members.

The move follows what officials described as "commendable" plantation efforts by schools during 2025–26, and aims to further expand green cover and curb pollution levels within school campuses. Heads of Schools (HoSs) have been directed to undertake a series of measures, including awareness campaigns on tree plantation and increasing green patch areas using grass and creepers. It stated that schools have also been asked to ensure the planting of trees and shrubs on a monthly basis.

To encourage student participation, institutions will organise activities such as poster-making, painting, role play, nukkad natak, essay writing and slogan competitions centred on greening initiatives, it said.

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As per DoE, a special plantation drive has been scheduled for August 11, 2026, with schools expected to achieve 80 per cent of their plantation targets by that time. Each school has been mandated to plant a minimum of 350 saplings, including 100 trees and 250 shrubs, during the current academic session. Saplings will be provided free of cost from nurseries run by the Forest Department of the Delhi government, it mentioned.

The DoE has also directed HoSs, Eco-Club in-charges and staff members to actively participate in plantation and regularly monitor the condition and survival of plants with the involvement of students. District Deputy Directors of Education (DDEs) have been asked to ensure maximum plantation across schools under their jurisdiction. Schools will be required to submit monthly plantation reports, along with data on the survival rate of plants from the previous session, it added.