World Environment Day 2025: Plantation drives, cleanliness rallies, centre’s new campaign among celebrations

In order to celebrate World Environment Day, several institutions carried out plantation drives at their campuses or nearby green areas. To mark the occasion, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan also launched "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0" campaign in New Delhi.

As part of the initiative, Dharmendra Pradhan launched special modules developed for schools, a microsite for the campaign, and a dedicated web portal for Eco Clubs under Mission LiFE.

Soon after the launch of the campaign, students took part in a plantation drive and hosted a rally to spread awareness regarding cleanliness. Ministry of Education posted on X, “Prerana Batch 53 students participated in the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 plantation drive, a visionary initiative of Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi. They also organised an awareness rally and cleanliness campaign to emphasise the importance of green cover and address the harmful impact of plastic waste. These actions embody Prerana’s commitment to developing environmental consciousness and driving impactful community change.”

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Here's how various institutions celebrated the day. The theme of this year's World Environment Day is 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.

Jamia Millia Islamia

Various departments of JMI celebrated the day by organising events around cleanliness. The Begum Hazrat Mahal Girls' Hostel, for instance, held a cleanliness environment march around its premises. During the march, university staff and hostel members actively participated in cleaning the area, collecting litter in dustbins, and carrying banners promoting environmental awareness.

A plantation drive followed the event, where students, staff, and faculty planted 25 saplings of various species.

Delhi University

At Delhi University, Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh planted a ‘Sindoor’ (vermilion) tree sapling at the Vice Regal Lodge, highlighting its cultural, medicinal and national significance.

Ambedkar University Delhi

In AUD, a plantation drive was carried out at its Dheerpur Wetland Project, where 200 saplings were planted -- 100 each at the wetlands and on its campus. The initiative was led by VC Anu Singh Lather, who was joined by faculty and staff.

IIIT Bangalore

The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT B) celebrated the day by organising a plantation drive at HSR Layout, Bengaluru, in Sudarvana Urban Forest. The location of the plantation drive was an erstwhile dump yard, which for years housed waste from neighboring localities. IIIT B planted 50 saplings to contribute to the growing green cover. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Jeevanmukthi Foundation Charitable Trust.