The Delhi government has outlined an ambitious plan to make schools greener. Schools will plant 3.5 lakh saplings in 2026–27 under a new initiative by the Directorate of Education (DoE). The plantation drive will include government, government-aided, and private schools. Eco-Club members will lead the initiative, planting one lakh trees and 2.5 lakh shrubs on campuses.
Why this initiative
According to a report by Hindustan Times, pollution levels near school campuses remain a concern. Officials noted that schools had carried out “commendable” plantation work in 2025–26. Building on that progress, the DoE aims to expand green cover further this academic session.
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What must each school do
The report stated that every school must plant at least 350 saplings, including 100 trees and 250 shrubs. Plantation activities will take place every month. School heads have been directed to run awareness campaigns and increase green areas using grass and creepers. The DoE has also asked heads of schools (HoSs), eco-club in-charges, and staff to regularly monitor the condition and survival of plants, with active student participation.
Student activities planned
To encourage participation, schools will organise poster-making, painting, essay writing, slogan competitions, role plays, and nukkad natak events, all centred on greening themes.
Key date and free saplings:
According to the reports of the Hindustan Times, a special plantation drive is scheduled for August 11, 2026. Schools must complete 80 per cent of their planting target by that date. Saplings will be provided free of cost from nurseries run by the Delhi government's Forest Department.
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Reporting and oversight:
District Deputy Directors of Education must ensure maximum plantation across schools in their areas. Schools will submit monthly plantation reports, along with survival rate data of plants from the previous session as the report suggested. The DoE's plan combines student participation, regular monitoring, and administrative oversight to make Delhi's school campuses greener and cleaner.
