Varanasi: Banaras Hindu University, in collaboration with the Varanasi Municipal Corporation, has launched a comprehensive plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. The campaign began at Malaviya Bhawan, with plantation of white sandalwood saplings by vice-chancellor Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, mayor Ashok Tiwari and registrar Rajan Srivastava.The VMC has provided 5,000 saplings, along with tree guards, for plantation across the university campus. ProfChaturvedi appreciated the VMC’s green initiative and expressed gratitude for its support. He said the contribution would help make the university campus greener and more environment-friendly. He also emphasised the need for proper protection and maintenance of the planted saplings.Mayor Ashok Tiwari said the VMC would help provide plant species that are currently limited in number on the campus. He added that preference should be given to tree species that provide adequate shade and remain environmentally beneficial over the long term.The plantation of white sandalwood, Jarul and mango saplings was a special attraction of the campaign.The campaign is being implemented in coordination with the university’s Horticulture Unit. Professor-in charge of the unit, Prof Sarfaraz Alam, said species suitable for the local climate and environmental conditions are being selected for plantation.
