Aligarh: Aligarh Muslim University, known for its lush greenery and dedication to environmental sustainability, actively incorporates plantation drives into academic and extracurricular activities. Advancing this mission, AMU’s Department of Land and Garden partnered with the State Bank of India’s (AMU Branch) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative for a campus-wide plantation drive.
The three-day programme was inaugurated today by the Chief Guest, AMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon, who planted a sapling at the Medical Colony, joined by university and SBI officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Naima Khatoon emphasised, “Founder Sir Syed Ahmad Khan envisioned a green and clean residential campus for the holistic development of students. I sincerely appreciate the State Bank of India, AMU Branch, for organising this plantation drive under its CSR initiative. Educational institutions must champion such efforts to promote environmental sustainability and instill ecological responsibility among staff and students.”
In a joint statement, MIC Land and Garden Prof. Zaki Anwar and SBI AMU Branch Manager Mr. Farrukh Shamim emphasised that plantation drives align with national and global sustainability goals, reinforcing social responsibility and inspiring future generations to create a greener, sustainable future.
Prof. Zaki stated that approximately 600 saplings, including Teak, Arjun, Gooseberry, Lemon, Guava, Pomegranate, Sweet Lemon, and Mango, were planted at the Medical Colony and Sir Syed House. The plantation drive will continue until January 31, covering Maulana Azad Library, Lalazar Kothi, the Department of Wildlife Sciences, and other campus locations, with a total of around 1,800 saplings to be planted.
The event was attended by Mrs. Megha Gaur Sharma (Chief Manager, SBI RBO-4), Mr. Farrukh Shamim (Chief Manager, SBI AMU Branch), Mr. Subhash Chanda Jha (Deputy Branch Manager, SBI AMU Branch), Ms. Minakshi Lodhi (Manager Human Resource, SBI RBO-4), and other SBI staff.
University officials, including Prof. Mohd. Mohsin Khan (Finance Officer), Prof. Wasim Ali (Proctor), Prof. Shakeel Ahmad (MIC, Property and Waqf), Prof. Fareed Mehdi (MIC, Building), Prof. Salman Hameed (MIC, Electricity), Prof. Abrar Ahmad Khan (Department of Botany), and Mr. Omar Peerzada (PRO) also participated in the drive.
Dr. Tariq Aftab (Associate MIC, Department of Land and Gardens) commended the participation and noted that students from the university’s Eco Club also took part in the initiative.
