Plantation Drives and Campus-Wide Campaigns Held To End Plastic Pollution
Aligarh: In a unique confluence of heritage and environmental responsibility, the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) organised a wide array of impactful events across its departments, schools, and centres under the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution”, to mark World Environment Day 2025. The observances reflected the university community’s collective commitment to environmental protection, ecological sustainability and responsible practices.
The plantation drive, jointly organised by Sir Syed Academy and the Department of Land and Gardens, at Sir Syed House was graced by several distinguished guests and members of the university community. Chief Guest, Prof. Mohammad Gulrez, former Vice Chancellor of AMU, was joined by Mr. Navin Prakash Shaikya IFS, District Forest Officer, who served as the Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries present included Prof. Shafey Kidwai, Director, Sir Syed Academy; Prof. Asfar Ali Khan, Director, School Education; Prof. Abid Ali Khan, Director, IQAC; Prof. T.N. Satheesan, Dean, Faculty of Arts; Prof. Ikram Hussain, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences; Prof. Anwar Shahzad, Member In-charge, Department of Land and Garden; and Dr. Mohammad Shahid, Deputy Director, Sir Syed Academy, among others. As part of the drive, 20 saplings were planted in the lush lawns of Sir Syed House.
Prof. Mohammad Gulrez emphasised that “environmental protection is not just a contemporary concern but a civilizational value rooted in our educational and cultural heritage.” He commended the organisers for linking history with action in a manner that educates and inspires.
Mr. Navin Prakash Shaikya lauded AMU’s green initiatives and urged the university community to continue fostering environmental stewardship through similar sustained efforts.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Prof. Shafey Kidwai shared that in November 1875, during the grand foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College – AMU’s forerunner – Lord William Muir, then Lieutenant Governor of the North-Western Provinces, attended with his wife. On that occasion, the couple planted a sapling near the iconic Faiz Gate. As a touching memento of her visit, Muir’s wife took a leaf from the newly planted tree.
Prof. Kidwai further noted that Lord Muir was not merely a ceremonial guest but an instrumental supporter of the MAO College in its formative years.
Prof. Anwar Shahzad emphasised that the plantation drive served not only as a response to contemporary environmental challenges but also as a tribute to the university’s rich legacy, honouring the founding ideals of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
Prof. Riaz Ahmad, Member In-charge, Dawakhana Tibbiya College and AMU Gas Agency; Dr. Ali Jafar Abedi, University Health Officer; Dr. Zubair Shadab Khan, Provost, Habib Hall; and Syed Hussain Haider also planted saplings.
The Department of Physics launched its campaign with a plantation drive and plastic waste removal activity. Dr. Sudhir Kumar Gupta highlighted the long-term health hazards of plastic, while Prof. Anisul Ain Usmani emphasised its impact on mental well-being and called for its elimination. Faculty, researchers, and staff actively participated.
The Department of Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib (Preventive and Social Medicine), Faculty of Unani Medicine, held a two-week pre-campaign (May 22-June 5), which included campus clean-up drives, waste segregation, eco-friendly awareness sessions, and a pledge ceremony. Prof. Rubi Anjum encouraged the use of natural alternatives like cloth bags and neem combs. Informative sessions and digital campaigns further enhanced outreach.
The Department of Linguistics observed the day with a pledge ceremony led by Chairman Mr. Masood Ali Beg, who emphasised preserving ecological balance through responsible human actions.
The Department of Moalijat also conducted a pledge event on the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally,” reinforcing awareness among students and staff.
The Department of Education observed the day with multiple activities, including a plantation drive graced by Chief Guest Prof. Anwar Shahzad, a mass pledge for sustainability, and a plastic waste segregation exercise. Faculty, M.Ed. and B.Ed. students, and research scholars took part enthusiastically, promoting awareness and actionable sustainability practices within academic settings.
The Department of Business Administration held a pledge ceremony led by Chairperson Prof. Salma Ahmed, and distributed jute bags to staff and students, advocating for the use of eco-friendly alternatives. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to sustainable living throughout the year.
The Centre for Continuing and Adult Education and Extension (CCAEE) hosted a lecture by Dr. Ali Jafer Abedi, University Health Officer and Nodal Officer for World Environment Day related programmes, focusing on the health impact of plastic and India’s ban on single-use plastics. Certificates were distributed for the “Computer Fundamentals – MS Office Basic” course. Director Dr. Shamim Akhtar proposed the vote of thanks.
The Central Automobile Workshop (CAW) and Transport Department organised a special programme featuring a pledge administered by Prof. Mohammed Ali, Member-In-Charge. A cleanliness drive was conducted to encourage a plastic-free workplace. Dr. Mohd. Yunus Khan and Mr. Md. Fozailuddin Tarique participated in and supported the initiative.
The Centre for Skill Development and Career Planning, Women’s College, organiaed a vibrant exhibition to mark the occasion. Under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution,” the exhibition showcased art and craft items made from waste plastic, glass, rubber, and other reusable household materials. Trainees from the Garment Making, Interior Decoration, and Needle Work (Embroidery) Certificate Courses presented planters, organisers, showpieces, and more. The Centre also promoted its ongoing “Cloth Bag Campaign,” urging people to opt for reusable cloth bags instead of plastic.
Prof. Shagufta Imtiaz, Acting Principal and Director of the Centre, encouraged trainees to leverage social media to market their eco-friendly products. Dr. Samreen Hasan Khan inspired the students to use unused cloth creatively and highlighted the potential for financial independence through such sustainable entrepreneurship.
The College of Nursing also observed the day under the supervision and guidance of Prof. Farha Azmi, Principal, College of Nursing, AMU. Students of B.Sc. Nursing took a solemn pledge to protect the environment for future generations and maintain a clean and green earth by preserving ecological balance. Nursing faculty and students participated actively in this initiative.
The Nursing Officer Association, JN Medical College Hospital (JNMCH) conducted a plantation drive, emphasising green healthcare spaces. Led by Chairperson President Sijauddin and supported by key office bearers, the initiative reinforced the hospital staff’s environmental responsibility.
Abdullah School celebrated the occasion with an online eco-art activity, cleanliness drive, and plantation. Students and staff took an active role under the guidance of Assistant Director Dr. Saleha Jamal and Superintendent Ms. Umra Zaheer.
AMU Girls’ School observed the day through a week-long awareness campaign including morning assemblies, a rally, quiz, essay writing, poster-making, and poetry competitions. Led by Principal Ms. Amna Malik and Vice Principal Ms. Alka Agarwal, the activities aimed to instil environmental values among students.
The Aligarh Muslim University Unit of National Service Scheme (NSS) and AMU ABK High School (Boys) collaborated to celebrate the Day with a week-long series of awareness programmes and activities aimed at promoting environmental consciousness and sustainable living. The celebration focused on the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally” and emphasized two important sub-themes: saying no to plastic bags and saying no to tobacco. Various competitions such as poster making, essay writing, slogan writing, skits, speeches, and debates were conducted, with enthusiastic participation from students.
At the concluding ceremony, held at AMU ABK High School (Boys), Prof. Mansoor Alam Siddiqui delivered a lecture on the adverse effects of plastic pollution, urging the audience to eliminate plastic use. Dr. Mohd. Arsalan Khan provided practical insights on recycling plastic in everyday situations. Fatma Fahim, Visiting Faculty at AMU’s Bridge Course, addressed the pressing challenges of climate change and global warming, linking them to unsustainable plastic consumption. Dr. Samina, Principal of AMU ABK High School (Boys), emphasised the harmful impact of plastic and offered useful suggestions to reduce its use in daily life.
Dr. Mohd. Mohsin Khan, NSS Programme Coordinator, felicitated Principal Dr. Samina and Fatma Fahim in recognition of their valuable contributions to the event. The vote of thanks was delivered by Md. Imran Khan.
This initiative is part of AMU’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, building upon previous awareness campaigns such as “Kachra Charcha” which advocated for a zero waste lifestyle and focused on eliminating plastic use. Through these coordinated efforts, AMU reaffirmed its dedication to environmental consciousness and took significant steps to raise awareness and promote sustainable alternatives, particularly in reducing plastic usage.
