Students Lead Environmental Action in Swachha Andhra Plantation Drive
The NSS Apollo University organised the Swachha Andhra Plantation Drive 2025 on 20th September, 2025 at Vividha Garden, organized by its NSS Units 1 & 2 in collaboration with the Eco Club. The initiative, held as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva - 2025 campaign, focused on enhancing the campus green cover and promoting sustainable living by planting fruit-bearing trees. The drive aimed to instill environmental awareness, cultivate community involvement, and provide long-term ecological benefits.
The drive focused on planting a diverse mix of trees and plants to benefit both the ecosystem and the university community. A total of 70 saplings were planted by the NSS team with the helping hand of Eco club members. The following saplings were planted:
- 10 Pomegranate Trees
- 10 Sapota Trees
- 10 Papaya Trees
- 10 Guava Trees
- 30 Tulsi Plants
The selected variety ensures biodiversity, provides fresh produce for the community in the future, and promotes a sustainable, eco-friendly campus environment. The event was inaugurated by Prof. M. Potharaju, Registrar, The Apollo University, who emphasized the importance of afforestation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. In his address, Prof. Potharaju highlighted the critical role of collective action in creating a sustainable future and encouraged students to actively participate in initiatives that support ecological balance and green practices.
The Eco Club of The Apollo University played a key role in the plantation drive, along with the NSS Units providing support in organizing the event, assisting with tree planting, and ensuring the care of the saplings.
Special mention to Dr. S S Shani, Assistant Director, Directorate of Student Affairs, who actively contributed to the Swachhata Hi Seva initiative by participating and coordination in the plantation drive. Her engagement exemplifies leadership in environmental responsibility and serves as a role model, inspiring students and staff to contribute to similar initiatives. Special mention to NSS Programme Coordinator, Dr S. Hemadri Reddy Salla, NSS Officers Dr Shaik Jakeer, Ms A. Gayathri and Eco Club Faculty Coordinator, Dr S. Feroz Begum.
The Swachha Andhra Plantation Drive 2025 is designed to deliver long-term ecological, educational, and community benefits, including:
- Environmental Benefits: Increasing greenery contributes to cleaner air, carbon sequestration, shade, and overall ecological balance.
- Community Impact: Fruit-bearing trees will provide nutritious produce for the campus community, promoting sustainability and healthy living.
- Educational Value: Students gain hands-on experience with planting, learn about different plant species, and develop a deeper understanding of ecological conservation.
The university celebrates this plantation drive and Swtchhata Campaign as a month long annual initiative as per the initiative of Government of India –Ministry of Youth Affairs, expanding the number and variety of trees planted each year and cleaning the university premises and community services. The partnership between NSS units and the Eco Club will continue to strengthen, enabling more student-driven programs to support environmental conservation and sustainable practices.