Plant more trees to avert environmental crisis: MDU VC Prof. Poonia

Rohtak, September 24, 2026: Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) observed NSS Day under the aegis of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan with a plantation drive and a Plastic-Free Awareness Rally on the campus today.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Milap Punia planted a Maulshree sapling to mark the beginning of the plantation drive and later flagged off the awareness rally. The campaign, organised with the theme “Youth for a Cleaner, Greener and More Responsible Society”, saw the participation of nearly 100 NSS volunteers and Programme Officers from the University Teaching Departments (UTDs) and 10 affiliated colleges.

VC Prof. Milap Punia said plantation and forests were vital for Haryana’s environmental sustainability. “Trees provide us oxygen and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. We must plant more trees and ensure their proper care to safeguard future generations from environmental challenges,” he said.

Porf. Milap Punia stressed that awareness about cleanliness and environmental protection should not remain confined to a single day. Active participation of youth, he said, could help create a cleaner, greener and plastic-free campus and carry the message of environmental conservation to society. He called upon students to make environmental protection a sustained community effort.

Registrar Prof. Sandeep Bansal said environmental protection was a collective responsibility and urged everyone to contribute to plantation and conservation efforts. Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Randeep Rana said developing environmental sensitivity among students was an important part of education.

NSS Programme Coordinator Prof. Savita Rathhee welcomed the guests and highlighted the significance of NSS Day. She said NSS volunteers were not merely participants in service activities but could serve as catalysts for positive social change. Director, Forestry, Prof. Surender Singh Yadav conducted the programme, while Director, Horticulture, Prof. Deepak Kaushik provided coordination support.

Among those present were Prof. Sarabjit Gill, Prof. Pooja Suneja, Prof. Ritu Gill, Dr. Mehak Dangi, Dr. Meenakshi Hooda, Dr. Anil Kumar, SMO Dr. Swati, Dr. Anju Panwar, Dr. Gurdayal, Dr. Vikas, Dr. Sherry, Dr. Neetu, Dr. Abhimanyu Malik and Dr. Preeti, besides teachers, non-teaching staff, Horticulture Cell personnel, NSS volunteers and students.