IIT Bombay celebrated Van Mahotsav, an annual green initiative where the entire campus community—staff, faculty, students, and residents—unites to plant saplings. This year, the event took place on Sunday, July 28, at 10 am along the Lake Side Road near the Jal Vihar guest house.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner of the BMC, emphasized the importance of planting indigenous species and preserving mature trees during construction activities. He inspired the students to foster a greener and more sustainable environment.

Distinguished dignitaries from IIT Bombay who attended the event included:

• Prof. Milind Atrey – Deputy Director for Academic and Infrastructural Affairs
• Prof. K.V.K. Rao – Deputy Director for Finance and External Affairs
• Prof. K.P. Kaliappan – Dean of Strategy
• Prof. Vedagiri Perumal – Dean of Infrastructure, Planning, and Support (IPS)
• Prof. Anurag Garg – Associate Dean of IPS – 3
• Prof. Venkata Santosh Kumar Delhi – Associate Dean of IPS – 1

They joined the faculty, staff, students, and the teachers and students of Kendriya Vidyalaya and Campus School in planting 400 saplings.

Cultural performances by students from Campus School and Kendriya Vidyalaya, celebrating the importance of trees, added a lively touch to the event. Organized by the Horticulture section of the Estate Office, IIT Bombay, this initiative underscores the commitment to nurturing the campus’s greenery, especially amidst ongoing redevelopment and expansion.

The Van Mahotsav celebration extended beyond the IIT Bombay campus. The student team of Abhyudaya organized the Green Earth Campaign, a tree plantation drive in Marol, Mumbai, on the same day. With the help of local volunteers, they planted 1,500 saplings of 56 varieties, aiming to promote environmental sustainability, enhance biodiversity, and combat climate change.

IIT Bombay is dedicated to sustainable development, adopting green practices to create an environmentally friendly campus and instill a sense of environmental responsibility among residents. Under the office of the Dean of Infrastructure, Planning, and Support (IPS), several initiatives are ongoing, including:

Environmental Impact:

• Environmental Education
• Environmental Research
• Awareness Programs
• Approaches towards zero carbon emissions (sustainable transport and mobility, water conservation and wastewater recycling, solid waste treatment and recycling, energy conservation, renewable power and net-zero goals, sustainable infrastructure development, road cleaning)
• Creation and maintenance of green cover and landscaping
• Biodiversity management
• Handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes

Social Impact:

• Equity and well-being of campus residents
• Improved housekeeping activities

For more details on IIT Bombay’s new sustainability policy, visit: IIT Bombay Sustainability Policy

The celebration of Van Mahotsav at IIT Bombay not only reinforces the Institute’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect and enhance our natural surroundings. Through active participation in such initiatives, the IIT Bombay community demonstrates the power of unity in fostering a greener future. As the saplings grow and flourish, so does the spirit of conservation and environmental stewardship among all who are part of this vibrant campus. This year’s Van Mahotsav is a testament to the enduring dedication of IIT Bombay towards creating a sustainable and ecologically balanced world for generations to come.

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