JMI Plants 101 Mango Trees for ‘Maa Vatika’ on World Environment Day

New Delhi, June 5, 2026 – Jamia Millia Islamia marked World Environment Day 2026 by launching ‘Maa Vatika’, a dedicated mango orchard on campus, and announcing plans for a large water body to boost rainwater harvesting.Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Asif and Registrar Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi inaugurated the orchard by planting 101 mango saplings behind the FTK Centre for Information Technology. The drive, dedicated to mothers, aligns with the Prime Minister’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and this year’s World Environment Day theme of climate change.Four women representing mothers planted the first sapling as a symbol of love and gratitude. The 101 saplings, including indigenous varieties like Dussehri, Amrapali and Langra, were donated by the Government of Delhi and JMI alumni.‘Beyond Symbolic Plantation’
Welcoming dignitaries, Prof. Rajeev Singh, Head of Environmental Sciences, said the VC has consistently pushed for fruit-bearing trees that support birds, animals and people. “Every day should be Environment Day. This orchard reflects JMI’s commitment to biodiversity,” he said.Registrar Prof. Rizvi stressed action over symbolism. “It is not enough to plant a tree; we must ensure its growth and survival. Environmental awareness must become a way of life. Urbanization and shrinking green spaces threaten ecological balance,” he said, explaining that ‘Maa Vatika’ was named to honour mothers across cultures.Focus on Sustainability
In his presidential address, Prof. Asif congratulated the Environmental Sciences department and horticulture staff for maintaining the campus ecosystem. He warned that excessive urban consumption has led to deforestation and pollution, and called for corrective action.“These 101 mango trees will serve generations of students and enrich our biodiversity for decades,” Prof. Asif said. “Indigenous varieties have long life spans and huge ecological benefits. Jamia already hosts diverse flora, fauna and birds, and we must strengthen this heritage.”The VC also announced a new campus pond to recharge groundwater, improve rainwater harvesting and reduce monsoon waterlogging. “We’re working on a sizeable water body to collect and store rainwater effectively,” he added.Wide Participation
The event saw participation from Controller of Examinations Prof. Ahteshamul Haq, Finance Officer Prof. Md. Kamalun Nabi, Chief Proctor Prof. Asad Malik, Deans Prof. Iqtidar Mohd. Khan, Prof. Ghulam Yazdani, Prof. Bindulika Sharma, Dean Alumni Affairs Prof. Asif Husain, Librarian Dr. Vikas Sitaramji Nagrale, Foreign Students’ Advisor Prof. Saima Saeed, HoDs, Directors, officers, horticulture staff and Environmental Sciences students. Many participants planted trees in their mothers’ names, reinforcing the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” spirit.