Shimla, August 9, 2025
In a significant step towards promoting ecological sustainability, the Youth Red Cross (YRC), Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, under the aegis of Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, HPNLU, successfully conducted a plantation drive under its ongoing ‘Green Ghandal’ initiative. The drive, organised in collaboration with the District Red Cross, Shimla Branch, and the Gram Panchayat, Ghandal Village, saw the plantation of 80 saplings, including 25 deodar, 40 bann, and 15 banni trees, with the active participation of students, faculty, and local stakeholders.
The event commenced with the ceremonial planting of saplings by Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, HPNLU, and Prof. (Dr.) S.S. Jaswal, Registrar, HPNLU. Dr. Sachin Sharma, Dean Student Welfare, HPNLU, also took part in the initiative, highlighting the importance of collective environmental action.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated the university’s dedication to environmental conservation and praised the sustained efforts under the ‘Green Ghandal’ initiative. She further affirmed that HPNLU will continue to collaborate with local communities to build a greener and cleaner future.
The selected species are native to the region and are expected to enhance local biodiversity while contributing to long-term ecological balance. The plantation drive was conducted with the support of Dr. Rohit Sharma, Faculty Coordinator, YRC-HPNLU, and the Pradhan and Up-Pradhan of Gram Panchayat, Ghandal Village.
Logistical and operational coordination was ensured by Mr. Gautam, Secretary, District Red Cross, Shimla, and Mr. Romil Chawla, President, Youth Red Cross, HPNLU. The event witnessed enthusiastic involvement from undergraduate and postgraduate students, showcasing strong student-led commitment to sustainability.
The YRC, HPNLU team also extended heartfelt gratitude to the Range Officers, Dhami, Forest Department, for their valuable support and for providing land for the plantation, making the initiative a collective success.
