With environmentalism at the forefront of the National Education Policy (NEP), the Maharashtra Council of Primary Education has encouraged schools to establish ‘eco clubs’ to promote student-led environmental initiatives. In June 2025, schools were also instructed to run a tree plantation campaign titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, under which each school was asked to plant 70 trees in honour of mothers.

However, while schools in and around Mumbai are ready with saplings, many are facing a space crunch. “We are ready with 70 saplings, but there’s a space constraint on our premises, which is the case for many Mumbai schools. Our school shares its boundary with LBS Marg, so we can’t plant too close to the boundary either,” a school representative said.

After speaking with the gardener, the students planted several trees on campus and took the rest of the saplings home. “This activity doesn’t take away from the message. The students are involved at every step, working with their bare hands and connecting with the soil. This hands-on participation only deepens their commitment to the mission,” said Suchitra Powar, Vice-Principal of St Xavier’s school, Powai.