The Directorate of Education (DoE) in New Delhi has made geo-tagging mandatory for all schools participating in a mega plantation drive aimed at enhancing greenery across the capital. In a recent circular, the DoE instructed all government, aided, and private recognized schools in Delhi to upload location-based photographs of plantation sites before and after sapling drives.
Plantation Targets and Schedule
Schools are required to plant at least 50 saplings on the inauguration day, including 15 trees and 35 shrubs. This initiative is part of a broader target to plant 35,000 saplings across schools during the 2026-27 academic session. The circular outlines a detailed schedule: site selection and soil preparation from April 1 to May 14, pit digging from May 15 to May 25, and a special tree plantation drive from August 1 to August 11.
Monitoring and Compliance
The DoE emphasized that the plantation site and pit-digging site must remain the same to ensure proper monitoring. Zone conveners will coordinate with schools for smooth execution. Schools must achieve 80% of their plantation target by September 15. Free saplings will be supplied by nurseries run by the forest department of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD).
Heads of schools, eco-club teachers, school management committee members, and students are urged to actively participate and ensure regular maintenance of the planted saplings. The circular stated, 'Schools have been directed to submit geo-tagged photographs of the plantation sites and pits through online Google forms before plantation begins.' Photographs taken during and after the process, along with details of saplings planted, must also be uploaded.
