NIIT University Deepens Green Roots with 500-Sapling Drive in the Aravallis

The University of the Future NIIT University (NU), celebrated Van Mahotsav 2025 by hosting a high-impact plantation drive at its Neemrana campus in Rajasthan, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development and ecological restoration in the Aravalli region. The event was graced by Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Mr. Amitabh Kant, Chancellor, NIIT University; and Mr. Rajendra S Pawar, Founder, NIIT University reinforcing NU’s pivotal role in shaping India’s green future. On the occasion, 500 saplings were planted to support the revival of the Aravalli landscape and restore greenery lost to years of environmental degradation.

One of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, the Aravallis play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance in north-western India. They act as a natural barrier against desertification, help recharge groundwater, and support rich biodiversity. However, decades of deforestation, illegal mining, and urban expansion have led to their rapid deterioration. Against this backdrop, NU’s sustained green initiatives including large-scale plantation drives reflect a strong commitment to conserving the region’s natural heritage.

This Van Mahotsav, NU is not only honouring trees, but it is also reinforcing its status as a national model for responsible campus development and sustainable education. Over the years, NU has planted more than 1.5 lakh trees, successfully rejuvenating a once-degraded section of the Aravalli range. This massive green initiative, coupled with advanced water conservation projects, has helped raise the local water table, create 2 degrees cooler microclimate, and deliver the air quality that is 50% better than surrounding areas. Building on this foundation, the university has implemented an integrated sustainability model, reviving the Sabi River, constructing 15 check dams and 5 recharge pits, and setting up sewage recycling systems that make the campus entirely water self-sufficient. There is not a single drop of water that comes from outside.

Speaking on this occasion, Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said, “India's growth story will be based on sustainability, and NIIT University is a good example of this. Educational institutions play a crucial part in creating role models and teach the future generations of our nation, how to be environmentally responsible in all aspects of life even outside the campus. It is great that NU wants to restore the ecosystem around the Aravalli, protect local water bodies, and encourage green infrastructure.”

He further added, “Reviving the Aravallis is a personal priority, and I was glad to participate in the plantation of over 500 saplings here today. Greening these ancient hills is not just about ecology, it is about preserving our legacy for the generations to come.”

Established in 2009, NU’s Green Campus in Neemrana, Rajasthan aligns with all regional environmental norms and features eco-conscious architectural design that significantly reduces its carbon footprint. The campus layout respects the natural contours of the land, minimizing the ecological impact of construction and preserving the area's geological integrity.

Remarking during the event, Mr. Amitabh Kant, Chancellor, NIIT University, said, “NIIT University represents a new model of education, one deeply rooted in sustainability and societal responsibility. Our Green Campus reflects a broader philosophy of responsible growth, where education, the environment, and community are closely interconnected and contribute to our society meaningfully. As we lead in education, we are equally committed to leading in sustainability. We believe this commitment will be the bedrock on which the earth survives and nurtures our future generations.”

Mr. Rajendra S Pawar, Founder, NIIT Group, said, “As we celebrate Van Mahotsav 2025, NU reaffirms its leadership in championing a greener future and contributing meaningfully to the ecological well-being of the Aravalli region. From the start, we envisioned our university as more than just an institution —we saw it as a sustainable ecosystem that lives in harmony with its natural surroundings, uplifting the ecological landscape while educating future leaders. Every element of the campus from its architecture to its environmental initiatives reflects our long-term vision of coexisting with nature."

NIIT University continues to uphold its commitment to delivering a holistic education that places equal emphasis on academic excellence and environmental responsibility. Following a green campus approach, the university shows its sincerity to applying sustainability in all areas of campus life, including hands-on learning activities beyond the classroom. Initiatives such as tree plantation drives, water conservation efforts, and ecological restoration activities are designed to foster a deep sense of environmental stewardship among students, faculty, and the surrounding community.