‘Go green’ – 2000 trees for a greener Academy, a greener Telangana

The Academy recently received 2000 saplings of various fruit and flower varieties as part of Telangana Government’s flagship programme Telangana Ku Haritha Haaram. This is a mega plantation drive designed to increase the present tree cover from 24% to 33% of the state’s total geographical area. The Indian National Forest Policy suggests a minimum of 33% forest or tree cover to ensure a level of environmental stability and ecological balance, vital for the sustenance of all life forms.

Massive planting activities have been taken up by state departments, industry partners, government educational institutions, associations and schools since the forestation programme was launched in July 2016. 2.5 million saplings have ostensibly been planted in non-forest areas, specifically government premises, roadside avenues, barren hills, tank bunds, institutional grounds, river and canal banks, housing colonies, industrial parks and schools. As part of the Academy's commitment to ‘going green’ and environmental sustainability, we have pledged to plant the issued saplings in and around the premises.

In August, 2000 saplings were delivered to the Academy by the Mandal Parishad Development Officer of Maheshwaram Mandal and other officials. A phased planting schedule has been laid out with the first phase already completed with help from students and staff. We were visited by representatives of the Gram Panchayat, who were pleased with the plantation progress and the state of saplings in the nursery.

It is understood that the saplings will be planted and their survival ensured. As an evolving ‘green school’, the Academy is in close collaboration with Hyderabad CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) to ensure that Academy policies and practices are recognised by the IGBC (Indian Green Buildings Council) ratings systems as environmentally friendly and sustainable. The next phase of tree planting is about to start, with students committed to their maintainance part of their International Baccalaureate CAS (creativity, activity, service) stewardship activities.

Taking part in Haritha Haaram highlights the Academy’s commitment to the environment not just within its premises, but toward a more sustainable future.