Delhi schools to greet guests with saplings, not bouquets

In a unique green initiative, Eco Clubs of Delhi schools will soon use saplings instead of bouquets to greet guests at various occasions.
The idea was mooted by Delhi Environment Minister Asim Ahmed Khan at a meeting of Eco Club teachers of various government and public schools in the national capital today.
The Minister's idea of greeting the guests with saplings of herbal plants, ornamental plants, trees, etc for promoting the habit of greening of city, rather than presenting bouquets was welcomed in the meeting.
According to a senior official, Khan also desired that the schools present its students a sapling on their birthdays so that they will inculcate the habit of loving the plants, and create a belongingness with plants, grown by them.

The teachers appreciated the ideas and agreed to promote them in their schools, the official said.
Eco Club is an Environment Department initiative, in which the Delhi government extends a grant of Rs 20,000 per annum to the schools for creating awareness about environment issues among the student community.

Khan also asked the schools to send various innovative ideas concerning environment and pollution to the Environment Department for their widespread adoption by other schools and the society at large.
In the meeting, some of the schools also informed that they are digging pits in the school premises for disposal and conversion biodegradable waste into compost.

The Minister also desired that school teachers and students further promote sensitivity about environmental issues, pollution control, plantation, conservation of natural resources, etc among citizens of the city.