The University of Sindh has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability by launching a tree plantation campaign outside the Arts Faculty Building on its Jamshoro campus. The event, organized under the supervision of Professor Dr. Sikandar Ali Soomro, In-charge of the Arts Faculty Building, was held in collaboration with Helping Hand Organization, a social welfare group committed to environmental and community service initiatives.
The plantation drive was formally inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor of Sindh University, Professor Dr. Khalilur Rehman Kumbhati, who planted the first sapling himself. The initiative was marked by enthusiasm from faculty members, students, and volunteers, who together planted over 100 saplings around the Arts Faculty premises.
Vice Chancellor’s Vision for a Green Campus
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalilur Rehman Kumbhati emphasized the critical importance of tree plantation in the face of growing climate change challenges. He stated that planting trees is not only an act of beautification but also a vital contribution towards mitigating environmental hazards such as rising temperatures, air pollution, and carbon emissions.
“We are committed to developing a greener, healthier, and more sustainable campus for future generations,” Dr. Kumbhati said. “This campaign is a small but meaningful step towards combating climate change and ensuring a safe environment for our students and the community. I urge every student and faculty member to own these initiatives and play their part in protecting the planet.”
His words resonated with the audience, particularly students, who saw the campaign as an opportunity to contribute to global climate action through local action at their university.
Faculty Leadership and Student Involvement
Professor Dr. Sikandar Ali Soomro, who spearheaded the initiative, highlighted that the plantation drive was not just symbolic but part of a broader vision of embedding environmental consciousness within academic spaces.
“This campaign reflects the determination of both teachers and students to contribute to environmental sustainability,” he explained. “Planting trees is essential not only for beautifying our campus but also for addressing the broader environmental challenges that Sindh is facing, including deforestation, drought, and increasing pollution levels.”
Dr. Soomro stressed that such campaigns would be continued in different parts of the university and that the Arts Faculty would serve as a model for other departments to follow. He also praised the Helping Hand Organization for its active partnership and volunteerism.
Helping Hand Organization’s Role
Representatives of the Helping Hand Organization expressed pride in supporting the plantation campaign. They noted that environmental protection is one of the central themes of their community service work. Volunteers from the group actively participated in planting the saplings and pledged to assist the university in future campaigns.
“The partnership between educational institutions and civil society organizations can create a stronger impact,” said one of the Helping Hand representatives. “We believe this initiative at Sindh University is a step towards building awareness among young people about their responsibility in protecting the environment.”
100 Saplings Planted with Enthusiasm
The campaign resulted in the plantation of more than 100 saplings in and around the Arts Faculty Building. Faculty members, students, and volunteers joined hands in planting different varieties of trees, including shade trees and indigenous species that are better suited to the climate of Sindh.
Students enthusiastically dug pits, watered plants, and pledged to care for the saplings as part of their commitment to the cause. Many expressed that the campaign gave them a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their campus and community.
Environmental Awareness in Sindh
Environmentalists have long stressed the urgent need for afforestation in Sindh, which is facing multiple ecological challenges such as deforestation, water scarcity, heatwaves, and urban air pollution. Tree plantation drives, even on a modest scale, are seen as vital contributions to reversing some of these harmful trends.
By launching such initiatives, the University of Sindh is not only improving its immediate environment but also spreading awareness among students, who represent the future leadership of the province. The message of linking education with sustainability was a strong theme throughout the event.
Broader Impact and Future Plans
The Vice Chancellor announced that the university would continue similar plantation drives across different faculties and hostels. Plans are also underway to establish a “Green Campus Project,” under which every student will be encouraged to plant at least one tree during their time at the university.
“The idea is simple but powerful: each student plants a tree, and over time, these trees become a legacy that benefits the community and the environment,” Dr. Kumbhati explained.
He further mentioned that the university would explore partnerships with NGOs, corporate sponsors, and government bodies to expand the scope of its environmental projects.
A Collective Commitment
The event concluded with a renewed sense of unity and commitment among the participants. Faculty members praised the students for their active participation, while students applauded the leadership of the Vice Chancellor and faculty heads for initiating such meaningful activities.
The plantation drive at Sindh University’s Arts Faculty Building was not just about planting trees—it was about planting hope, awareness, and responsibility. It underscored the belief that sustainable change begins with small but dedicated steps and that universities have a crucial role in shaping environmentally conscious citizens.
Conclusion
As the 100 saplings now stand rooted in the soil of Sindh University, they symbolize the collective resolve of teachers, students, and volunteers to combat climate change and protect their environment. For the university, this was more than an event—it was a statement of vision for a greener future.
With sustained efforts, the University of Sindh aims to become a model for environmental sustainability in higher education across the province, proving that education and ecology must go hand in hand for the prosperity of future generations.
