As part of its continued commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological conservation, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) celebrated Van Mahotsav 2026 on Saturday, 29th August 2026, at the Hostel No. 15 playground in the Institute campus. 

On the occasion, Director of IIT Bombay Prof. Shireesh Kedare, highlighted the Institute's efforts towards creating a green and environmentally responsible campus. 

During the event, participants including members of campus community collectively planted 100 tree saplings comprising species such as Banyan (Peepal), Praijatak, Shirish, Sita Ashoka, Moha, Kinjal, Chandan, Neem, Gunj, Hirda and Bibba. With this year’s plantation drive, the cumulative number of trees planted under the Institute’s Van Mahotsav initiative over the years has crossed 50,000. The Horticulture Section of the Estate Office also distributed varieties of plant seeds to all present.

Among those who participated in the plantation driver were Deputy Director (Academics, Research and Translation (ART)) Prof. Milind Atrey; Deputy Director (Finance, Infrastructure and Administration (FIA)) Prof. Ravindra Gudi; Dean (Infrastructure, Planning and Support (IPS)) Prof. Vedagiri Perumal; Associate Deans (IPS) Prof. Prakash Nanthagopalan, faculty, students, staff members of IIT Bombay, teachers and students of Kendriya Vidyalaya and Campus School. 

Cultural performances by the students of Campus School and Kendriya Vidyalaya highlighted the importance of trees in our lives. 

The event was organised by the Horticulture Section of the Estate Office, IIT Bombay, which undertakes the maintenance and nurturing of the saplings planted during Van Mahotsav throughout the year, ensuring their healthy growth and survival.