In collaboration with Imperial Auto under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, successfully organized a Sustainable Kits Distribution Drive and a Tree Plantation Drive at Government Senior Secondary School, NIT Faridabad. The event was graced by the presence of School Principal Ms. Jyoti Mangla, along with faculty members and students.
Empowering Students with Sustainable Kits
As part of its ‘Clean and Green Faridabad Mission,’ the Green Pencil Foundation distributed sustainable kits to 200 students from classes 6 to 12. Each kit included:
Metal Water Bottles – Encouraging students to reduce single-use plastic waste.
Cloth Bags – Promoting eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags.
Cloth Pads – Advocating menstrual hygiene and reducing sanitary waste.
Stationery and Booklets – Educating students on sustainability and environmental conservation.
Following the distribution, the Foundation conducted a repeat workshop on Sustainable Practices, reinforcing lessons on waste management, climate action, and the importance of adopting eco-friendly habits in daily life.
Tree Plantation Drive to Improve Green Cover
Founder of the Green Pencil Foundation, Mr. Sandy Khanda, led a Tree Plantation Drive within the school premises, educating students about soil health, afforestation, and biodiversity conservation. As part of the initiative:
10 native trees of 6-feet height were planted with protective safety guards to ensure their survival.
Students were taught about the importance of native species in improving soil fertility, preventing erosion, and combating urban heat.
The Environmental Crisis in Faridabad: A Call to Action
Faridabad, one of India’s fastest-growing industrial hubs, faces severe environmental challenges:
Air Pollution: According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Faridabad consistently ranks among India’s most polluted cities, with an average AQI often exceeding 300 (hazardous levels). Vehicular emissions, industrial waste, and construction dust contribute significantly to the city’s deteriorating air quality.
Waste Management Issues: The city generates approximately 1,000-1,200 metric tons of solid waste daily, with only around 60% being processed or treated. Plastic pollution remains a pressing issue, with many areas struggling with inefficient waste segregation and disposal.
Declining Forest Cover: Reports indicate that Faridabad’s green cover has declined by nearly 20% over the last decade due to rapid urbanization and encroachments. Increasing afforestation efforts, such as the one initiated by the Green Pencil Foundation, are critical to reversing this trend.
Community Participation and Gratitude
The event saw active participation from students, teachers, and staff members, all of whom pledged to adopt sustainable habits and contribute to environmental preservation.
Ms. Jyoti Mangla, Principal of Government Senior Secondary School, NIT Faridabad, expressed her gratitude, stating: “We appreciate the efforts of the Green Pencil Foundation and Imperial Auto for promoting sustainability in our school. These initiatives will help our students understand the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable living.”
Sustaining the Momentum
The ‘Clean and Green Faridabad Mission’ aims to reach every government school in the region, ensuring that students become agents of change for a cleaner and greener future. With continued support from CSR partners and community engagement, the Green Pencil Foundation envisions a sustainable Faridabad with improved air quality, reduced waste, and enhanced green cover.
