‘Smiles became their voice’: Sirsa joins specially abled children for tree plantation at Van Mahotsav event

As part of the ongoing mega plantation drive under Van Mahotsav 2025, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday visited the Government Lady Noyce Middle Special School for the Deaf, located in Nehru Vihar, and participated in a tree plantation event with the school’s specially abled children.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said, “These children may not speak or hear, but today, their smiles and sparkling eyes became their voice. It left a deep impact on me.”

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“Just as these children will grow to shape our nation’s future, the trees we planted today will grow to protect their tomorrow. This is the emotional power of Van Mahotsav,” he added.

He also praised the dedication of the school’s teachers and staff, calling them “true nurturers of both children and values.”

Sirsa noted that lakhs of citizens are now voluntarily joining the campaign to increase the city’s green cover and reclaim clean air for future generations. He said that the historic participation of political leaders, media figures, celebrities, bureaucrats, and even the Chief Justice and judicial officers has made Van Mahotsav a true Jan Andolan. “Van Mahotsav 2025 is not just about trees; it’s about touching lives and building a green legacy,” Sirsa said.

“Our local MLAs and community leaders are actively amplifying this campaign on the ground. Every sapling planted today is an investment in our children’s tomorrow,” Sirsa added.

The campaign is a key component of the Delhi government’s multi-tiered Environment Action Plan 2025, focusing on combating air pollution through tree plantation, dust control, vehicular pollution checks, and community engagement.

With a year-long target of planting 70 lakh trees, Van Mahotsav is witnessing daily plantation drives across schools, parks, forests, residential colonies, and government campuses. These efforts are supported by civic bodies, NGOs, school eco-clubs, and Delhi residents at large.