As part of the nationwide Green Week campaign, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has called upon residential societies and community groups to actively participate in local tree plantation efforts. The initiative, launched to promote urban greening and environmental awareness, is being observed from May 26 to June 1 across all states and union territories.

The campaign encourages housing societies, resident welfare associations (RWAs), and cooperative colonies to plant indigenous trees, develop vertical gardens, and maintain green spaces within their premises. Authorities are distributing free saplings and offering technical guidance through local municipal bodies and forest departments.

“Societies are the heart of urban India. Their collective action can make a significant difference to city ecosystems,” said Anil Choudhary, Joint Secretary at the Environment Ministry. “We urge them to plant at least 100 trees each during Green Week.”

In Mumbai, several high-rise complexes have already committed to creating mini forests in open plots. In Gurugram, RWAs are collaborating with local nurseries to plant medicinal and flowering plants along walkways and parks. Many societies are also organizing eco-awareness drives, poster contests for children, and composting workshops.

Environmentalists welcome the initiative, especially in light of worsening air quality and heatwaves affecting Indian cities. “Tree cover is our first line of defense against urban climate stress,” said Dr. Meena Raghavan, an urban ecologist in Bengaluru.

To recognize efforts, the government plans to award “Green Champion Society” titles to top-performing communities in each district, based on their tree count, survival rate, and community involvement.

As Green Week kicks off, societies are embracing their role not just as residents, but as stewards of a greener, healthier urban future.