<p>In an endeavour towards maintaining the green cover of the campus and spreading the message of conserving nature, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) celebrated 32nd Van Mahotsav – the annual tree plantation drive on July 29, 2023 on its campus. More than 450 saplings were planted by IIT Bombay faculty, staff and students along with students and teachers of Kendriya Vidyalaya and Campus School (both located within IIT Bombay campus).&nbsp;</p><p>The saplings were planted at various locations within IIT Bombay campus.&nbsp;</p><p>On the occasion, Deputy Director (AIA) Prof. S. Sudarshan, Deputy Director (FEA) Prof. KVK Rao along with other Institute functionaries planted saplings of various species. Prof. Sudarshan spoke about the significance of trees in our lives and encouraged the students to help build a greener environment by planting more trees. Prof. Rao too stressed upon the importance of saving the ecosystem.</p><p>The Chief Guest of the function was Mr. Jitendra Pardesi, Superintendent of Gardens, BMC.</p><p>Prof. Tom Mathew, Dean (Infrastructure Planning and Support), IIT Bombay was also present along with Prof. Anurag Garg, Associate Dean (IPS) – 3 and Prof. Vedagiri Perumal, Associate Dean (IPS) – 1. Together, they encouraged the participants to develop sense of responsibility for the saplings.&nbsp;</p><p>Cultural performances by the students of Campus School, highlighting the importance of trees in our lives, were much appreciated by the gathering. The event was organized by the Horticulture Section of the Estate Office, IIT Bombay, which takes due care of the saplings planted at Van Mahotsav throughout the year.</p>