GANDHINAGAR — In a major effort to expand green cover and integrate environmental stewardship into vocational education, the Gujarat government planted more than 10,000 saplings across 289 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) on Thursday.

The coordinated drive was jointly organized by the State’s Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department in collaboration with the Gujarat Forest Department. The initiative aims to leverage educational and technical institutions as active centers for ecological conservation while mobilizing youth toward environmental protection.

Leadership Leads On-Ground Efforts in Gandhinagar

Minister for Labour, Skill Development and Employment Kunvarji Bavaliya spearheaded the statewide campaign at the Government ITI campus in Gandhinagar. Joining trainees, faculty, and local administration officials, Bavaliya planted a sapling to mark the inauguration of the drive.

Speaking to students and community leaders following the ceremony, Bavaliya emphasized the urgency of climate action, positioning ecological care alongside technical skill-building as essential pillars of youth development.

The Minister urged citizens and trainees to look beyond the initial event, stressing that long-term survival rates and sustained care of the planted saplings are crucial to achieving lasting environmental sustainability.

Comprehensive Institutional Mobilization

The drive unfolded simultaneously across all 289 state-run ITIs, demonstrating a synchronized administrative execution across Gujarat's districts. The central event in Gandhinagar saw participation from municipal leaders, state administrators, and educational directors.

Notable attendees at the flagship Gandhinagar event included:

  • Mira Patel, Mayor of Gandhinagar

  • Rita Patel, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Gandhinagar North

  • Ashish Dave, Public Representative

  • A.K. Vastani, Director of Employment and Training

  • Tejas Soni, Joint Secretary, Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department

  • Mansi Teraiya, Principal, Government ITI Gandhinagar

Senior administrative figures including Additional Director Rathva, Deputy Director (Training) for Gandhinagar M.R. Purani, and Deputy Director (Training) for Ahmedabad Dhruti Joshi were also on-site to oversee operations and engage with participating students.

Integrating Technical Training with Ecological Responsibility

By hosting the drive across technical training centers, state officials aim to instill environmental awareness within Gujarat's burgeoning skilled workforce. The initiative forms part of the state government's broader policy framework to enhance urban and rural canopy cover through structured public participation.

Local officials confirmed that maintenance protocols have been assigned to local ITI administration teams to ensure the long-term growth and protection of the newly planted saplings across all participating campuses.