Puducherry: Pondicherry University (PU) on Tuesday organised a mega tree plantation drive under the 'Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect' initiative and the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, planting over 65 varieties of fruit-bearing trees across its campus.

Vice-Chancellor P Prakash Babu inaugurated the programme by planting the first sapling and highlighted the environmental benefits of trees, including improving air quality, reducing heat through shade, and supporting biodiversity.

The drive saw active participation from senior statutory officers, faculty, research scholars, and students. Officials present included Director of Studies Tharanivukkarasu, Registrar (in-charge) Rajneesh Bhutani, Controller of Examinations Sadananda Swamy, Dean of Students' Welfare Y Venkata Rao, and other faculty coordinators from NSS and NCC.

The initiative is part of the university's efforts to promote sustainability and environmental consciousness, a statement said.