Demonstrating its dedication to environmental stewardship and community welfare, Paras Health Panchkula celebrated World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation campaign spanning six villages in the region. The initiative, aimed at boosting green cover and promoting ecological consciousness, saw the planting of 200 saplings across Bunga, Bhanu, Rattewali, Kanoli, Alipur, and Jaloli.

The plantation drive was led by the hospital’s senior leadership, including Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Facility Director; Dr. Shweta Prabhakar, Medical Superintendent; Mr. Shivraj Nakai, General Manager – HR; Mr. Dheeraj Kumar Singh, Deputy General Manager – Sales & Marketing; and Ms. Sadhna Mazumdar, Chief Nursing Officer. Their collective presence and personal involvement underscored the hospital’s belief that healthcare must extend beyond treatment to include environmental sustainability.

Adding further gravitas to the event, former Mayor of Panchkula, Mrs. Seema Chaudhary, joined the drive and encouraged local residents to adopt tree planting and green habits as community responsibilities. She lauded the hospital’s proactive efforts and called for more such collaborations between healthcare institutions and rural communities to address the climate crisis at the grassroots level.

“As an institution dedicated to healing and wellness, we recognize that a healthy environment is foundational to public health,” said Dr. Pankaj Mittal. “This tree plantation drive is a reflection of our vision—where care for the community includes care for the planet. It is our responsibility to contribute to long-term ecological resilience, and we are proud to do so alongside our local partners.”

On this occasion, Paras Health Panchkula was also awarded a certificate of membership by the Health and Environment Leadership Platform (HELP)—a prestigious international forum that unites healthcare institutions striving to reduce their environmental impact. HELP, an initiative of the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) in partnership with Health Care Without Harm (HCWH), represents the India chapter of the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals network.

Membership in HELP recognizes Paras Health’s commitment to sustainable healthcare practices and its ongoing efforts to champion environmental responsibility in the Indian medical sector.

Throughout the day, hospital leaders interacted with villagers to raise awareness about climate-friendly practices, emphasizing how simple habits—like tree planting, water conservation, and waste management—can collectively make a significant impact. The saplings chosen for the drive were selected based on their climate resilience and long-term ecological value, with the aim of enhancing biodiversity and natural shade in the region.

This initiative is part of Paras Health Panchkula’s broader mission to integrate holistic wellness, community engagement, and environmental sustainability into its healthcare framework. By fostering green consciousness and building partnerships with rural populations, the hospital is helping to lay the groundwork for a healthier, more sustainable future.

As the country faces rising environmental challenges, such community-driven programs reflect a growing understanding that healthcare institutions have a vital role to play—not just in treating illness, but in preventing it through environmental action.