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Cse In News

Springs in Kashmir drying up due to illegal riverbed mining

Bulbul Nag located in Newa village of Pulwama district is a natural spring that has been providing drinking water supply to the entire area for centuries. When the Government began providing clean drinking water supply through pipelines in late 1970’s in Newa and adjoining villages, the Bulbul Nag was chosen as one of the water sources by the Public Health Engineering Department-PHE of J&K, also referred to as Jal Shakti Department. There are many such Naags which serve as drinking water sources for PHE and huge funds have been used for their upkeep and development. I remember in Daulatpura village of Chadoora, the govt spent almost Rs 30 crores on development of water supply scheme in the last 15 years, and finally when a large tank was constructed the source of this water supply plant-Arbal Naag dried up. This was due to constant riverbed mining happening in Doodh Ganga. I had written a detailed article on this issue in noted science magazine Down to Earth a few months back. For more than 45 years drinking water was supplied by the PHE-Jal Shakti Department from Bulbul Nag to more than two dozen villages in Pulwama. The PHE Department has installed high end water pumping machines some decades back. The water would gush out from this spring, locals told me when I visited the site last year in September, but for the last 3 to 4 years water level in this Naag (spring) has receded to a great extent. I was told by the local residents that there were multiple openings / aquifers in the Bulbul Nag but now only one or two are working which has depleted the water supply to this fresh water spring. The PHE Department is not able to supply drinking water to a huge population of around 20,000 to 30,000 people living in Newa and adjoining villages. The illegal mining happening in nearby Romshi stream is said to be the main reason for depletion of water level in Bulbul naag. The dozens of springs located around small rivers originating from Pir Panjal mountain range especially like Vaishav, Rambiara, Romshi, Doodh Ganga, Shali Ganga, Sukhnag etc., have dried up. Situation is also similar in North Kashmir I have been told. Springs around Sukhnag dried up For the last few years I have written extensively about destruction caused in Sukhnag stream (nallah) which flows through dozens of villages in Beerwah tehsil of Budgam district. As the District Administration, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Geology & Mining Department as well as Fisheries Department failed to act on my repeated pleas, I had to move a petition in National Green Tribunal-NGT New Delhi last year. A team was deputed by the Hon’ble NGT that visited the site and filed a detailed report highlighting the loot and plunder caused to this fresh water stream. The details provided by Geology & Mining Department J&K to National Green Tribunal (NGT) reveal that mere Rs 1.53 crore rupees have been realised as compensation in the last 4 years against the 77 short term permits (STPs). The amount realised is not even 2% of the actual market cost of the material? These permits were issued to a private construction that is working on construction of Srinagar Ring Road. This information was provided by the District Mineral Officer (DMO) to Member Secretary JK Pollution Control Committee-JKPCC who further submitted this evidence before the Hon’ble NGT. In Zainigam, Sail, Kangripora, and Kanigund villages as many as 20 springs have dried up. The locals told this to the visiting NGT constituted team on Dec 26th 2024. All these springs were fed with water supply from the Sukhnag stream. As Sukhnag underwent 10 to 20 meters deep mining in the last 3 to 4 years using heavy machinery the supply lines to springs were cut. After NGT team came to the site on December 26th 2024 this illegal work was stopped, but who will restore the dried up springs? In Kanigund village alone, as many as four springs have dried up, a local resident Mushtaq Ahmad told me. Conclusion The illegal Riverbed Mining has not only caused environmental disaster and huge loss to state exchequer across Jammu & Kashmir, it has also led to drying up of springs (naags). This is mainly due to deep mining which has receded water table around the streams and rivers. Even the bore wells and tube wells in many villages have dried up. The situation in coming months and years would be disastrous as we are already facing drought-like situations due to scarcity of snowfall and rainfall. The Government needs to consult experts to overcome this terrible situation and punish those Govt officers who played their role in destroying these water bodies.

India’s installed solar capacity surpasses 100 GW

NEW DELHI: India has announced that its installed solar power capacity has exceeded 100 GW as it aims to generate 500 GW of electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 under its Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement. As of Jan. 31, India’s total installed solar capacity stood at 100.33 GW. Another 84.10 GW are under implementation and an additional 47.49 GW under tendering, according to data shared by New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday. “India’s energy journey over the past 10 years has been historic and inspiring. Initiatives like solar panels, solar parks and rooftop solar projects have brought about revolutionary changes,” Joshi said in a statement. “Today India has successfully achieved the target of 100 GW of solar energy production. In the field of green energy, India is not only becoming self-reliant but is also showing the world a new path.” According to the ministry’s data, India’s solar power sector has increased capacity by 3,450 percent over the past decade, rising from 2.82 GW in 2014. That growth has been fueled by local solar module production, which in 2014 had a capacity of only 2 GW. “Over the past decade, this has surged to 60 GW, establishing India as a global leader in solar manufacturing,” Joshi said in his statement. “With continued policy support, India is on track to achieve a solar module production capacity of 100 GW by 2030.” Solar energy is the dominant contributor to the country’s renewable energy growth, accounting for 47 percent of the total installed renewable energy capacity. “India’s milestone of 100 GW installed solar capacity is a testament to its rapid clean energy transition, proving its ability to scale renewable infrastructure ... However, challenges remain: grid integration, financing gaps, and the continued dependence on coal for baseload power highlight the complexities of India’s energy future,” Binit Das, renewable energy program manager at the Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi, told Arab News. “As the country pushes toward its 280 GW solar target by 2030, addressing these hurdles will be key to ensuring a truly sustainable and resilient energy system,” Das added. “To truly achieve energy independence, India must complement solar with robust storage, hybrid solutions, and emerging technologies like green hydrogen and offshore wind. A diversified, resilient strategy is key to unlocking the full potential of renewables.”

Hoshiarpur secures ‘Best Green District’ award for eco initiatives

Hoshiarpur has been recognised as the “Best Green District” under the Green School Programme, a nationwide initiative run by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. The award was presented to District Education Officer Lalita Arora at a ceremony organised at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Additionally, 12 schools from the district were honoured with Green Certificates for their exceptional efforts. The award was conferred by education reformer Sonam Wangchuk and Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi. Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal expressed pride in the district’s achievement, emphasising Hoshiarpur had taken a leading position on the national stage. She said the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology had established Eco Clubs in 8,000 schools and colleges across the state under the Environment Education Programme, where the management of air, energy, food, land, water and waste was audited as part of the Green School Programme. Hoshiarpur secures ‘Best Green District’ award for eco initiatives Hoshiarpur has been recognised as the “Best Green District” under the Green School Programme, a nationwide initiative run by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. The award was presented to District Education Officer Lalita Arora... article_Author . Updated At : 04:49 AM Feb 07, 2025 IST fb twitter whatsapp Follow us Follow us Connect with us Connect with us featured-imgfeatured-img District Education Officer Lalita Arora receives the 'Best Green District' award from Sonam Wangchuk and Sunita Narain in New Delhi. Advertisement Hoshiarpur has been recognised as the “Best Green District” under the Green School Programme, a nationwide initiative run by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. The award was presented to District Education Officer Lalita Arora at a ceremony organised at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Additionally, 12 schools from the district were honoured with Green Certificates for their exceptional efforts. The award was conferred by education reformer Sonam Wangchuk and Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi. Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal expressed pride in the district’s achievement, emphasising Hoshiarpur had taken a leading position on the national stage. She said the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology had established Eco Clubs in 8,000 schools and colleges across the state under the Environment Education Programme, where the management of air, energy, food, land, water and waste was audited as part of the Green School Programme. Advertisement The DC said the Green School Programme, which was launched in partnership with the Punjab School Education Department and the Centre for Science and Environment, has registered 11,917 schools across the state. Of these, green audits have been successfully completed in 7,406 schools, including 1,945 schools from Hoshiarpur district. DC Mittal noted that out of the 345 schools selected nationwide under the programme, 196 were from Punjab, with 12 schools hailing from Hoshiarpur. She commended the district administration and the education department staff for their dedication to establishing eco-friendly systems in local schools. She said the district is committed to creating a fully sustainable environment across all schools in the near future.

Boosting India’s EV Ecosystem

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her speech on the Union Budget 2025-26, has underscored the need for localisation of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and raw material security for battery production. This signals a firmer policy thrust on industrial development and employment generation around EV production in India. This can be an opportunity to join climate and clean air action with an industrial strategy to accelerate clean energy transition in the automotive sector. The budget proposal has further connected electrification with the upscaling of mass commuting modes of electric buses to maximise the energy and emissions-saving gains.

Campus notes: Science conclave organised

At the valedictory session of the two-day science conclave organised on the topic “Amazing World of Science and Technology” at Kurukshetra University, Vice-Chancellor Som Nath Sachdeva said India’s future was bright in the field of science and technology as India was among the top countries in space technology. He talked about the country’s achievements, especially the Chandrayaan-3 satellite. Youngsters should move from sensitivity to creativity to overcome various challenges through innovation, he added. He said India was committed to serve humanity through scientific research. At present, India stood fourth in the world in the defence sector, he said. The country was improving immensely in the fields of food processing, agriculture, science, technology and research, he added. Joint Organising Secretary Dr Deepak Rai Babbar said 1,200 students from various schools participated in science quiz, poster and model competitions as part of the conclave. Rai sports school awarded Sonepat: Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai, was awarded the Green School Award for the ninth time. The school was awarded the certificate for sustainable water practices for recycling water at the school STP plant. The school has also been awarded the Sterling Award. Environmentalist and Centre for Science and Environment Director General Sunita Narain presented the award to the school. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was also present at the event. Narain praised the commendable work done by the school and hoped that MNSS, Rai, would continue to contribute to sustainable development.

Nangloi School's Green Victory

MCD Boys School Nangloi Village-II in Delhi received the 'Green Schools Award' for its environmental initiatives. The award ceremony, part of the national 'Green School Program' by the Centre for Science and Environment, was held at India Habitat Centre. Teachers and students from Class 5 represented the school.

Winter retreats early as temperature soars across India

From Delhi to Pune, temperatures have surged to unseasonal highs, turning what should be peak winter into a prelude to summer. The early onset of heat has sparked concerns about an intense summer ahead, with May and June likely to bring extreme heatwaves. Heatwaves in February: An Alarming Shift Several cities have already reported above-normal temperatures. On Wednesday, Pune recorded a sweltering 36°C, an unusual high for this time of the year. Delhi’s Safdarjung station registered 26°C on Tuesday, almost 4°C above average. Similar temperature spikes have been observed in Bhubaneswar (35°C), Kannur, and Kottayam (36°C+), signaling a premature arrival of summer. The rising heat is not limited to the day; minimum temperatures have also remained higher than usual, reducing the usual winter coolness. Many regions that typically experience cold nights in February are now seeing milder temperatures, forcing people to pack away their winter wear much earlier than usual. IMD Forecast: Warmer Days, Drier Weather The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that February 2025 will see above-normal minimum temperatures across most parts of the country, except for a few pockets in Northwest and Southern India. The IMD has also warned of below-average rainfall, which could further intensify the heatwave risks in the coming months. Winter’s Sudden Exit January was marked by severe cold spells, especially in North India, where temperatures had dropped to near-freezing levels. However, the sharp transition from extreme cold to sudden warmth in February has left meteorologists and climate experts alarmed. The lack of extended winter chill is part of a larger pattern of shifting climate trends, where extreme cold spells are followed by abrupt temperature spikes. Is India Heading for Another Record-Breaking Summer? The early departure of winter raises alarms about the potential for record-breaking heatwaves in the coming months. Experts warn that May and June could bring extreme temperatures, posing serious risks to public health, water supplies, and agriculture. Recent climate patterns suggest that India is facing more frequent and intense weather events, from heatwaves to unpredictable monsoons. A report from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) revealed that 2024 saw 255 days of extreme weather events, wreaking havoc on lives, crops, and infrastructure. The early onset of heat in 2025 could signal another challenging year ahead.

Breathe Pakistan: Experts call for urgent adaptation funding to address climate threat

A global climate conference under DawnMedia’s ‘Breathe Pakistan’ initiative on Thursday brought together experts and leaders to find solutions to climate change with them calling for urgent funding to power adaptation initiatives to respond to threats posed by changing environmental and climatic conditions. Day one of the moot began at 10am and concluded past 6pm at Islamabad’s Jinnah Convention Centre after a marathon session of discussions, keynote addresses, and speeches by various experts and dignitaries elaborating on issues, challenges, opportunities and solutions related to climate change and pollution. Experts and policymakers shed light on the need for stronger policies, technological innovations and collaborative efforts to tackle the challenges while stressing the role of urban planning, renewable energy and public awareness in dealing with environmental issues. The two-day moot aims to make Pakistan climate-resilient by 2047 while fostering regional cooperation across South Asia, where countries face shared challenges of rising temperatures, water scarcity and increasing natural disasters. 6:23pm — Himal Southasian founder closes today’s final session Concluding today’s discussion, Dixit said, “Let me compliment the audience because this audience is nothing if not steadfast. “You stayed on all these hours mainly because you understand the gravity of the issue.” 6:21pm — Indrika Ratwatte, UN Resident Coordinator Afghanistan The UN official talked about securing localised energy and alternative options at a community level, saying that while developing countries had the potential, they needed to scale up such solutions. He also stressed the need to build trust and create awareness and lauded the organisers for holding today’s moot. “This is one of the first opportunities bringing us all together to have this conversion as South Asia and take it to the next level.” 6:10pm — Rakshya R Thapa, South Asia Climate Change and Energy Adviser & Carbon Finance Specialist, Unicef The Unicef official began by sharing good news related to the latest data on renewable energy. She said that renewable energy grew by a record 36 per cent in terms of capacity and generation in 2023, “While it may sound like a small number, it’s a record made after almost a decade. Similarly, renewable energy jobs concurrently increased by almost 8 to 10pc. And for people who have been without reliable sources or access to energy, the number of those people has marginally declined. “We haven’t done a great job when it comes to meeting SGD 7, which is environmental conservation, but we are progressively getting there, hopefully. “Another good news is that Asia, overall, is leading when it comes to energy generation globally. So, I think this is something for us to celebrate during these dull times. In South Asia, we are not doing very badly, as 20pc of our total energy generation comes from renewable sources.” She pointed out that challenges still persisted as 70-80pc of energy generation was still fossil fuel-based, saying that it was a “significant number”. 5:57pm — Harjeet Singh, Global Engagement Director for Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative In response to Dr Suleri, panellist Harjeet Singh, the global engagement director for Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, said, “Our thinking over the last few years has evolved. And it’s not the environment versus development anymore. At least at the conceptual level, we have resolved that. On the ground, however, there are still many challenges, and that is where we need to be really moving forward from that narrative to implementation. And that’s why we also moved from MDGs to SDGs (sustainable development goals), where the focus is on sustainability.” He said that no development activity could be sustainable if it was done at the cost of the environment and degradation of nature. 5:53pm — Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI, session moderator Discussing the decarbonisation of economies and the impact of fossil fuel use on climate change, Sustainable Development Policy Institute Executive Director Abid Qaiyum Suleri said, “Many developed nations, including the United States, are shying away from decarbonisation.” He then asked the panellists how countries should navigate the challenge of balancing two conflicting Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): economic prosperity (Goal 1) and environmental conservation (Goal 7). 5:51pm — Panel begins on fossil fuels and balancing development with carbon reduction 5:48pm — Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment India The non-profit’s director general proposed the need for localised solutions to tackle air pollution. “The air pollution problem in our cities will grow until we find local solutions to traffic, congestion, the use of coal-burning in factories and garbage that is burnt because we are not segregating the wet from the dry,” she said. Narain further added: “Please let us recognise that this is our challenge and also our opportunity to do things differently, to build an urban future which is resilient because the solutions we have chosen are affordable and inclusive and because of that, they are sustainable.” Sunita Narain, director general of Indian non-profit Centre for Science and Environment, speaks at Breathe Pakistan conference. — Tanveer Shahzad/Mohammad Asim 5:32pm — UN resident coordinator stresses need for regional air-quality framework Echoing Marriyum’s concerns, Special Representative for Afghanistan Indrika Ratwatte also talked about the need for transboundary-level solutions to tackle air pollution. He emphasised the need to establish a regional air-quality framework, carry out cross-border monitoring and data-sharing, harmonise air-quality standards, coordinate policy action and emission control measures and incentivise alternatives. “[We also have to look at] the role of international institutions […] and financial and technical assistance going hand in hand with multinational banks and IFI.” 5:20pm — WHO official warns about climate change’s risk to life Ellen Mpangananji Thom, WHO’s deputy representative in Pakistan, is currently speaking about the impacts of air pollution on health. “WHO estimates that between 2030 and 2050, climate change will cause an additional 250,000 a year worldwide due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress alone.” She said that air pollution was not an issue that should be isolated from conversations on climate change.

Breath Pakistan: regional collaboration urged to combat glacial melt, air pollution at global climate moot

The first day of the two-day global climate conference, Breath Pakistan, concluded on Thursday with urgent calls for regional collaboration to address the escalating threats of glacial melt, transboundary air pollution, and climate-induced disasters in South Asia.Pakistani cuisine recipes The conference brought together policymakers, climate experts, and civil society leaders to discuss sustainable strategies for tackling the region’s pressing environmental challenges. Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, proposed the establishment of a South Asian Glacier Research Consortium to enhance regional cooperation on glacier monitoring and disaster response. She highlighted the alarming retreat of Pakistan’s 7,000 glaciers—the largest concentration outside the polar regions—warning of severe implications for water security and livelihoods. She emphasized the need to strengthen the SAARC environment action plan, promote transboundary water diplomacy, and secure regional climate financing to support adaptation strategies for communities dependent on glacial waters. The session on “Glacial Melt – A Sustainable Strategy for the Water Towers of South Asia” saw contributions from experts. Kanak Mani Dixit, editor of Himal, called for the creation of a “Himalaya-Kindu-Kush Council” to address the accelerating melting of glaciers and permafrost in the region. He warned that terms like “glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)” no longer suffice to describe the scale of the crisis, citing recent disasters in Sikkim, India, and Nepal’s Melamchi River as indicators of an impending catastrophe. Dechen Tsering, Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), underscored the far-reaching impacts of glacial melt, linking it to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.Pakistani cuisine recipes She pointed to the devastating 2022 superfloods in Pakistan as an example of intensified monsoon patterns, which have led to widespread health crises, infrastructure damage, and energy insecurity. Sonam Wangchuk, the renowned Indian engineer and Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, proposed innovative solutions to harness glacial water. He advocated for the creation of artificial glaciers in high-altitude regions like Ladakh, where water can be refrozen and stored for use during dry seasons. “Height is a great resource—more than oil,” Wangchuk remarked, emphasizing the need to preserve water at its source. The conference also addressed the transboundary nature of air pollution, with Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb highlighting the recent smog crisis in Lahore and its regional implications. She stressed the need for cross-border cooperation to tackle air quality issues, noting that pollution knows no boundaries. Ellen Mpangananji Thom, WHO’s Deputy Representative in Pakistan, linked air pollution to severe health impacts, estimating that climate change could cause an additional 250,000 deaths annually between 2030 and 2050 due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. She called for integrating air pollution into broader climate change discussions. Indrika Ratwatte, the UN’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, emphasized the need for a regional air-quality framework to harmonize standards, monitor cross-border pollution, and coordinate policy actions. Sunita Narain, Director General of India’s Centre for Science and Environment, advocated for localized solutions to urban air pollution, urging cities to address traffic congestion, coal burning, and waste management. Meanwhile, Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of SDPI, criticized developed nations, including the U.S., for reluctance in committing to decarbonisation during a panel discussion. He questioned how countries can balance economic growth with environmental conservation. Harjeet Singh, Global Engagement Director for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, argued that sustainability must be integrated into all development efforts. He emphasized the shift from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a recognition that economic progress cannot come at the cost of environmental degradation. As Breath Pakistan enters its second day, participants are expected to focus on actionable strategies for regional collaboration, climate financing, and innovative adaptation measures to safeguard South Asia’s future in the face of an escalating climate crisis.

Punjab honoured with ‘best state’ and ‘best district’ awards

Punjab won the prestigious ‘best state' and ‘best district' awards at the Green Schools Awards 2025, organised by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The awards were presented by environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and Sunita Narain, head of the Centre for Science and Environment, to Pritpal Singh, executive director, and Kulbir Singh Bath, joint director of the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST). The Green Schools Programme (GSP) was implemented in Punjab by PSCST under its environment education programme, which encourages schools to optimise resource management by conducting rigorous environmental audits across six key domains: air, energy, food, land, water, and waste. These awards recognise Punjab's leadership in fostering environmental sustainability and awareness among students and educational institutions. Out of 11,917 registered schools nationwide, 7,406 schools from Punjab completed environmental audits, accounting for 84% of all audits conducted across the country. A total of 196 schools from Punjab were awarded Green School status, including 171 govt schools and 25 private schools. The best district award was bestowed upon Hoshiarpur, which set a national record with 1,945 schools completing environmental audits, the highest number from any district in India. Chandigarh: Punjab won the prestigious ‘best state' and ‘best district' awards at the Green Schools Awards 2025, organised by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The awards were presented by environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and Sunita Narain, head of the Centre for Science and Environment, to Pritpal Singh, executive director, and Kulbir Singh Bath, joint director of the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST). The Green Schools Programme (GSP) was implemented in Punjab by PSCST under its environment education programme, which encourages schools to optimise resource management by conducting rigorous environmental audits across six key domains: air, energy, food, land, water, and waste. These awards recognise Punjab's leadership in fostering environmental sustainability and awareness among students and educational institutions. Out of 11,917 registered schools nationwide, 7,406 schools from Punjab completed environmental audits, accounting for 84% of all audits conducted across the country. A total of 196 schools from Punjab were awarded Green School status, including 171 govt schools and 25 private schools. The best district award was bestowed upon Hoshiarpur, which set a national record with 1,945 schools completing environmental audits, the highest number from any district in India.

Two institutions honoured with ‘Green School Award’

In recognition of its outstanding contribution to environmental conservation and sustainable development, PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Raipur, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Green School Award’ for the year 2024-25. The award was presented at the Green Schools Programme (GSP) Carnival and Awards Ceremony 2025, organised by the Centre for Science and Environment at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. This achievement makes it the only school from Chamba district to receive this honour, bringing pride to the region at the national level. The award recognises the school’s dedicated efforts in promoting environmental sustainability and green initiatives. The success is attributed to the collective contributions of the school’s principal, teachers, students, parents and education department officials. Special appreciation was extended to the Chamba district education department and science supervisor Gaurav Vaid, whose guidance and support were instrumental in achieving this milestone. Advertisement Expressing his views, Rajiv Kumar, eco club in-charge and GSP coordinator, said the award was the result of their collective efforts. “Environmental conservation is not just an initiative but a responsibility that we must fulfil with complete dedication. This recognition will further inspire us to continue our efforts towards making our school and community greener and cleaner,” he said. The award is a moment of pride not just for the school but for the entire district and state. It is expected to motivate other schools to take up environmental conservation initiatives and set new benchmarks in sustainable development, Kumar added.

Punjab Honored With ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ Awards Under Green Schools Programme

Punjab has achieved a remarkable milestone in environmental education and sustainability by winning the prestigious ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ awards at the Green Schools Awards 2025, organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The awards were presented by renowned environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and Ms. Sunita Narain, Head of the Centre for Science and Environment to Er. Pritpal Singh, Executive Director and Dr. Kulbir Singh Bath, Joint Director of the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST). A unique initiative of CSE the Green Schools Programme (GSP) has been actively implemented in Punjab by PSCST under its Environment Education Programme. The program encourages schools to optimize resource management by conducting rigorous environmental audits across six key domains like air, energy, food, land, water and waste. These awards recognize Punjab’s leadership in fostering environmental sustainability and awareness among students and educational institutions. Out of 11,917 registered schools nationwide, 7406 schools from Punjab completed environmental audits, accounting for 84% of all audits conducted across the country. A total of 196 schools from Punjab were awarded Green School status, including 171 government schools and 25 private schools. Best District Award bestowed to Hoshiarpur District with setting up a national record with 1,945 schools completing environmental audits, the highest number from any district in India. These accolades solidify Punjab’s position as a leader in environmental education and underscore the state’s dedication to creating a sustainable future. The success of the Green Schools Programme serves as a model for other states to emulate, highlighting the importance of integrating environmental consciousness into the education system.

देशभर में चमका अर्की का प्राइमरी स्कूल जलाणा

हिमाचल प्रदेश के अर्की उपमंडल की ग्राम पंचायत रोहांज-जलाणा के राजकीय प्राथमिक विद्यालय जलाणा ने देश भर में प्रदेश का नाम रोशन किया है। विद्यालय को पर्यावरण संरक्षण और सर्वांगीण विकास के क्षेत्र में उत्कृष्ट योगदान के लिए प्रतिष्ठित ‘हरित विद्यालय’ पुरस्कार से सम्मानित किया गया है। यह पुरस्कार चार फरवरी को दिल्ली में सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट की निदेशक सुनीता नारायण द्वारा प्रदान किया गया। इस मौके पर विश्व प्रसिद्ध पर्यावरणविद सोनम वांगचुक भी विशेष रूप से उपस्थित रहे। विद्यालय की ओर से यह सम्मान मुख्याध्यापिका अनीता कंवर ने प्राप्त किया। उन्होंने बताया कि पूरे हिमाचल प्रदेश से सिर्फ इसी प्राथमिक विद्यालय को इस पुरस्कार के लिए चुना गया, जो पूरे क्षेत्र के लिए गर्व की बात है। उन्होंने विद्यालय स्टाफ, एसएमसी, अभिभावकों और समस्त रोहांज-जलाणा पंचायत वासियों को इस उपलब्धि के लिए शुभकामनाएं दीं। विद्यालय को यह पुरस्कार ग्रीन स्कूल प्रोग्राम के तहत दिया गया, जिसमें पर्यावरण संरक्षण, स्वच्छता, जल प्रबंधन और सतत विकास को बढ़ावा देने वाले विद्यालयों का आकलन किया जाता है। राजकीय प्राथमिक विद्यालय जलाणा ने इन सभी मानकों पर उत्कृष्ट प्रदर्शन किया और पूरे प्रदेश में प्रथम स्थान प्राप्त किया। विद्यालय की इस उपलब्धि से क्षेत्र में खुशी की लहर है। (एचडीएम)

Sikkim: PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School in Namchi wins Green Schools Award 2024

PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Namchi, has been honored with the prestigious National Green Schools Award by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) at the Green Carnival and Green Schools Award ceremony held today at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The award, which includes a Green School certificate, was presented by Sunita Narain, Director-General of CSE, to K.S. Rai, the Eco-Club Coordinator, and two students, Prateek Adhikari and Aditya Kumar, who are members of the school's Green School Audit Team. The Green Carnival and Green Award Ceremony is an annual event hosted by CSE to recognize schools across the country for their commitment to environmental sustainability. The 2025 event brought together young environmentalists from various schools and awarded those schools that had been rated Green following a rigorous Green Schools Audit conducted between July and December 2024. Also Read: Sikkim CM pledges commitment to Rhenock and state on SKM’s 13th Foundation Day According to CSE’s report, over 10,000 schools submitted their Green School Audit reports, with only 150 schools nationwide receiving the Green School rating for the 2024-25 session. Notably, PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Namchi, stands out as the sole school from the entire northeastern region to be included in the top 100 schools recognized for their eco-friendly initiatives. Achieving this honor is the result of a decade-long commitment by the school’s Eco-Club members. Through the Green School Audit, the school has adopted sustainable practices and contributed to improving the quality of air, water, land, energy, and waste management. The school credits the consistent support and training from the ENVIS Hub, Forest and Environment Department, Government of Sikkim, under the Environment Education Programme, for empowering the Eco-Club with the necessary tools and knowledge to make a meaningful impact.

Sikkim’s PM Shri Govt School Namchi Becomes Northeast’s First Green-Rated School In 2025

PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School in Namchi, Sikkim, has made history by becoming the first Green-Rated school in the Northeast for the year 2025. The school was recognized at the Green Carnival and Green School Award Ceremony 2025, organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in New Delhi. The Green School Rating is awarded to schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability through comprehensive Green School Audit reports. These reports, submitted by over 10,000 schools from across India, were evaluated from July to December. Only 150 schools, including PM Shri Govt School, received the prestigious Green School Rating for the 2024-25 session. This achievement highlights the school’s efforts in promoting eco-friendly initiatives and raising environmental awareness among students.