World Environment Day: Himachal CM Sukhu honours green trailblazers

On World Environment Day, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu honoured eight individuals and institutions with the Environment Leadership Awards for their remarkable contributions to environmental conservation. The first and second prizes carried a cash award of Rs 50,000 each, while the third prize included Rs 25,000.

The Chief Minister also launched the “Plastic Challenging Mobile App”, calling it a major step towards digitising enforcement of environmental laws. He appreciated students, teachers and institutions for their efforts to spread awareness about sustainable living.

Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya (RKMV), Shimla secured the first prize in the academic institution category. Other top winners included Nature Park Bakhli, JICA-supported project in Nachan, M/s Pidilite Industries Ltd., Baddi, Centre for Science Learning and Creativity under HIMCOSTE and Block Development Office, Chopal.

Second prize winners were Himalayan Research Group, Shimla, PM Shri Govt. Model Senior Secondary School, Chauntra (Mandi), and M/s Luminous Power Technologies Pvt. Ltd. The event also featured multiple competitions. Under the Green School Programme by the Centre for Science and Environment, Solan won the Best Green District Award, GHS Kanah (Solan) received the Bhoomi Prabandhan Award and GSSS Baldeyan (Shimla) earned the Parivartan Nirmata Vidyalaya Award.

In the Best Eco-Club Report category, GSSS Balkrupi (Kangra) won first prize, followed by Shivalik Valley Public School (Solan) and GSSS (Girls) Ghumarwin (Bilaspur). In the declamation contest, Ishita (GSSS Kotla, Solan) secured the top spot, with Komal Mehta and Aradhana Thakur taking third place.

15,000 schools participate in sapling plantation drive

Shimla: Approximately 15,000 schools, including government, private, Jawahar Navodaya, and Eklavya, participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ campaign, launched on the World Environment Day. The ambitious plantation drive aims to plant 1.1 million saplings across the state, with a target of 70 plants per school.

The programme seeks to not only promote environmental conservation but also raise awareness among students about the importance of nature and the environment. The campaign will run for three months, concluding on September 30.

Programme officer Nandni Kanwar said the plantation activities were conducted in almost all schools, educating students about environmental protection. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to making Himachal Pradesh greener and cleaner. — TNS

Chamba’s dual approach to environmental conservation

Chamba: Chamba district administration and local civic body on Thursday organised a special cleanliness drive to mark World Environment Day at Hardaspura Park in Chamba town. Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal was present as the chief guest at the event. Officials and employees from various departments, including the Chamba Municipal Council, actively participated in the campaign. A thorough cleanliness drive was carried out in the MC Park near Hardaspura Chowk, Revenue Colony and nearby areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Repaswal said for the past week, continuous cleanliness drives have been taking place across various wards under the Chamba and Dalhousie Municipal Councils and the Chowari Nagar Panchayat. As part of this initiative, today’s large-scale drive was conducted at Hardaspura Park.

He further announced the launch of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, under which approximately one lakh saplings will be planted across the district in collaboration with the Forest Department, including in educational institutions and public spaces. — OC

133 Eco Dogra Battalion leads statewide activities

Shimla: The 133 Infantry Battalion (TA) Eco Dogra, a pioneer in afforestation and environmental conservation, observed World Environment Day 2025 with a series of impactful events across Himachal Pradesh from June 3 to 5.

Activities were conducted at various locations including Kufri, Tattapani, Aut, Larji and Sunni. The battalion organised plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, plastic waste removal efforts, and awareness lectures to promote environmental consciousness.

Col Deepak Kumar, Commanding Officer of the 133 Eco Task Battalion, along with other senior officers, addressed students and locals, emphasising the importance of protecting nature. “The 133 Infantry Battalion (TA) Eco Dogra is committed to protecting the environment and encouraging public participation in building a cleaner and greener Himachal Pradesh,” he stated.

In Sunni, a programme was conducted at ITI where students and faculty actively participated in lectures and tree plantation activities. A similar effort was carried out in Larji at the Government Middle School where students, teachers, Mahila Mandal members, health officials and local representatives joined the plantation drive. At Kufri, troops along with the local community undertook plantation and cleanliness drives at Chinni Bangla and the Himalayan Nature Park. — TNS

Cleanliness drive in Dhalli

Shimla: Government Senior Secondary School, Dhalli, in collaboration with Forest Department staff, organised several awareness activities including slogan writing, painting, essay writing and declamation competitions on World Environment Day. A cleanliness drive was also carried out in the nearby forest area, during which 10 sacks of waste (plastic bottles, glass bottles, and wrappers) were collected. — TNS

Cooperative societies lead ‘Environment Walk’

Hamirpur: Highlighting the critical need for public awareness and community participation in tackling environmental pollution, Dr RK Puruthi, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, flagged off an ‘Environment Walk’ organised by the Cooperative Department to mark World Environment Day on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, Dr Puruthi emphasised that every member of society must support efforts to protect the environment. “Public awareness and mass participation are essential tools in combating pollution. Everyone has a role to play,” he said. He also noted that with over 300 cooperative societies operating in the district, similar awareness programmes are being held at the sub-divisional level as well.

The walk commenced at 7.30 am from the DC office complex, covering a 5-km route that passed through Anu, Hiranagar and Dang Quali, before concluding at the starting point. More than 140 participants from various cooperative societies joined the initiative.

Deputy Commissioner Amarjit Singh, who was also present, described environmental protection as one of the biggest challenges of our time. He urged citizens to completely refrain from using plastic, highlighting that although the government has banned small plastic water bottles, several other harmful, non-biodegradable products continue to be used. “True environmental change begins with individual choices,” he added. — OC

SJVN celebrates World Environment Day

Shimla: The SJVN celebrated World Environment Day 2025 at corporate headquarters in Shimla and all its projects. As part of the observance, Ajay Kumar Sharma, Director (Personnel), administered environmental conservation pledge to all employees, reaffirming the company’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. — TNS