Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presents Environment Leadership Awards on World Environment Day

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today distributed the Environment Leadership Awards to eight individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions in the field of environmental conservation The awards ceremony was held at Hotel Peterhof in Shimla. 

The first and second prizes carried a cash award of Rs. 50,000 each, while the third prize carried Rs. 25,000. Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya (RKMV), Shimla was awarded the first prize in the academic institution category. Other first prize winners included Nature Park Bakhli and JICA-supported project in Nachan, M/s Pidilite Industries Ltd., Baddi Centre for Science Learning & Creativity under HIMCOSTE and the Block Development Office, Chopal.

The second prize was awarded to the Himalayan Research Group, Shimla, PM Shri Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, Chauntra, Mandi and M/s Luminous Power Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Various competitions were also organised to mark the day and winners were honoured during the event. In the painting competition (junior category), Dhruv from Government Senior Secondary School Kanger, Una secured the first position, followed by Aruhi from Government Middle School Sultanpur, Chamba in second place and Nami from HAPS, Heera Nagar, Hamirpur in third. 

In the senior category, Roshni from Government High School Navbahar, Shimla won first place, Mahak Preet from St. Luke’s Senior Secondary School, Solan stood second and Ayush Negi from Government Senior Secondary School Pangi, Kinnaur secured third place. In the slogan writing competition for the junior category, Harshita from Government High School Kanah, Solan stood first, followed by Soonakshi from GHS Bheetlu, Kangra and Divya Jyoti from GSSS Barang, Kinnaur. In the senior category, the first prize went to Deeksha from GSSS Luddu, Chamba, while Palak from GSSS Chauri, Hamirpur and Parul from GSSS Khalyani, Kullu were awarded second and third prizes respectively.

For the Best Eco-Club Report, GSSS Balkrupi, Kangra received the first prize, followed by Shivalik Valley Public School, Solan in second place and GSSS (Girls) Ghumarwin, Bilaspur in third. In the photography competition, Abhinav from Jindal Vidya Mandir, Sholtu, Kinnaur bagged the first prize, Vikas from GSSS Saur, Solan came second, Ikshita from GSSS Bhutti, Shimla secured the third position and Sakshi from GSSS Tharas, Kullu was awarded the fourth position.

In the declamation competition, Ishita from GSSS Kotla, Solan won first prize, while Komal Mehta from GSSS Ghanahatti, Shimla and Aradhana Thakur from Nurpur Public School, Kangra won third place. The fourth prize was awarded to Anshika Sharma from TR DAV School, Kangu, Hamirpur.

Under the Green School Programme run by the Centre for Science and Environment, several awards were conferred. District Solan received the Best Green District Award, Bhoomi Prabandhan Award went to GHS Kanah, Solan and Parivartan Nirmata Vidyalaya GSSS Baldeyan in district Shimla, Doon Valley Public School was honoured with Urja Prabandhan Award, GSSS Bhaleth (Hamirpur) received the Apshisht Yodha Puruskar, Sarvshresht Navagantuk Puruskar was presented to GSSS Sarog, Shimla and Jal Sanrakshan Puruskar was bagged by Shivalik Valley Public School, Solan.

These awards recognized exemplary initiatives undertaken by the winners to protect and promote the environment. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the “Plastic Challenging Mobile App”. It was a significant step towards digitizing enforcement of environmental laws. 

With this app, officials from 13 departments will now be able to issue challan directly through their mobile devices which would eliminate the need for paper-based processes and promote environmental protection. The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the participating students, teachers and institutions for their dedication to protecting nature and for spreading awareness about the importance of sustainable practices in daily life.