To mark the World Environment Day, the State Council for Science, Technology and Environment and Department of Environment, Science and Technology organised a joint function. In the function Chief Secretary Sudripta Roy said that Green Economy was the key to sustainable development and developmental strategies should be focused upon achieving this objective.
Stressing upon formulating ‘Green’ Developmental strategies, Chief Secretary said that ‘Green Objectives ’ should be incorporated in the policies of the Government and anti green activities should be curbed seriously in the development process. He stressed upon initiating ‘ Green Efforts ’ by taking up green jobs, adopting green policies and low carbon economies, green buildings, sustainable agriculture, forestry, tourism and transport, water and energy efficiency to develop Green Economy. These initiatives would bring about benefits like Improved Resource Efficiency in Cleaner Technologies, Increased Food Security through use of sustainable agriculture and access to emerging new market for green goods and services, he added.
Roy stressed upon effective implementation of the strategies formulated to check anti greening and urged for pro-active participation of people towards environment protection. He said that the Nine Point Environment Protection Code should be incorporated into the lifestyles and there was a need to discover more such points to protect the environment, he added.
Chief Secretary said that state had taken various steps to protect the environment and envisions making the state carbon neutral by 2020 and added that the endeavours of the State Government were directed towards making Himachal Pradesh an ideal Green State soon. He said that usage of bio-degradable material like jute as a substitute for bitumen in road construction and many such substances in daily life can lead towards a healthy lifestyle. He also stressed upon constructing rain harvesting structures and chalking out effective disaster management strategies to counter the effects of global warming.
Chief Secretary visited the Science Exhibition of school students and appreciated the models prepared by them. He also administered Environment Pledge to the participants. He announced Rs 10,000 for Portmore School for various environment friendly activities besides Rs 5000 for schools presenting the cultural programme. Roy also gave away prizes to the winners of various competitions, participants of cultural programmes and various other category awards like Best Eco Club, Best Turn Out Rally, ‘Clean and Green Award ’ for Safai Karamcharis of MC Shimla. He also dedicated Prerna Srot Award, a citation and cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh to the officers of Aryabhatta Geo-informatics and Space Application Centre.
Welcoming the Chief Secretary, Nagin Nanda Secretary cum Director, Environment, Science and Technology detailed out the efforts of the State Government towards environment protection. He said that 3000 eco clubs were doing a commendable job in this direction under National Green Corps Programme and added that Nine Point Environment Protection Code was a part of the morning assemblies in schools for sensitizing children about the issue.
On the Spot Competition, T-Shirt Painting Competition, Card Making Competition, Extempore Children’s Voices on contemporary issues of environment, Quiz and Rallies were organized to mark the occasion in which about 600 students of various local schools participated. Hemant Gupta Joint Member Secretary, State Council for Science, Technology and Environment proposed vote of thanks. A colorful cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.
Manisha Nanda, Principal Secretary, Art Language and Culture, Dinkar Burathoki Director Higher Education, Teachers and Students of various local schools and officers of State Council for Science, Technology and Environment and Department of Environment, Science and Technology were also present on the occasion.
