The Himachal Pradesh State has been adjudged Best State Award and GSP Gold Partner Award conferred by prestigious organization Centre for Science & Environment, New Delhi under Green School Programme (GSP) all over the country under the dynamic leadership of Sh. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of H.P. and Minister In-charge of Environment, Science & Technology.
Sh. Prabodh Saxena, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh has informed that State has been undertaking various Environmental activities to educate the student on the issue of environment conservation. Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment, (HIMCOSTE) as a Nodal Agency has established 3000 Eco-Clubs in schools and 100 Colleges in the State under the National Green Corps (NGC) programme. The main goal of Eco-club programme is to provide opportunities for school children to redirect their consciousness and actions to create a more sustainable planet. Through novel educational approaches and experiences, students are taught to go into issues in-depth.
To Strengthen the Environmental activities in the State the HIMCOSTE is providing innovative Environmental Projects to the Eco-club schools/colleges of Himachal Pradesh. The Eco-club schools have undertaken various activities like Rainwater Harvesting (Roof top/paved areas), Development of Herbal garden in the school campus, Solid Waste Management (waste to wealth concept), Beautification of the school campus, setting up of Science /Environment Model Demonstration Lab and any other innovative concept for Conservation & Protection of Environment etc.
The Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment, (HIMCOSTE) is also implementing Plastic Waste Buy Back Scheme through 100 Eco Club Schools of Himachal Pradesh.
The H.P. Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE) is also organizing Plantation Campaign on the theme “एक पेड़ मेरे स्कूल के नाम” through Eco-club schools of the State every year with the concept of “Green Himachal Clean Himachal” The massive tree plantation campaign in the state has resulted to plant approx. 26,106 plants of various species which includes medicinal plants, flowering plants, fuel and fodder plants etc during the current financial year.
In addition to this the HIMCOSTE is also propagating the concept of Energy Conservation through installation of Roof Top Solar Power Plant in the Eco-club schools of Himachal Pradesh. 20 schools have been identified to install the Roof Top Solar Power Plant.
The programme In-charge Lalit Jain, Member Secretary, HIMCOSTE will receive the prestigious Best State Award for highest GSP audit submission from a State and GSP Gold Partner Award on 21st February, 2023 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The State is also getting the Best District Award i.e Solan district and Best in Land Section Award i.e GSSS Himgiri Chamba. The two teachers from Himachal Pradesh are also being adjudged for GSP Ambassador Award.