In the workshop, Himcoste provided information on seed ball making, vermicomposting and making useful items from pine needles.
Shimla, October 16
A one-day teacher training workshop was organized at the Government Model Senior Secondary School, Junga, under the Integrated Mission Life Project, as part of the Environmental Education Program 2026-27, sponsored by the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology and Environment (Himcoste). Organized under the supervision of Eco Club in-charge Varij Kaushal, teachers from the school, as well as from the schools of Paindli, Shatli, Bhadech, and the Old Junga campus, also participated in the workshop.
Dr. Swarn Lata, a scientist from the Forest Research Institute, Panthaghati, Shimla, served as a resource person at the workshop, providing teachers with information on preparing seed balls, establishing bird nests, and promoting millets as a superfood. She highlighted the importance of conserving biodiversity, creating a bird-friendly environment, and developing nutritious and environmentally friendly eating habits.
Rishabh Rana, Senior Scientific Assistant at HimCOSTE, provided training on solid waste management, vermicomposting, and creating useful and creative products from natural resources. He explained practical methods for proper disposal of organic waste, making organic fertilizers, and reusing waste materials. He also spoke in detail about watershed management, the use of solar energy, and environmentally friendly activities implemented under Mission Life.
During the workshop, teachers were also taught how to develop awareness about environmental protection among students through activity-based learning. Rekha, a member of a self-help group and non-governmental organization (NGO), provided training on making various useful and decorative items from pine needles. This also sparked discussions on the creative use of natural resources and the potential for converting waste into useful products locally.
In his address, Gopichand Sharma, the school’s senior commerce spokesperson, stated that such workshops play a vital role in realizing the objectives of Lifestyle for Environment (Mission Life). He added that teachers can play a vital role in raising students’ awareness about environmental protection, transforming them into responsible citizens and true guardians of nature.
