Annual Eco-meet inaugurates in New Delhi

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today stated that school children who has been contributing substantially in environment protection would continue to play their roles for all times to come. Dikshit commended the role of eco-clubs for making the Capital the greenest city. Dikshit was speaking at the inaugural function of a two-day Annual Eco-meet at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. Chief Secretary D.M. Spolia, Secretary (Environment) Sanjiv Kumar and a large number of school children were present on this occasion.

Dikshit further added that various Environmental Awareness Campaigns are being conducted with support from Eco-club schools. Such campaigns carry the Environmental messages such as Plant tree/saplings, Say No To Plastic Bags, Khelo Holi Naturally, Don’t burst crackers, adopt Zero Garbage Concept, Anti-Littering campaign etc.

Speaking on this occasion, Secretary (Environment) Shri Sanjiv Kumar gave the brief about the action-oriented program taken up in school/colleges. He said that vermi-composting has been set up in 150 government schools with aim of solid (wet garbage) waste management. Compost generated is being utilized as manure. Mushroom cultivation has been set up in 80 schools/Colleges.

Herbal gardens have been set up in 80 schools/Colleges. Rainwater harvesting structures have been set up in 28 schools/Colleges with aim of water conservation and recharge of depleting ground water level. All the Eco-Clubs were advised to take up Rainwater Harvesting structure. Solar water heating system has been installed in 40 schools with an aim of energy conservation and utilization of renewable energy resources.

Paper recycling units are functioning in 250 schools thereby resulting in source segregation and collection of paper waste from entering main solid waste and promoting recycle and reuse of waste paper. Eco-friendly bags like jute, papers, and cloth bags are being promoted as an alternative to plastic bags. E-waste collection bins have been provided in 10 schools and colleges to start with.