Delhi schools, colleges to join climate action under new campaign
In a major push towards environmental education, the Delhi Government on Thursday unveiled an ambitious eco-sensitization campaign aimed at empowering nearly two lakh students to become "eco-warriors." The initiative will be carried out across schools and colleges in the Delhi-NCR region.The campaign will be implemented by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), a globally reputed organisation with more than 40 years of expertise in sustainable development. An MoU was signed between the Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi, and TERI to formalise the collaboration.advertisementWith a budget allocation of Rs40 lakh, the programme will be rolled out in approximately 2,000 eco-clubs functioning in educational institutions across the region. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who spearheaded the launch, emphasised that the effort is more than a mere awareness drive—it's a catalyst for lasting behavioural change.
'This campaign is about instilling a deep-rooted sense of responsibility in our youth. These students will not just learn about climate action—they will lead it,' Sirsa said. The initiative, set to run from June to November 2025, includes a variety of activities such as storytelling sessions, hands-on environmental actions, interactive games, and creative outreach efforts to embed sustainability into daily student life.A standout feature of the programme is the creation of a team of 80 trained "paryavaran sanrakshaks" (environment protectors)—a mix of students and educators—who will act as eco-leaders in their respective institutions. These individuals will undergo specialised training and will help scale the campaign by mentoring peers and spreading eco-consciousness.advertisementSirsa also highlighted that the campaign aligns with the broader vision of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to combat pollution through grassroots-level engagement and public participation. "We're going beyond enforcement and infrastructure—we're investing in education and empowerment," he noted.This initiative forms a key part of Delhi's overarching environmental strategy, which also includes clean mobility promotion, regulatory measures, and citizen-led efforts to address pollution and climate change. Officials reiterated that involving students directly in climate advocacy is a testament to the government's commitment to participatory and inclusive environmental governance.(With PTI inputs)
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