Latest news with #SwachhVayuDiwas
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
On green mission, students become changemakers to tackle air pollution
New Delhi: What if the solution to the capital's air pollution crisis lies in its classrooms and college campuses? Through a recent circular, the directorate of education is engaging thousands of students in becoming changemakers for the environment. "All deputy directors of education (district) are requested to disseminate information to all the heads of schools of govt, govt-aided and private unaided recognised schools under their jurisdiction in engaging youth (age 15 years and above) for awareness generation under National Clean Air Programme through the MY Bharat platform," the DoE circular reads. School students are being mobilised to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of the city—air pollution. From planting trees to leading street plays, they're becoming the voice behind cleaner air, one mission at a time. According to the circular, "On two designated days each month, students from schools, colleges and eco-clubs will participate in themed awareness activities, experiential learning and community outreach events. Special mega-events will also be organised around occasions, such as World Environment Day (June 5), Swachh Vayu Diwas (Sept 7) and Zero Emission Day (Sept 21)." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Device Made My Power Bill Drop Overnight elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo Each month comes with a unique environmental mission to make learning action-oriented. In May, youth ambassadors launched clean-up drives under the theme 'plastic-free public places', promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives. June brings 'plant trees, breathe free', with students participating in plantation drives. July's focus is on 'reducing industrial emissions', where participants visit industries using clean technologies and advocate for cleaner fuels. In Aug, the spotlight shifts to individuals making a difference under 'clean air heroes'. Street plays and public storytelling sessions honour everyday champions of clean air. Sept kicks off 'every breath matters', a week of awareness culminating in Swachh Vayu Diwas, complete with art installations, zero-emission pledges and city beautification efforts. Oct urges citizens to 'burn calories, not fuel', encouraging walking, cycling and switching off engines at red lights. Come Nov, schools and colleges host creative events like poster-making, essay competitions and short films under 'green living, better tomorrow'. Dec's mission is 'sustainable cities, healthier air', with activities focusing on green construction and urban planning. The campaign wraps up with a strong winter push: 'say no to waste burning' in Jan, reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle in Feb—featuring visits to recycling units and zero-waste fairs—and 'no more dust' in March, involving street cleaning and dust control drives. Some Delhi govt schools have seamlessly integrated environmental consciousness into their daily routines. At Ravi Shankar SKV in Bawana, sustainability is not just a theme, it's a regular part of classroom sessions, morning assemblies and school-wide activities. "We promote sustainability through awareness drives, hands-on eco-activities and a green school ecosystem. From 'say no to plastic' and herbal gardens to rainwater harvesting and solar power, our students lead by example," said principal Sunita. This nationwide movement is being implemented through the MY Bharat platform, launched by the Union youth affairs and sports ministry to empower the youth of India. Now, in partnership with the environment ministry, this platform will drive year-long environmental awareness campaigns in 130 targeted cities. "If we want lasting change in the air we breathe, we must start with those who will inherit it. By turning classrooms into hubs of climate action, we're empowering students to become clean air warriors—aware, active and accountable for shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for all," said a Delhi govt school teacher. This initiative isn't just about awareness—it's about ownership. By engaging youth in hands-on, real-world experiences, it is creating a generation that not only breathes cleaner air but knows how to fight for it.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Youth surveys, air pollution-themed street plays: Delhi schools directed to engage youth in clean air programme awareness
Students above the age of 15, studying in Delhi's schools, should be made aware of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) through the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform, the Directorate of Education (DoE) asked all Deputy Directors of Education (DDEs) on Wednesday as part of a youth empowerment initiative. In an office memorandum on May 22, the Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change detailed the awareness programme and an outreach initiative by NCAP cities. 'Hon'ble Prime Minister launched 'Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)' platform to empower the youth (age group 15-29 years) in realising their aspirations and contributing to the creation of a 'Viksit Bharat',' it read. As part of this, year-long awareness programmes have been earmarked with themed campaigns two days in a month as per the scheduling by the urban local bodies. This is to be done through the engagement of youth, schools, colleges and eco-clubs for micro-events, according to the directive. Mega events are also to be organised on special events such as World Environment Day, Air Pollution Awareness Week, Swachh Vayu Diwas, among others. Experiential Learning Programmes (ELP) for at least 120 hours, involving activities related to the NCAP, are also compulsory. On the financial aspect, it stated, 'The…activities…shall be made part of city action plan, and funds provided to cities under NCAP…may be utilised for taking up these activities.' In addition to this, regional directorates of the Central Pollution Control Board, state pollution control boards, and ULBs have been asked to facilitate the maximum registration of youth on the MY Bharat portal, as well as maximise event participation under the NCAP. According to the Centre's annual calendar, the micro events this month include tree plantation drives 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam 2.0' on roadsides or parks. Apart from this, a student-driven plantation campaign has also been scheduled. For the rest of the months, industry visits, special drives for promotion of cleaner fuels, air pollution-themed street plays, and painting and write-ups on park walls, public places themed on improving air quality, melas with recycled waste products, road cleaning, among others have been planned. Mega events should include workshops, talks by air quality management experts at the school or college level, an air quality improvement hackathon, a documentary screening, and puppet shows. It has also been suggested to confer awards to safai mitras on Swachh Vayu Diwas on September 7. Similarly, a cycling or marathon event may be scheduled on Zero Emission Day on September 21. Surveys are also to be undertaken among the youth for Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, as per the Centre's directions.
