Department of Forest & Wildlife organizes ‘Eco Club Day’

By 121 News

Chandigarh 12^th July:-  To observe Van Mahotsav-2016 in a befitting manner by involving various Greening agencies like NGOs, Resident Welfare Associations, Eco-Clubs besides Government agencies, Department of Forest & Wildlife, Chandigarh Administration organized 'Eco Club Day' today during which various schools planted saplings within their school premises. The ceremonial function was held at Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, Sector 37-B. Santosh Kumar, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests & Director Environment & Science & Technology, UT Chandigarh was the Chief Guest.  

On this occasion, Chief Guest inaugurated  50 kWp Grid tied Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant at Government Model Sr. Sec. School, Sec. 37-B, UT Chandigarh.

After inaugurating the Solar Plant, Chief Guest inaugurated 'Green House' in the School campus and planted the sapling of 'Lakshmi Taru'.  This Green House was prepared by School authorities in collaboration with Lions Club (Central) Chandigarh.  Other Officers, Principal of the School and Lions Members also planted a sapling. Prizes were also distributed to the winners of the schools who participated in Essay Writing Competition and other Environment related activities.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Santosh Kumar said that Chandigarh has been bestowed with two National Awards for Excellence by Government of India recently for its exemplary works in the field of solar energy. Central Government has set a target of installing 50 MW Rooftop Solar Power Plants in Chandigarh by 2022. Though it is a huge task but Chandigarh Administration is committed in achieving it by providing various incentives and pro active policies. This is very much desirable for mitigating the ill effects of climate change.He further urged the students to plant at least one tree every year in the monsoon season so that our planet Earth is kept Green. On this occasion, Santosh Kumar, IFS exhorted the students to take active part in plantation in open areas and should make Chandigarh city more clean & green.

During the event, Birendra Choudhary, IFS, Deputy Conservator, Smt. Arpana, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests, P.J.S. Dadhwal, Addl. Director (Environment), Members of the Lions Club (Central), Chandigarh, Cluster groups and Eco Club Incharges of various Schools, Principal of the school and other Senior Officers of the Administration were present. It was attended by more than 200 school students and NSS Cadets and representatives from NGOs and Resident Welfare Associations.

The overall objective of celebrating the 'Eco Club Day' is to sensitize the masses especially school children to generate awareness for protection and conservation of flora & fauna and to increase the green cover of the Chandigarh.