“Enviro-Ideation Hackathon 2023” Jawahar Lal Nehru Govt. Engineering College Sundernagar won 1Lakh
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Shimla June 05 -The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board organized the first-ever State Level “Enviro-Ideation Hackathon 2023” on the occasion of World Environment Day today on 5th June 2023. Sh. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Sh. Sanjay Gupta, Chairman, Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board inaugurated the daylong event by lighting the lamp. Following which presentation of shortlisted candidates were held. The hackathon was conducted under the aegis of Mission LiFE campaign, which focuses on environmental conservation.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh presided over the valedictory session of the event and distributed prizes and cash awards to the winners of the State level competition. Hon’ble Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh was accompanied by Sh. Harish Janartha, Hon’ble MLA, Shimla Urban, Sh. Surender Chauhan, Mayor, Shimla, Sh. Gokul Butail, Principle Advisor IT to the Hon’ble CM, Sh. Aditya Negi, IAS, DC Shimla, Sh. Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, IPS, SP Shimla and Smt. Uma Kaushal, Deputy Mayor, Shimla.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh in his presidential address congratulated the winners. He said that state government is working towards plastic waste free world. In the first budget of the State Government, the State Government shall move towards green state within one year. The state government has brought the policy and decided not to use thermal energy and shall use the green energy. And working towards green state direction. He said we have decided to give a clean state to the next generation and shall make all endeavour to make the pioneer in this direction.
Sanjay Gupta (IAS) Chairman HP Pollution Control Board in his inaugural address said that Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, posing a severe threat to our ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Himachal Pradesh, with its picturesque landscapes, pristine rivers, and abundant biodiversity, has already taken many proactive stance in combating this menace and shall continue to do the same. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to find innovative solutions to reduce, recycle, and ultimately eliminate plastic waste from our daily lives.
Shri Anil Joshi (IFS), the Member Secretary, in his welcome address said that every small action or step taken towards environmental conservation and leading a green lifestyle does make a significant difference. When each individual takes responsibility for their actions and makes conscious choices to reduce their environmental impact, it creates a collective impact that can have far-reaching consequences.
The month-long hackathon competition began with registration and submission on May 15th, 2023, and concluded on May 25th, 2023. An internal committee of experts shortlisted 11 candidates on May 27th, 2023, who then presented their ideas through physical Power Point presentations on May 30th, 2023. Five finalists were selected from the shortlisted participants to present their ideas before an external panel of four distinguished experts on June 5th, 2023. The hackathon revolved around the theme of “Waste to Wonder,” with participants submitting their ideas under four sub-themes: Solid Waste, Plastic Waste, E-waste, and Construction and Demolition Waste.
In this event, Pragun Jaswal, & Jubair Ahmed Sofi, from Jawahar Lal Nehru Govt. Engineering College Sundernagar won the “First Himachal Pradesh Enviro-Ideation Hackathon -2023“. They were awarded with a cash prize of Rs. 1.00 lakh.
O Sadish and Priyanka from College of Forestry, Nauni Solan won the runner up prize. They were awarded with a cash prize of Rs. 75,000/-.
Third prize winner was Miss Kritika Sharma from Himachal Pradesh University. She received a cash prize of Rs. 50,000/-.
Mohit, Manish and Sujan from NIT Hamirpur won the 4th prize of Rs. 30,000/- and Shreya from NIT Hamirpur won the 5th prize of Rs. 20,000/-. Teams ranked at 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th were also presented with cash prize along with certificates.
In addition to this, an exhibition of school students on waste to wonder theme was also organized, in which Monal Public Sr. Sec. School, Sanjauli won the first prize. They were awarded with a cash prize Rs. 20,000/-.
Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Portmore won the second prize of Rs. 15,000/- and Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Tutikandi won the third prize of Rs. 10,000/-. Additionally, all top-ranked teams were presented with trophies and certificates in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
Furthermore, an exhibition on good practices of industries was also displayed, in which 1) Auro Textile Limited Baddi (Vardhman Group), 2) Shivalik Solid Waste Management Limited, 3) Innovative and Integrative Management Solutions LLP 4) Ess Dee Dev Bhoomi Bags 5) Green India Company, 6) Mohan Meakin Limited, 7) Carlsberg India Pvt. Ltd. 8) Nippon Paper Foodpac Pvt Ltd Baddi and 9) a NGO namely Waste Warriors Society showcased their models.
The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board would like to acknowledge the support and assistance provided by our industry partners, namely Morepan Laboratories, Adani Cement, Ruchira Papers, Premier Alcobev, Prime Steel Industries, and Aditya Birla Ultratech and Modulous Cosmetics.
