Himachal Celebrates World Environment Day 2024 with Focus on Land Restoration and Climate Resilience
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Shimla, June 5, 2024 – The Department of Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change (DEST&CC) in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE) and the H.P. State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) celebrated World Environment Day (WED) at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla. This year’s theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification & Drought Resilience,” highlighted the urgent need to address these critical environmental issues.
The day began with participants taking a pledge on Mission Life at 7:30 AM, followed by a Cleanliness Campaign at Jakhoo Hills, which saw the active participation of around 300 town residents. An Environment Rally, featuring approximately 400 students from various locations including Chhota Shimla, Panchayat Bhawan, Auckland House, Sanjauli, and Chaura Maidan, converged at the Ridge, setting a vibrant tone for the day’s events.
The main function at Gaiety Theatre featured Sh. Prabodh Saxena, Worthy Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, as the Chief Guest. He was warmly welcomed by officials and visited the Science Model Exhibition before the commencement of the formal program. The event began with the lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana, followed by Sh. D.C. Rana, Director (DEST&CC)-cum-Member Secretary (MS) of HIMCOSTE, honoring the Chief Guest with a plant. Sh. D.C. Rana also delivered the welcome address.
A skit on environmental awareness was performed by students from G.S.S.S, Lakkar Bazar, and a video journey prepared by the H.P. State Pollution Control Board was showcased. The Chief Guest, Sh. Prabodh Saxena, released a poster, calendar, and pamphlet on climate change. In his address, he congratulated all participants and emphasized the importance of protecting the environment, tackling deforestation, pollution, and climate change. He also urged the public to minimize plastic use in daily life.
Awards were distributed for various competitions,
including the Hackathon 2024, Best Eco Club of the State, State Level Painting & Slogan Writing Competition, Green School Programme, EEP Logo Competition Award, and Environment Leadership Award. These awards recognized and celebrated the efforts of individuals and groups committed to environmental conservation.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Sh. Anil Joshi, Member Secretary of the H.P. State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB). The day’s activities highlighted the collective efforts needed to address environmental challenges and underscored the importance of community participation in creating a sustainable future.
Overall, World Environment Day 2024 in Himachal Pradesh was a resounding success, bringing together government officials, students, and the community to reaffirm their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable living.
