Governor to Flag Off Mini-Marathon on World Environment Day
The Department of Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Police, the State Pollution Control Board, and the State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, will celebrate World Environment Day on June 5. The event aims to raise awareness and encourage collective action towards environmental protection.
Addressing a press conference, Sushil Singla, IFS, Secretary (Environment, Science and Technology), stated that the celebrations are designed to promote environmental awareness and inspire action to protect our planet. He emphasized that safeguarding the Earth is a shared responsibility, not solely that of governments or organizations.
The theme for World Environment Day 2026 is 'Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.' A series of events have been planned, including a mini-marathon carrying the message 'Run for a Clean Environment and a Chitta-Free Life,' an exhibition showcasing best practices in environmental management, and the presentation of 'Environment Leadership Awards.' Winners of the mini-marathon and award recipients will be felicitated during the event.
Governor Kavinder Gupta will flag off the mini-marathon, while the Chief Minister will honor the winners.
Focus on Sustainable Waste Management
Singla highlighted the importance of sustainable waste management and stressed the need to advance the principles of a circular economy across sectors such as solid waste, e-waste, biomedical waste, and hazardous waste management. Efforts are being made to maximize resource recovery from waste while minimizing environmental impact.
Meetings have been held with concerned agencies to bring all stakeholders, from recyclers to ragpickers, onto a common platform. This initiative will provide incentives to ragpickers, prevent pilferage of waste, and ensure its scientific disposal through authorized vendors.
Plantation Drives Under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'
As part of the nationwide World Environment Day celebrations, all regional offices have been directed to undertake plantation drives under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative. The afforestation campaign is being implemented across the state in line with directions issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
