NATIONAL GREEN CORPS SIKKIM
An Activity Report on Student’s Environment Movement July 2012
Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department Ministry of Environment & Forests Government of Sikkim Government of India
NATIONAL GREEN CORPS (NGC) SIKKIM STATE
An Activity Report on Student’s Environment Movement
July 2012
Prepared and Submitted by
ENVIS CENTER SIKKIM On Status of Environment & Related Issues Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department Government of Sikkim
Table of Contents
Foreword 1 Preface 2
Unity in Diversity: Participation at National Events Sikkim NGC at the First National Meet at Hyderabad 4
Paryavaran Mitra National Event at Goa 6
Visit to Sikkim Express – Biodiversity Special Train at Siliguri 6
State Government’s Environmental Initiative at Schools Mission 2015: 100 percent Environment Conscious Citizen in Sikkim by 2015 8
Green Schools Programme – Sikkim State 9
Green Teacher’s Training 10
Environment Kits to School Eco‐Clubs 11
State Green Schools Awards – Chief Minister’s Green School Rolling Trophy 12
Celebrating Environment Calendar Days with Meaningful Commitments Environment Calendar for Sikkim Schools 19
World Forestry Day 20
Earth Day 22
International Biodiversity Day 26
Saving Lake Gyam Tsona – Sikkim’s Ocean in the Sky 28
World Environment Day 30
Paryavaran Mitra Oath 32
State Green Mission and 36
Ten Minutes to Earth – Creating Carbon Sink 37
Ozone Day 38
World Wildlife Week 39
Contd…
Eco‐Club Activities –Environment Management System under the Green Schools Programme 41
Auditing Water Consumption 42
Rain Water Harvesting 43
Reusing Waste Water 44
Sensitization on Ground Water Recharge 45
Hugging the Oldest Tree 46
Making of a Botanical Garden 47
Preparation of Biodiversity Register 49
Wall Magazines & Green Boards 50
Learning through Nature 51
Energy Conservation 52
Cleanliness drive 53
Solid Waste Management 54
Vermin Composting 56
Learning to Reuse Paper and Plastic Waste 58
Paryavaran Mitra Programme – A report of Yuksom Sr. Secondary School 60
National Awards to Sikkim Schools 64
Annexure
State Environment Agency – Sikkim Gazette Notification 70
ikkim, a small state covering just 0.2% of the geographical area of the country has tremendous biological diversity and Shas been identified as one of the 34 global biodiveristy hot-
spots. The undue credit for such varied biodiversity goes to its unique geographical location and the pecular characteristics of this Himalayan region.
However, with the advent of global pressure on this tiny Himalayan environment, diminishing of natural resources and threat to biodiversity loss is imposed. It therefore becomes our noble responsilibility for raising awareness at a mass level and to take measure to protect our rich biodiversity.
To stimulate such awareness, National Green Corps (NGC) has been the most effective programme at school level. Conceptualized by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India in 2001, this programme has reached to almost all schools of Sikkim as an action based environment education programme. NGC programme in Sikkim state is also supported by the State Government with the implementation of State Green Schools Programme in all 182 Sr. Secondary and Secondary level and Paryavaran Mitra programme in all 197 Junior High Shcools for enhancing the schools environment managment system. The programme is now proposed to extend to upto 766 school eco-clubs throughout the state from 2012-13.
The programme is of immense importance in Sikkim and has been financially supported from the State’s own environment fund during the discontinuity from the ministry. Funds have been utilized to provide green teacher’s training and environment kits to all school eco-clubs. FOREWORD We are optimistic about the future of National Green Corps Programme being implemented in Sikkim and look forward for extended support from the Ministry.
State Environment Agency Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department Government of Sikkim
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 1 n this era of drastic climate change, awareness among the people has become an important agenda to help people understand the Ianthropogenic effects on environment. Likewise, National Green Corps (NGC) is such programme sponsored by the Ministry of Environment of Forests, Government of India to set up eco-clubs in selected schools to take up environment related activities.
The main objective of the programme is to spread environment awareness among the school children with the focus on active involvement of the students in action oriented drives. The programme also visualizes the role of children as agents of change for dissemination of environmental information among the public at large.
NGC - Sikkim is being coordinated by the State Environment Agency, an autonomous body, constituted by the Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim.
National Green Corps programme – Sikkim at a glance:
2002: NGC programme setup with a financial aid of Rs.1000/- per eco-club. 2006: NGC programme strengthened with the establishment of 354 eco-clubs with a financial grant of Rs. 2500/- per eco-club. 2009: Green Schools Programme (GSP) launched. Sikkim is the first state in the country to launch GSP at the state-level. 2010: 123 Green Teachers appointed and trained. GSP launched in all PREFACE 182 Sr. Sec. and Sec level schools. 2011: 182 Green teachers provided two days training. Environment kits like biodiversity register, environment activity register, environment calendar, NGC caps and badges, permanent banners to celebrate environment calendar days in schools provided. State Green School Awards instituted with the most prestigious Chief Minister’s Green School Rolling Trophy with the cash prizes upto Rs. 5 lakhs to top five green schools of the state. 2012: NGC extended to Junior High Schools (JHS). Environment kits like waste segregation bins, white boards, biodiversity register and so on provided to all 197 JHS.
This report attempts to reflect the efforts of the students and teachers in bringing about positive change in the schools environment in terms of practices followed to improve the quality, usage and sustainability of Land, Air, Water, Waste and Energy resources in their ultimate strive to become green schools of the nation and also environmentally responsible citizen in the near future.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 2
Unity in Diversity Participation at the National Events
Participation at the National Events
Sikkim NGC at the 1 st National Meet at Hyderabad August 26 -29, 2010 NGC National Conference of Children and Youth
he activities of National Green parliament, nature trail, cultural and literary Corps programme being presentation on special state relevant T implemented by school eco - environmental features. The participating clubs for stimulation of environment eco -club students from Sikkim state awareness was appreciated as the Greenest presented t heir environmental endeavor of Greens in the first ever National and their initiatives in the Green School Conference of Children and Youth held at activities. The initiatives of the state Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh from Aug 25 - government towards environment 30, 2010 where 21 States had participated. protection and conservation through various programmes like State Green We are the solution Mi ssion, Ten M inutes to Earth, Smritivan, and State Green School Programme were also highlighted during the event. Sikkim state was much appreciated for its environment endeavor and its sustainable development.
The participants from Sikkim were Miss Yangchen Bhutia (Cl X), Miss Chetna Chettri (C l X) and Ms. Purnima Sharma (Teacher)
Students preparing the N ation’s longest hand from Deorali Girls Sr. Sec. School, Master print eco -banner Norbu Lepcha (Cl VII) from Mangan Sr. Sec. School, Master Rajendra Pradhan (Cl IX), The National Green Corps Sikkim Miss Kazal Bhagat (Cl IX) and Mr. represented the event with a team of 8 Ghanashyam Pradhan (Teacher) from Reshi members; (5 students, 2 teachers and 1 Govt. Sec. School , and Mr. Rajen Pradhan, officer from the Forest, Environment & Sr. Programme Officer from Forest, Wildlife Management Department). A week Environment & Wildlife Management long event featured eco -exhibition, eco - Department. project works, eco -painting, eco -drama, eco-puppetry, eco -filming, mock eco -
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 4 The event was an excellent platform to interact, share and visualize the role of school children as agents of change and for dissemination of enviro nmental information among the public at large. The national meet provided an image of unity in diversity where students, teachers and officers from various states, MoEF, NCERT were brought under one roof to rejuvenate and inculcate Sharing the care for environment the global vision to pro tect the only mother earth.
Nodal officers and teachers Students from all corners of the nation in their interac tive workshop cum training traditional apparel.
Mock Eco -Parliament Spreading the message to people
NGC Sikkim delegation in traditional attire Souvenir of Sikkim NGC to Andhra Pradesh NGC during the inaugural session
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 5 1st Paryavaran Mitra National Event at Goa December 11-15, 2011 Paryavaran Mitra National Event at Goa
ikkim NGC participated in the five days management with the title “Do not waste National Paryavaran Mitra event held at Waste” which was appreciated by visitors, SGoa from December 11 to 15, 2011. A four scientists, students and teachers from other member team led by Arun Kumar Rai, GT cum states. The event was also an opportunity for Green Teacher of Rong Secondary School, Sikkim participants to visit Bondla wildlife Ashish Rai Class X student of Rong SS, Khabi sanctuary, spice garden, beaches, mangrove, Chettri Class X student of Yuksam SS and Samir estuaries etc. and also interact with students of Pradhan Class X student of Dentam SSS other states. demonstrated a model of solid waste
Sikkim NGC visits SBES at Siliguri Junction June 27-29, 2012 A visit to Science Express – Biodiversity Special
he current decade (2011-2020) being (nearest railway to Sikkim) on June 27-29, 2012. declared as the United Nations Decade on It was an opportune time for Sikkim NGC school TBiodiversity, the Government of India students and teachers to explore the amazing launched a unique fun learning train, The train that had 16 coaches dedicated to Science Express- Biodiversity Special (SEBS), showcase the biological diversity of the country. which was flagged off from New Delhi on 5 June Sikkim NGC schools namely Middle Camp SS, 2012 and which is on course to visit 52 and Rong SS, Dentam SSS, Deorali SSS, Tingley SS, more cities across the country throughout the Lower Samdong SS and Jarong SS visited the year. The SEBS was stationed at Siliguri junction train.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 3 State Government’s Environmental Initiative at Schools
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 7 State Government’s Environmental Initiative at Schools
To instill sound environment consciousness in every citizen, school children have been targeted at the most because best attempt to bring about a change in the attitudes in the society is through children. School eco‐clubs have been strengthened with adequate trainings and provision of environment kits to every school.
Green funds instituted at schools and colleges
to instill a sense of responsibility towards ikkim State Government under environment at heir receptive ages. the visionary leadership of the
nation’s greenest Chief Minister S NGC programmes at schools have been Shri. Pawan Chamling has instituted several strengthened by extended financial support schemes and policies for environment from the state government. Green teachers amelioration. Besides framing of most stringent have been appointed and trained at every rules like Ban on grazing in Reserve Forests, Ban school. Action oriented environment education on use of non‐biodegradable materials like system has been incorporated through student’s project like Green School Programme plastics, poly‐bags and so on; and amongst that aims to establish an environment several other flagship programmes viz. State management system at the school level. Green Mission, Ten Minutes to Earth, Smritivan and so on, the environment sector has been Some of the green initiatives and vision of the geared with more rigorous action to develop state government are as under; Sikkim into a Clean and Green State.
Mission 2015: 100 percent Environment Conscious Citizen in Sikkim by 2015
The Government of Sikkim in its The year 2011 was declared as the ‘Year of Forestry and Environment Mission 2015 has Innovation’ in Sikkim to inculcate both the envisaged achieving 100% Environmentally people’s and government’s action towards Conscious Citizens in Sikkim State by the year sustainable environment friendly development. 2015. The vision aims to instill green thoughts in every citizen and relate green thoughts into action.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 8 Programme – Sikkim
Flag-off ceremony at schools
reen School Programme is an Unlike a once‐off project, GSP is a long‐term environmental education programme that introduces participants Gprogramme and award scheme (students, teachers, parents and the wider that promotes and acknowledges school’s community) to the concept of an environmental action for the environment. management system.
Sikkim is the first state in the country to launch However, GSP is far more than just an the Green School Programme at the state‐level environmental management system. It fosters a in 2009. Coordinated at the national level by strong sense of citizenship and leadership CSE (Centre for Science and Environment) New among participants that spreads far outside the Delhi and at the state‐level by Department of school into the wider community. It also Forest, Environment & Wildlife Management, promotes a strong sense of teamwork. It GSP is a self‐assessment programme in which flattens and democratizes school management teachers and students perform rigorous structures. It brings children into the decision‐ environment audits of water, air, land, energy making process and makes them responsible for and waste within their school premise following their decision and actions. a set of guidelines outlined in a manual published by CSE, titled ‘How Green is my GSP is an effective tool to increase students’ School? A do‐it your‐self manual’. and participant awareness of environmental issues through classroom studies and to GSP is now being implemented by 182 schools transfer this knowledge into positive (government and private) at secondary and environmental action in the school and also in senior secondary level in Sikkim. the wider community.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 9 Green Teacher’s Training
o strengthen the National During 2010‐11, a two days training for 80 Green Corps Programme in teachers was conducted at Sikkim Science T Sikkim schools, Green Schools centre, Marchak, East Sikkim on the 27th ‐28th Programme is being implemented in all 182 of July 2010. Sr. Secondary and Secondary level schools. Hands‐on training of green teachers of all During 2011‐12 session, back to back two these schools was conducted by the days training for two batches for 123 Department of Forests, Environment & teachers was conducted at Forest Conference Wildlife Management, Government of Sikkim Hall, Gangtok, East Sikkim on the 1st‐2nd & 4th in coordination with the New Delhi based ‐5th of August 2011. Centre for Science & Environment.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 10 Environment Kits to School Eco‐Clubs
The following set of environment kits has been provided to 379 school eco-clubs of the state (182 Sr. Sec & Secondary Schools and 197Junior High Schools) to encourage and strengthen environment education in schools.
Permanent Flex Banner to celebrate eleven environment calendar days at school and community level. Two Dustbins each (For biodegradable and for non‐biodegradable waste) Biodiversity Registers Environment Activity Record Register Green Teacher Caps NGC Sikkim badges White boards with markers and duster Environment Calendar Poster on Student’s Charter of Responsibilities Poster on State Symbols (State Animal, State Bird, State Flower, State Tree) Poster on Climate Change Poster on Ferns and Mushrooms of Sikkim Green School Manual Poster – How Green is my School Paryavaran Mitra Booklet – provided by CEE Paryavaran Mitra Poster – provided by CEE
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 11 State Green School Awards
he Government of Sikkim has The award scheme has now been notified in the instituted an innovative state‐ official gazette vide notification no. 627 dated T level award scheme “Chief 2/12/2011. Minister’s Green School Rolling Trophy cum State Green School Award”, the first of its kind 2011 winners; in the country. Launched on the occasion of the 1st – Middle Camp SS, East Sikkim nd World Environment Day on the 5th of June 2011 2 – Reshi SS, West Sikkim rd at Chintan Bhawan by the Hon’ble Chief 3 – Lower Samdong SS, East Sikkim 4th – Lingchom SS, West Sikkim Minister Shri Pawan Chamling himself, this 5th – Linkey SS, East Sikkim award scheme aims to acknowledge the school’s action towards environment and 2012 winners; rewards the top five green schools of the state 1st – Dentam SSS, West Sikkim for their meritorious and rigorous action in 2nd – Rong SS, South Sikkim school’s environment management system with 3rd – Tingley SS, South Sikkim cash prizes of rupees five lakh to the top school 4th – Deorali SSS, East Sikkim th and rupees one lakh each to the remaining four 5 – Jarrong SS, South Sikkim green schools of the State.
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National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 13 National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 14
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National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 16 Celebrating Environment Calendar Days with meaningful commitments
Eco‐club of Government Secondary School, Reshi West Sikkim gearing up for the plantation drive
Celebrating Environment Calendar Days
he school academic calendar in Major Environment Calendar Days in Sikkim Sikkim begins in the month of mid‐February and ends in the 28 Feb ‐ National Science Day T 21 Mar ‐ World Forestry Day month of mid‐December the same year. In 22 Mar ‐ World Water Day order to befit the academic profile of the 22 Apr ‐ Earth Day schools, as many as eleven environment 22 May ‐ International Biodiversity Day calendar days are encouraged to be observed 5 Jun ‐ World Environment Day and celebrated with meaninigful 15 Jun ‐ Sikkim State Green Mission Day committements. 25 Jun ‐ Sikkim State Ten Minutes to Earth Day 16 Sep ‐ World Ozone Day Children are the most influential 1‐7 Oct ‐ World Wildlife Week 14 Nov ‐ National Children Day member in any family or a society. So these ocassions are an opportune time for the school Major activities during environment ocassions children to spread environment awareness in by the schools; their local community. Eco‐club members hence do play an important role during environment 9 Street rallies ocassions as agents of change to rejuvenate 9 Slogan campaign green thoughts and action. 9 Street threatre/ drama 9 Public meeting To encourage school partcipation 9 Plantation drives during such events, the government of Sikkim 9 Conservation drives 9 Cleaning and weeding school compound has provided environment calendars, banners 9 Cleaning of jhoras/ nallahs nearby schools ect to every schools of the state. Financial 9 Cleaning of water sources assistance to schools with wide outreach of the 9 Maintenance of school herbal gardens programme is also encouraged by the state 9 Quiz/ essay/ paintiang/debate/seminars government.
Plantation drive at Pangthang, East Sikkim by the students of nearby schools during World Environment Day June 5, 2009 National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 18
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 19 Eco‐club of Government Senior Secondary School, Dentam, West Sikkim exploring local forest resources
and preparing biodiversity register
21st March World Forestry Day
orld Forestry Day on the In one similar event during the year 21st of March is generally 2007, a team led by Ms. Memma Singha from W observed by forest Centre for Environment Education (CEE), North‐ protection and conservation drives and also by East region from Guwahati in collaboration with felicitating foresters, individuals, organizations the department of Forests, Environment & for their stride for sustainable forest Wildlife Management, government of Sikkim management in Sikkim. organized the event with amongst eight participating schools in and around Gangtok At the school level, this day is taken as town. Action oriented awareness workshop an opportunity to explore the wealth of forest for the participating students was and biodiversity at the nearby locality. The eco‐ conducted at the forest conference hall. club members are encouraged to put their action towards forest conservation. Students However, the main event of the day are taken for nature trails nearby to explore was observed through field exercise. Students forest wealth. Students prepare biodiversity were taken to the Himalayan Zoological Park register noting locally available floral and faunal situated at 6 kms distance from the Gangtok species. The fun learning exercise is observed at town at Bulbulay, East Sikkim. The observation many school eco‐clubs. skills of these students were the key tools in the
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 20 exercise that was based on the Darwin theory Towards the end of the programme, a of Survival of the Fittest. To encourage the student of standard X from Enchey Senior participants, prizes and certificates were given Secondary School Master Simon Rai delivered away by the CEE. his commitments for this important day through a self composed poem.
Following is the list of Schools that participated “ in the programme. Today, Some for Good Day, SN Name of School Some for Bad Day 1. Modern School Today is Forest’s Happy Birthday 2. Enchey Sr. Sec. School So let us Celebrate World Forestry Day 3. P.N.G.S.S.S and 4. Deorali Girls School Think in this matter deep and deeep 5. T.N.S.S.S Well, Let us live and let others live. 6. West Point Sr. Sec School 7. Tathangchen Sr. Sec. School ” 8. Tashi Namgyal Academy
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 21 nd Earth Day – 22 April
Students preparing for the awareness rally
he ‘EARTH DAY’ is observed by awareness messages like “Save the Earth from NGC schools in a befitting pollution”, “Save the resources for future” and T manner throughout the state. “Save Tree‐ Save Earth”. The day is observed with literary programs like inter house quiz competition, painting, debate, The awareness activities are then essay writing, seminars and short skit on the followed by action based activities like mass conservation of natural resources. Apart from cleanliness drive of school and local premises by the literary programs, awareness rallies are the students accompanied by teachers, school organized from the school to the locality with management committee and invited guest as several placards with simple but meaningful well.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 22 Students displaying placards
Rally Painting competition
Eco‐Club of Dentam Sr. Secondary School, West Sikkim
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 23
Students of Sudunglakha Govt. Secondary School, East Sikkim watering the plant during the Earth Day
Setting up of waste bins made up of bamboo by school students of Rong Govt. Secondary School, South Sikkim during the Earth Day
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 24
Eco‐ brave hearts in action: Brave and energetic eco‐club students clearing up the riverside mess
Cleanliness drive – reaching all nooks
Eco‐Club of Reshi Government Secondary School, West Sikkim
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 25 Celebrating
International Biodiversity Day
22nd May
ndia is recognized as one of the 12 government mega diversity centres of the world. institutions I Out of the 18 Biodiversity hot‐spots and private in the world, India owns 2, namely the Western sectors of the state on restoration of Gyam Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas. Sikkim Tsona (a source of the Teesta River). covering just 0.2 % of the geographical area of the country has tremendous biodiversity and United Nation declared the International has been identified as one of the HOT‐SPOT in Biodiversity Day, May 22, 2012 with the theme the Eastern Himalayas. “Marine and Coastal Diversity”. A rally on the theme “Saving Lake Gyam Tsona‐Sikkim’s Recognizing that Sikkim has lakes having Ocean in the Sky” was organized by Forests, enormous ecological and aesthetic values and Environment and Wildlife Management source of livelihoods to the residents, the Forest Department (FEWMD) to bring awareness Department has focused its conservation efforts among the general public. to draw attention of the common masses,
Student's awareness programme at the Forest Conference Hall, Gangtok where a brief discussion on issues, constraints and opportunities related to biodiversity conservation with special reference to conservation of Gyam Tsona lake was held
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 26
Painting competition
Student’s interaction Awards to students
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 27
Saving Lake Gyam Tsona ‐ Sikkim’s Ocean in the Sky
tudents and teachers from Once a paradise for shepherds and schools around Gangtok took yak herders since centuries are dying S part in the awareness rally slowly in want of care and restoration displaying placards with catching slogans initiatives, globally threatened Snow and messages and chanting slogans to draw Leopard, Lynx, Pallas’s Cat, Tibetan Wolf the attention of the people, tourists, and Tibetan Fox, all ‘Schedule‐1’ protected shopkeepers, car drivers and others. A four are decreasing in numbers with pace of kilometer rally passed along the 31A time which is painful and is a concern for National Highway at the hearts of the all. The students pleaded each and every Gangtok town. individual and organizations to join in restoration efforts of the lake and revive Participated by the students of the natural state and beauty which used to Tadong Government Sr. Secondary School be years ago. and Deorali Girls Sr. Secondary School, the rally intended to draw the attention towards conservation of the precious biodiversity of this state including lakes and reservoirs which are the pride of Sikkim. But dying Ocean lake Gyam Tsona cuts a sorry figure. The event emphasized on efforts by all to save the lake which is a unique brackish water lake in our cold desert; the Gyamtshona Lake is one of the largest and highest only remnant of the prehistoric Tethys Sea lakes in Sikkim, India. This lake is situated at an in this part of our world; and Sikkim’s only elevation of 17,000 ft, rests on the northern side of lake with noisy waves below the sky. the Khangchenga Range, in a high plateau area next to the Tibetan Plateau.
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Awareness rally being flagged off by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
Rallying at the hearts of Gangtok town
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 29 5th June World Environment Day
orld Environment Day felicitations for the school’s effort are also celebration is a major event observed. in the state. It is celebrated W Unitedly the students, teachers and local at the state‐level, district‐level, block‐level and at the local level at all nooks of the state. people offer their pay back services to the mother earth. Massive plantation programmes, Though environment conservation practices protection and conservation drives through have now gradually being adopted as the way installation of tree guards for nourishing plants, of life in the state, this day is commemorated cleanliness drives of jhoras, roadside nallahs with special events to rejuvenate and jolt the and surrounding areas is observed throughout thoughts and action for cleaner and greener the day. Awareness programmes to its outreach environment. through rallies, banner campaigns, public meetings, competitions at the school level also On this day, the whole state rejoices its positive feature other events during the day. action for environment. Awards and
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 30 Activity snapshots of Sikkim NGC schools during the World Environment Day
The students of Kusoong Primary School Eco‐club of North Sikkim during the world environment day in the year 20007
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 31 Activity snapshots of Sikkim NGC schools during the World Environment Day
Paryavaran Mitra Oath
As a Paryavaran Mitra I realize that every mature tree absorbs 20 kg of carbon dioxide every year by photosynthesis. By the same process, each tree lets out about 14 kg of oxygen every year.
Being a Paryavaran Mitra I will plant and nurture ten trees, and will ensure that my parents, my sisters and brothers plant trees, and that my neighbours also plant ten Paryavaran Mitra Oath was taken by trees each. I will be an ambassador for the tree mission in my locality. students, teachers, headmasters, headmistresses, principles of about I will keep my house and its surrounding clean, and use products which 182 Sr. Secondary and Secondary are bio‐degradable to the maximum extent possible. schools of the state during the world environment day on 2011. I will promote a culture of environment friendliness, through recycling and conservation of water, and other recyclable materials, both at home
Even the State’s chief minister and and at school. his cabinet of ministers, several I will encourage the use of renewable energy to the maximum extent government officers recited the oath. possible.
I will spread awareness about the need to preserve the environment in my home, in my locality, and among my student friends.
I will engage in water conservation, especially by harvesting rain water, and spread the message in my family and friends.
When I take up a professional career, I will take decisions which protect the environment and preserve biodiversity.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 32
Activity snapshots of Sikkim NGC schools during the World Environment Day
Students rallying along the streets with banners, placards and chanting slogans during the world environment day
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 33 Activity snapshots of Sikkim NGC schools during the World Environment Day
Skit by eco‐club students of Tashi Namgyal Skit by eco‐club students of United Academy, Academy, Gangtok, East Sikkim Daramdin, West Sikkim
Integrated culture by eco‐club students of Penlong Secondary School, East Sikkim
AV show ‘ The Slow Poison’ being filmed to aware and educate about organic farming
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 34 Activity snapshots of Sikkim NGC schools during the World Environment Day
Pangthang JHS students in action Installing of tree guards by Aho Shanti School
Quiz competition on Climate Change related topic in Reshi Govt. SS
Awareness to action by eco‐club of Rangpo Government Secondary School
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 35 15th June Sikkim State Green Mission
Schools support the State Green Mission programme by planting different species of trees and flowering plants in the school
premises. Students and teachers actively participate in the mission and vow to take care of the sapling they planted.
Conceived by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. Pawan Chamling
himself, as a symbol of the government’s resolve to convert Sikkim to a model “GREEN” State, the State Green Mission is now an annual ritual observed on the 15th
day of June.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 36 25th June
Ten Minutes to Earth
Creating Carbon Sink
Schools students dedicate their ten minutes of life to the mother earth.
on the 25th day of June.
The programme aims to create green wealth by planting atleast one species (Each One Plant One) to provide environmental benefits and provide carbon sink around the
school complex and the locality.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 37 National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 37 16th September Ozone Day
The Euphorbia Eco‐Club of Rong Government Secondary School, South Sikkim demonstrated the
model of ozone depletion and its measure to protect the ozone layer.
The school conducted
awareness programmes for eco‐ club students to enable them to act as agents of change for wider
awareness in the school and the community.
Students have been the driving force to reflect green thoughts into action to mitigate the harmful effects of global climate
change.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 38 1‐7 October World Wildlife Week
World Wildlife Week is celebrated amongst the school children to promote wildlife conservation.
During the event in 2007, students of Gangtok schools town were
taken to Himalayan Zoological Park at Bulbuley. Awareness programmes were organized. Student and zoo official interaction, quiz competition and distribution of prizes were witnessed.
Students were also taken up close
to enclosures to view the animals like Red Panda, Snow Leopard and so on.
Snow leopard at the Himalayan Zoological Park at Bulbuley, Gangtok
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 39 Eco-Club Activities
Environment Management System under the Green Schools Programme
Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Eco-Club Activities Environment Management System under the Green Schools Programme
mongst more than 30,000 perform the eco‐club activities through action schools across the country, 182 based environment management projects. A Senior Secondary and Every school in the state from primary level and Secondary level schools both government and above including colleges now have eco‐clubs private and 197 Junior High Schools in Sikkim with the strength of atleast 50 students per state are actively implementing the Green eco‐club. Some of the active eco‐club schools Schools Programme and the Paryavaran Mitra even have the total school’s enrollment as their programme for promoting National Green strength. The activities of these schools have Corps Eco‐Club activities in the state. also been acknowledged at the National as well as State‐level through awards and handsome With the advent of mandatory environment cash prizes so that more and more schools education in school academics in the state in contribute towards active participation in the the year 2002, the schools are encouraged to NGC activities.
90% schools in Sikkim are rural and remote, but their global environmental concern is kept alive through eco‐clubs
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 41 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Auditing Water Consumption in Schools
Students with the scout teacher of Government Secondary School, Reshi (West Sikkim) measuring the water tank of the school (A part of the Water Audit)
The average per capita consumption of water in day scholar school is 13 litres per day as per the national standards (Courtesy: CSE’s Green Schools Manual). The eco‐club students and a green teacher form a water audit team in the school and measure the water consumption. One of the procedures in this activity is to measure the level/ volume of water in the tank at the start and at the end of the day for about a month and get the average reading. The final result is then compared to national standards and appropriate measures are taken up.This rigorous exercise makes the student responsible and be a part of environment management system at the school level.
Governm ent Senior Secondary School, Daramdin West Sikkim: This rural government school strictly abides the environment management system as outlined in the green school manual. The school has two drinking water taps. To measure per capita consumption of water, the audit team put two 250 ml tumblers near the taps, and made each student count the number of times they drank water from these glasses. Probably the only government school in the country to appear in the top 20 ‘Change‐makers’ list amongst 30,000 greens schools across the country since 2007.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 42 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Rain Water Harvesting
Sikkim state belongs to category of water reserve where the rivers are fed by glaciers. However, water availability varies in the state. There are places with acute shortage of water. Schools in these places practice traditional rain water harvesting to conserve rain water for various purposes.
Rooftop rain water harvesting in schools
Reusing stored rain water for washing plates and dishes after the mid‐day meal
Harvested rain water being utilized to water the flower beds in School Garden
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 43 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Reusing Waste Water
Reusing waste water is a tedious task. However, the students are encouraged to reuse waste water in schools that is generated while washing vegetables, rice for midday meals and by washing of plates and dishes. Schools have not only started Rain Water Harvesting but are also reusing waste water. Students from Std VIII to X have taken the task of monitoring and reusing waste water where students during the lunch time take turns to store the used water, which is eventually used for flowering plants or cleaning the drains of the school and maintaining kitchen garden.
Students are often careless about using water and especially in schools if the tanks are full, the water is allowed to flow without being used which eventually flows down into the drain and is wasted. One example is where Government Secondary School, Temi has installed float valves in the water tanks to prevent wastage of water and also installed drop taps at water outlets so that students do not waste water.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 44 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Sensitization on Ground Water Recharge
Understanding the importance of Ground Water recharge the students of Kitam Secondary School in South Sikkim were sensitized on ground water recharge through artificial recharge measures during an induction workshop on “Ground Water Recharge Access to Information, Participation and Responsibility Sharing for Water Management “organized by the local NGO Lakhsya Organization, in the process of sensitization and capacity building of the rural population on water related issues in the state. The organization with the help of school eco‐club students tried to entrust the responsibility for water management in the area. The students were familiarized with ground water and aquifers and the process of ground water and discharge through springs. The artificial ground water recharge measures like staggered contours trenches, percolation pits and tanks, check‐dams etc. were highlighted. During the workshop, eco‐club students conducted an exercise for identification of springs (Dharas, Kuwa, Pandhero, etc) in the locality. A survey on the details of the location, seasonality, household dependence, discharge measures i.e. weekly, monthly, monsoons etc was also conducted. The major issues on the causes of drying up, disappearance of springs and the possible reasons being land use change, road construction in the catchments area, cementation works in springs were also discussed. The whole motive of the entire workshop was to generate awareness on water security and focus on traditional water conservation systems and rejuvenation techniques. The eco club students of Class IX were given project works with responsibility. It was also mentioned that data received from the students would be uploaded in the official website of MGNREGA‐ Dhara Vikas.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 45 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Hugging the Oldest Tree
The visit of an environmentalist famous for the Chipko Movement (hugging the tree) Shri Sundal lal Bahuguna to Sikkim in the year 2011 triggered a spur of energy among the young enthusiast in different schools of the state.
The incident help the students revisit Chipko Movement, a social‐ecological movement that practiced the Gandhian methods of satyagraha and non‐ violent through the act of hugging trees to protect them from illicit felling.
The narration of this movement has helped students understand the importance of trees and the relationship the people have with nature and vice versa. This overall instilled in the mind to reduce the process of deforestation that is taking place at an alarming rate in the world today. Students in this age need to understand the importance of nature in our day to day life. So some school like Reshi SS and Rong SS organized a session whereby the importance of nature was discussed with the children as a part of the eco‐club activity. The students hugged the oldest tree of the school premise to get a feel of the movement that happened years ago. The session gave them a sense of responsibility and idea to conserve and fight for the Mother Nature which is a giver to all.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 46 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Making of Botanical and Herbal Garden
Report by Government Secondary School, Reshi West Sikkim Teachers and Students of our school worked hard too make a Botanical cum Herbal Garden. First of all we collected the list of flora present in our school. The name of the plant and its medical use was then written on metal sheets and are placed near to every plant in the garden and school surroundings.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 47 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Herbal garden of Euphorbia eco‐club, Government Secondary School, Rong, South Sikkim
Herbal garden of Government Sr. Secondary School, Dentam, West Sikkim
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 48 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Preparation of Biodiversity Register
Realizing the importance of the rich local biodiversity of the state, all the school eco‐clubs is given a biodiversity register.
The eco‐club members in assistance with green teacher move around the school premise identifying the local flora and fauna and record the names (scientific & local) in the biodiversity register.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 49 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Wall Magazine & Green Boards
Eco‐club of Reshi school published a wall magazine on the theme “Conservation of Bio‐diversity”. During this activity student collected pictures of many species of plants and animals and some designs were made up of waste paper cuttings, and were pasted on a board with the theme “Many Species – One Planet – One Future.”
Eco‐Club has also started an idea to enrich the knowledge of all and to develop the common sense towards the depriving environment. Every student or Teachers of the school can publish some informative articles, like News papers cuttings, Write‐ups, Pictures, Drawings, etc. about environment.
Census – 2011
It’s all about Tiger
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 50 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Learning through Nature
Government Secondary school Rong have implemented an innovative method to protect and conserve a tree planted by the students. The method was based on the simple idea of learning through nature involving science and environment where the students constructed and decorated a tree guard which forms the main attraction in the school schools campus.
The tree was decorated with the help of brick kilns in nine different circles in a centripetal manner corresponding to the nine planets in the universe. The tree which is a giver of life was represented as the sun which symbolically represents the importance of interrelationships in nature.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 51 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Energy Conservation
Auditing electricity consumption
Auditing LPG and fuel wood consumption
Through energy conservation activities the students are encouraged to opt for efficient energy appliances like CFLs and other activities and apply the same at their homes.
Only CFLs
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 52 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Cleanliness Drive
Since the establishment of eco‐club in the schools, the eco‐club members along with the green teacher have been conducting cleanliness drive of the school compound as one of its regular activties.
In Bojoghari Government Junior High School, the eco‐club members are given the responsibility of keeping the school neat and clean. The students are divided into different groups and are allotted duties, each taking accountability for a particular task.
Cleaning of School Premises Collection, segregation and disposal of waste
Weeding Cleaning and clearing up drains
Cleanliness drive is the most common action based activity of the eco‐club throughout the year. It is practiced at all schools from primary level and above.
Preparation of flower beds by Biraspati Parsai Senior Secondary School, Ranipool
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 53 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Solid Waste Management
The eco‐club members along with the other students engage in the different activities for management of school’s solid waste. The activities include waste collection, segregation and disposal of waste. The waste products are first collected and then segregated into bio‐degradable and non‐ biodegradable. A compost pit is prepared for dumping the biodegradable waste. The humus so formed is later utilized in the garden. The non‐biodegradable item is further separated into recyclable and non‐ recycle products. The recycled products were sold to rag pickers and non‐recycle products are dumped into the Urban Development and Housing Department vehicle for further processing.
Students preparing and installing waste segregation bins
Students auditing the waste generated
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 54 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Collection and segregation of waste
Pit digging and Dumping of waste in pits
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 55 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Vermin Composting
The NGC schools are also encouraged to practice vermin composting. To enable the same, interested teachers are given the opportunity to attend training and workshops which is then relayed to the students.
Deorali Girls School has a vermin composting site in the school premise which is actively managed by the students of Eco‐Health Club
Yukssom school eco‐club uses the organic kitchen garden for mid‐day meal
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 56 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Exposure Trips to Students
Realizing the importance of scientific technology in the field of agriculture, the students of Government Senior Secondary School Sang were taken for field trip to Nazitam Agricultural Development Department to aware about waste management and vermin composting.
The students were taken to a bio gas plant built in a village nearby and were explained the uses of bio‐ gas and its importance.
Occasionally school students in coordination with the Range Officer of the Forest Department are taken for field visit to nursery sites. The nursery staff help the students identify the various local plant species making them familiar with the scientific names of the local plant species.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 57 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Learning to Reuse Paper and Plastic Waste
Eco‐club students of Reshi school prepared paper bags from the old and unused exercise books and distributed free of cost to the canteens and nearby shops.
Primary school students preparing handcraft of waste paper
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 58 Eco-Club Activities - Environment Management System in Schools
Students preparing cushions with plastic waste
Toys of waste papeer
Do not waste WASTE
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 59 Paryavaran Mitra Programme A REPORT ON ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF YUKSAM SECONDARY SCHOOL (WEST SIKKIM)
Paryavaran Mitra Programme
A REPORT ON ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF YUKSAM SECONDARY SCHOOL (WEST SIKKIM)
Water and Sanitation:
In observance to IYS 2008, the NGC undertook Sanitation Research 'DREAM of Dignified Attendance to Nature's Call while at School' and developed the 1st ever SSSSS (Sustainable School Sanitation System of Sikkim) with technological support from World Toilet Organization (Singapore) and financial assistance from Victoria Junior College (Singapore). The SSSSS was dedicated to the School on 2nd August 2011.
Towards generating awareness towards water conservation, the NGC members of the School wrote and enacted. Upon presentation of the same at a state‐wide inter‐ school competitive event hosted by WWF‐India (Sikkim Chapter) on the occasion of World Water Day 2011, the same own the Best Role‐play Award.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 60 Paryavaran Mitra Programme A REPORT ON ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF YUKSAM SECONDARY SCHOOL (WEST SIKKIM)
Biodiversity & Greening:
Development and Maintenance of Nectar‐ cum‐Fruit Garden (2002), Herbal Garden (2007), Fodder‐cum‐Bamboo Garden (2009), Organic MDM Kitchen Garden (2011) in School Premises.
Commendable plantation work and receiving CM's Award for Best Plantation in 2008;
Development and Maintenance of the prototypes of HARMONY PARK & TASHITENKA PARK under CONNECT (CONservation of Natural Environment through Culture & Tradition) 2011 programme in observance to IYF 2011.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 61 Paryavaran Mitra Programme A REPORT ON ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF YUKSAM SECONDARY SCHOOL (WEST SIKKIM)
Culture & Heritage:
Restoration of twin ancient chortens (> 300 years old) under the CONNECT programme in traditional manner.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 62 Paryavaran Mitra Programme A REPORT ON ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF YUKSAM SECONDARY SCHOOL (WEST SIKKIM)
Waste Management:
In observance to IYP 2009, the NGC undertook Eco‐service cum Investigative Project namely CLEAN UP GUYS (Cycling Long‐lived Eco‐unfriendly Accumulated Non‐biodegradables through United Participation for a Greener Unpolluted Youthful Sikkim) with financial assistance from WWF‐India (Gangtok) along the Yuksam‐Dzongri‐Goechala Tourist Trail falling within Khangchendzongha National Park & reporting of this activity in CEE publication of 100 NGC Case Studies "YOUNG IN GREEN ACTION". The study was also presented at YETI (Young Ecologists Talk & Interact) 2010 held at IISC (Bangalaore) as the only school‐ level entry in the entire country.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 63
National Awards to Sikkim Schools
Gobar Times Green School Awards Conferred to Sikkim Schools by New Delhi based Centre for Science & Environment
National Awards to Sikkim Schools
Gobar Times Green School Awards Conferred to Sikkim Schools by New Delhi based Centre for Science & Environment
The Gobar Times Green Schools Award is a platform to acknowledge and reward schools which have adopted the most innovative and effective practices to manage natural resources within their own premises. The award at the national level is given away every year by the New Delhi based non‐profit organization Centre for Science and Environment to the schools participating in the Green Schools Programme (detail of GSP in given in page no. 9)
Gobar Times Green School Awards 2007:
Daramdin Government Secondary School from West Sikkim was conferred as the 2nd Best School in India during 2007
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 65 National Awards to Sikkim Schools
Gobar Times Green School Awards 2010:
Three schools from Sikkim State were conferred with the awards in 2010, namely;
‐ Reshi Government Secondary School, West Sikkim Top 10 Green School
‐ Namcheybong Government Secondary School, East Sikkim Best Manager in Energy
‐ Linkey Government Secondary School, East Sikkim Best Manager in Air
Picture (above) : Ms. Sandhya Pradhan, Programme Officer (ENVIS) and Mr. M.R.Rai, DFO from Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Sikkim receiving certificate awarded by Centre for Science & Environment (CSE), New Delhi from Mrs. Sharmila Tagore, the Chief Guest on the occasion on behalf.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 66 National Awards to Sikkim Schools
Gobar Times Green School Awards 2011:
Two schools from Sikkim State were conferred with the awards in 2011, namely;
‐ Middle Camp Government Secondary School, 2nd Best in the Change East Sikkim Makers Category
‐ Lower Samdong Government Secondary School, E 2nd Best School in the ast Sikkim New School Category
Picture (above): Sunita Narian, Director General (Centre for Science & Environment) and members of the Indian Ocean, the contemporary rock band presenting leaf trophies and certificates to Sikkim Schools.
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 67 National Awards to Sikkim Schools
Gobar Times Green School Awards 2012:
Three schools from Sikkim State were conferred with the awards in 2012, namely;
Dentam Government Senior Secondary School, West Sikkim
1st Rank (Best Green in India)
Deorali Government Girls Senior Secondary School, East Sikkim
2nd Rank
Tingley Government Secondary School
4th Rank (In the New Schools Category)
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 68 National Awards to Sikkim Schools
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 69 Annexure
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 70 Annexure
National Green Corps – Sikkim Page | 71 Annexure
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