Rewards for eco-clubs planned
The state government will give cash rewards to encourage the eco-clubs to take up various environment-related activities. This was stated by principal secretary, science and technology, Harinder Hira, while inaugurating a three-day workshop for master trainers under the national green corps programme, which commenced here today. She said the top three eco-clubs, which excelled in various activities would be given Rs 5,000, Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000, respectively, on the basis of annual performance. She lamented that despite the degradation of environment the people were largely indifferent to the situation and not much was being done to protect it. She said master trainers should make it a point to encourage children to interact with nature so that they get sensitised. Member secretary of the state council for science, technology and environment Nagin Nanda threw light on the national green corps programme and role of their children in influencing their families and society as a whole to help develop a positive attitude towards environment protection. Involving children in the programme would have a long-term impact. National coordinator of the programme P.S. Sodhi explained the concept of ecological footprints and handprints. He emphasised the need to undertake environment auditing at individual and institutional levels. In all 48 master trainers from 11 districts of the state along with non-government organisation are participating in the workshop.