PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), in collaboration with the Himalayan Academy of Science and Technology (HAST) and the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB), organised a day-long programme focused on environmental education and Himalayan ecological awareness to mark World Environment Day at the Regional Science Centre, Vigyan Dham on Thursday. The theme of the event was “Himalayo Naam Nagadhiraj – Dedication to Himalayan Knowledge and Environment for the Future of Mankind.”
Environmentalist Reema Pant highlighted that environmental education is not just a subject but a vital life skill, stressing the need for personal accountability and a conscious reduction in plastic use to support sustainable living. She also noted that the day marked one year since the establishment of the HAST making the occasion even more significant in the context of environmental commitment and knowledge-sharing.
UCOST directorgeneral Durgesh Pant urged the gathering to minimise the use of plastic and highlighted the council’s environmental conservation initiatives such as “Maa Dhara Ko Naman” and the Tons river rejuvenation programme.
HAST president GS Rawat emphasised the active involvement of youth in strengthening environmental education in thw Himalayan region. UCOST joint director DP Uniyal
highlighted the 1mportance of science communication and intellectual property rights in the context of environmental education. Uttarakhand State Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairwoman Geeta Khanna emphasised the need to promote STEM education. She proposed the launch of an E-waste collection campaign at the school level to foster environmental responsibility among children.
