Media & Activity
On the Eve of World Environment Day
On 5th June 2025
On the Eve of World Environment Day
The Environment Society of India, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, Chandigarh, organized a seminar to mark World Environment Day, on the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution.” The event was held under the chairmanship of Shri Hem Satija, Vice President of the Environment Society of India.
Students from both government and private schools were invited to participate and share their views. Participants included Ms. Divinity and Ms. Sneha from Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 23, Chandigarh, and Ms. Aanya Jindal, Ms. Roohi Punia, Ms. Jevy Jain, Ms. Taysha Kurera, and Ms. Navika from St. Anne’s Convent School, Sector 32, Chandigarh. The students informed the audience that:
- Approximately 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year.
- Over 60% (~260 million tonnes) is used for short-lived products.
- Of the total plastic waste:
- About 36% is single-use plastic.
- Only 9% is actually recycled.
- 19% is incinerated, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- A staggering 50% ends up in landfills, oceans, or the natural environment, where it may persist for hundreds of years.
Shri N.K. Jhingan, Secretary, Environment Society of India, gave a video presentation highlighting how single-use plastics are the biggest environmental offenders. He explained how improperly managed plastic waste finds its way into drains, rivers, and ultimately the oceans, causing long-term ecological damage.
Dr. Ranjit Kaur, Programme Officer, Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, emphasized that the solution lies in the three R’s—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and in converting waste into valuable resources.
Er. Ankit showcased innovative products created from shredded plastic waste, such as furnace oil, coasters, bricks, carpet material, and road construction material, developed by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology.
Advocate Ajay Jagga, Standing Counsel for the Chandigarh Administration and Member of the Adhivakta Parishad, spoke about the harmful health effects of plastic use. He raised concerns over microplastics and nanoplastics entering the food chain, which may lead to serious health issues like dementia and fatty liver disease.
In his address, Shri Hem Satija clarified that the objective is to end plastic pollution, not to demonize plastic altogether. He stressed the importance of proper disposal, segregation, and recycling, and noted that High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), used in water and soft drink bottles, straws, food containers, and packaging, are recyclable when managed properly. He added that plastic carry bags can also be recycled if they are made from suitable polymers and collected in bulk, uncontaminated form. The indiscriminate disposal of plastic, especially single-use items, is a major issue leading to environmental bans.
He expressed his sincere thanks to the dignitaries, environmentalists, teachers, and students for their active participation in this noble cause.
The event concluded with the distribution of Commendation Certificates to all student participants, followed by refreshments for all attendees.
On the Eve of World Environment Day
On 4th June 2025
On the Eve of World Environment Day
The Environment Society of India, Chandigarh, in association with the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee, organized an Awareness Rally on Plastic Pollution on 4th June 2025 in Sector 7, Chandigarh.
Ms. Meenakshi Jattayan, Assistant Environmental Engineer, Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. She addressed the gathering and highlighted the hazardous impact of plastic pollution, particularly single-use plastic carry bags, which are banned in Chandigarh. She urged citizens to adopt eco-friendly alternatives like cloth bags in their everyday routine.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of school students, local residents, and community members.
Mr. Kanwaljit Singh Paunchi, Brand Ambassador of the Cleanliness Campaign, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, also took part in the rally and encouraged participants to contribute actively to the cause.
Before the rally began, Ms. Basundhra, a Member of the Environment Society, administered an oath to the participants, pledging not to use plastic items and to motivate others to avoid them as well.
Mr. N.K. Jhingan, Secretary of the Environment Society, appealed to all attendees to make a habit of carrying cloth bags while shopping as a simple yet effective way to reduce plastic consumption.
Er. H.R. Satija, Vice President of the Society, proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the valuable presence and support of all participants, guests, and partners.
The event was also graced by Ms. Ravjeet Kaur, Principal Scientist, Punjab State Council for Science and Technology.
Following the rally, participants marched through the Sector 7 Market, distributing awareness posters to shopkeepers. These posters encouraged shopkeepers to advise customers to bring reusable cloth bags and to display the posters prominently as a sign of environmental commitment.
Mr. Ashok Grover, President of the Market Committee, also addressed the shopkeepers and motivated them not to stock banned plastic carry bags. He emphasized the collective goal of transforming Sector 7 Market into Chandigarh’s first completely plastic-free market.
The event effectively conveyed the urgent need to eliminate plastic pollution and inspired a strong message of environmental responsibility for a cleaner and greener Chandigarh.
World Wetlands Day
To mark World Wetlands Day, the Environment Society of India, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Environment Department, Chandigarh, organized an awareness event on 3rd February 2025 at the Regulator-end of Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh. In alignment with the core mission of the Environment Society of India, the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and promote their conservation. Around 100 students from various schools, including C.L. Aggarwal DAV Model School, Sector 7-B; St. Anne’s School, Sector 32; and Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 33-D, actively participated in the event. A painting and slogan-writing competition was held on the theme “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing.” Highlights of the Event
The Chief Guest, Mr. T.C. Nautiyal, IFS, Director of the Environment Department and Chief Conservator of Forests & Wildlife, Chandigarh, emphasized the significance of celebrating World Wetlands Day annually to enhance public awareness about the value of wetlands and their conservation. During an interactive session with students, he highlighted that that the wetlands not only support habitat for various flora and fauna including migratory birds, there most important role for human life is recharge of ground water and flood control. He told that in Chandigarh 20 MGD water requirement is met from tubewells which is about 18% of total water supply. He said that ground water level is declining and wetlands play a vital role in rainwater retention and groundwater recharge, preventing surface water from draining away
Key Speakers and Discussions
• Mr. R.C. Mishra, President of ESI, underscored the importance of water conservation in daily life and advocated for responsible usage in bathing, washing, and cleaning.
• Mr. H.R. Satija, Vice President of ESI, spoke about the economic benefits of developing tourism around water bodies, which can generate income and employment through boating, fishing, water sports, and other recreational activities. He also highlighted the growing trend of floating solar power plants on water bodies, which help generate clean energy without disrupting ecosystems.
• Mr. N.K. Jhingan, Secretary of ESI, shared that the Environment Society of India has been celebrating Wetlands Day since 1981, long before the International Ramsar Convention officially launched World Wetlands Day in 1997, making Chandigarh a pioneer in global wetland conservation efforts.
Exhibitions and Activities
• An exhibition of migratory bird photographs was displayed at the venue.
• A bird-watching tour around Sukhna Lake was conducted, led by Mr. N.K. Jhingan and accompanied by Dr. Basundhara (Joint Secretary, ESI), Ms. Chandni Sharma, Mr. R.K. Sharma, Ms. Shashi, and other ESI members, along with school teachers and students. The children enthusiastically identified the migratory birds that had arrived in Chandigarh.
• The students showcased remarkable creativity in the painting competition.
• Refreshments were provided to the participants at the concluding session.
Swachhta Hi Sewa Campaign-2024
SWACHHTA HI SEWA CAMPAIGN-2024 On 18.09.2024, Dr B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat, Haryana, in collaboration with the Environment Society of India, organized a Workshop, namely SWABHAV SWACHHTA-SANSKAR SWACHHT,A under the aegis of SWACHHTA HI SEWA CAMPAIGN-2024. Along with the workshop on plantation drive, different eminent speakers namely Prof DR SK Tomar (Vice Chancellor, J.C. Bose University of Science & Technology, Faridabad), Prof Dr Archana Mishra (Vice Chancellor, Dr B.R.Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat), Dr RC Mishra Former DGP Haryana and President Environment Society of India), Er HR Satija (Former Advisor Solar Power Systems/ MoD & Vice President Environment Society of India) and Dr NK Jhingan (Secretary Environment Society of India) delivered very useful lectures on different topics on the conservation of the Environment to the august audience of the Law Faculty & Students. Plantation was carried out at different identified places in the university.
International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB)
On 22nd May 2024 – International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB)
The Environment Society of India, today on 22nd May 2024 celebrated “International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2024” on the theme “Be part of the Plan” coinciding with its annual celebration of the “World Parrot Day” in association with the Environment Department Chandigarh and the Eco Club of the Government Senior Secondary School, Sector 21, Chandigarh.
The children from different schools were invited to participate in the competition in making placards on the concept of Biodiversity. The function which was held in the Conference Room of the Govt Senior Secondary School Sector 21, Chandigarh. Speaking on the occasion, Mr NK Jhingan Secretary Environment Society of India said that the Environment Society of India has been celebrating Parrot Day in India every year as a first to its credit since 2004. The Environment Society of India
Chandigarh is the only organisation 8n Chandigarh who celebrated Parrot Day in India. The City Bird Sanctuary is declared Bird Sanctuary on the request of the Society by the Ministry of Environment and Forest Government of India New Delhi. As about more 5han 2500 parrots selected this place after increasing of noise pollution through building of houses etc between Pinjore and Panchkula. Mr Jhingan requested the student and participants to always take care of these Parrots by planting fruit trees in and around the Sanctuary and placing water filled pots specially in summers.
Mr HR Satija Vice President of the Environment Society of India, Chandigarh spoke there are on this planet 7.8 million species of different living organisms including plants and all of them play unique role in the ecosystem. Biodiversity provides a wide array of resources essential for human survival, including food, medicine, and raw materials. Different species play unique roles in the ecosystem, such as pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and decomposition. The loss of a single species can disrupt these functions and affect the entire ecosystem. As the dominant species on Earth, humans have a stewardship role to play in conserving and managing the planet’s biodiversity. Our Biological Name Homo Sapiens of which meaning is wise species. The theme of this year Biodiversity Day is ‘Be a part of Plan’, which demands active participation and collaboration from individuals, communities, and organizations in a collective effort to achieve specific goals laid down to protect biodiversity from damage by human activities. This involves making sustainable choices and taking actions that protect and restore natural habitats and ecosystems.
The children along with teachers of the Eco Club were taken to the adjoining Bird Sanctuary Sector 21 Chandigarh popularly known as Parrot House. Children. Some children had brought earthen pots to be placed in the park for the birds to take water. Children enjoyed the group trip as excursion. Back to the school premises results of Competition was declared and the first three best awardees were given medal and commendation certificates by the Environment Society of India Chandigarh. The function was compered by Mrs Priti Kapany Joint Secretary, ESI. The other participants from ESI included Mr Rohan President , Youth Wing of the ESI, Mr RK Garg, President, Second Innings Association, Mr Preetie Kapani, Jt Secretary ESI, Ms Sita Kakkar. Ravinder Nath, R K Sharma. and other members and volunteers of ESI and social organisations. A pledge for the Environment protection was also administered during the event.
Earth Day Celebration Chandigarh, April 21, 2024
(Earth Day Celebration Chandigarh, April 21, 2024)
The Environment Society of India, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Adhivakta Parishad, celebrated World Earth Day 2024 on Sunday, April 21st, 2024, at Karuna Sadan, Sector 11-B, Chandigarh. This year’s theme, “Planet v/s Plastic,” aimed to raise awareness about the damaging effects of plastics on the environment and human health.
Mr. N.K. Jhingan, Secretary of the Environment Society of India, welcomed the esteemed guests, including Dr. R.K. Chauhan, Joint Director of the Environment and Climate Change Department, Haryana, and Member Secretary of SEAC Haryana, Mr. Ajay Jagga, Standing Council of Chandigarh Administration, Dr. Arun Bansal, Administrator of Social Substance at Punjab University, Chandigarh, Mr. R.D. Bawa, President of the Adhivakta Parishad Chandigarh, and Mr. Karan, Advocate and Member of Adhivakta Parishad Chandigarh. He also highlighted the history and objectives of the Environment Society of India, Chandigarh, established by Sh. S.K. Sharma in 1976.
During the event, Mr. Hem Raj Satija, Vice President of the Environment Society of India, delivered a presentation on Carbon Footprints and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, emphasizing the urgent need for environmental conservation. Mr. Ajay Jagga spoke about the Constitutional Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the responsibilities of state governments and individuals towards environmental protection.
On 2nd October 2023, the Chandigarh Welfare Trust, led by Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu, Vice Chancellor of Chandigarh University, partnered with the Environment Society of India, Chandigarh, to embark on a noble initiative, namely “Kanyavarat.” This initiative aimed to distribute 500,000 sanitary pads to economically disadvantaged girls. This created a Guinness World Record. 🌈Towards fulfillment of the mission initiative under Kanyavarat led by the Chandigarh Welfare Trust, the teams of the Environment Society of India took up the work wholeheartedly in approaching the economically disadvantaged girls in different Government Schools and Localities in and around Chandigarh, distributing Sanitary Pads and promoting awareness of Hygiene among young girls.
The Teachers’ Orientation Workshop 2023
The Teachers’ Orientation Workshop is being held as preparation for the up-coming event of National Children’s Science Congress-2023. The National Children’s Science Congress is a flagship annual event of the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
The basic objective of National Children Science Congress is to instill a scientific and creative fervor in our young minds, aged between 10 to 17 years. Further within this age bracket, we have the junior group (10 to 14 years) and the senior group (14 to 17 years). The Children’s Science Congress programme is not only for the school going children but is also open for the children outside the formal boundary of schools.
Science, Technology and Innovation for a clean, green and healthy nation, has been the focal theme of NCSC, a vision that resonates deeply with the imperative of sustainable development for our future generations.
In recognition of the commitment and dedication of the Environment Society of India Chandigarh, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication has bestowed upon the Society the prestigious role of being one of the 40 State Level Coordinators across the nation. We collaborate closely with district-level coordinating agencies and the National Academic Committee, ensuring the seamless execution of this program within the state. Our society has a rich history of successfully organizing the National Children’s Science Congress for the past three decades, which is a testament to our unwavering commitment to scientific excellence.
Cycle Rally & Plantation Workshop
On 21st May 2023, Plantation by School Children at the St Annes School, Sector 32 Chandigarh preceded by a Cycle Rally was organized before the onset of Summer Vacation. Dr Basundhara of the St Annes School Sector 32, Chandigarh offered to coordinated this function. The Cycle Rally of School Children was started from the Saint Annes School at 6 am and children of other schools and ESI members joined the rally. Sh NK Jhingan, Secretary ESI took up the responsibility of bringing banners/ placards and arrangement of refreshment after the rally. Dr Ravinder Kumar of ESI offered to do plantation in some identified spots of the St Annes School.