In a significant boost to its environmental credentials, Punjab has been lauded as both the ‘Best State’ and home to the ‘Best District’ at the Green Schools Awards 2025, a national recognition ceremony held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The awards, organized by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), celebrate the state’s exemplary efforts in integrating sustainability and eco-conscious practices within its educational framework.
The accolade was handed over by prominent environmental figures, including Sonam Wangchuk and Ms. Sunita Narain, Head of the Centre for Science and Environment. The awards ceremony saw Er. Pritpal Singh, Executive Director, and Dr. Kulbir Singh Bath, Joint Director of the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), receive the honors on behalf of the state.
At the heart of this achievement is the Green Schools Programme (GSP), an innovative initiative of CSE that has been effectively implemented in Punjab under the Environment Education Programme of PSCST. The GSP encourages schools to conduct comprehensive environmental audits focusing on six critical areas: air, energy, food, land, water, and waste. This structured approach not only optimizes resource management but also fosters a culture of sustainability among students and school administrators alike.
The program’s nationwide impact is particularly noteworthy in Punjab. Out of 11,917 schools registered across India, a staggering 7,406 institutions from Punjab participated in the environmental audits, representing 84% of the total audits conducted nationally. Moreover, 196 schools in the state have been conferred the prestigious Green School status, including 171 government-run schools and 25 private institutions, setting a benchmark for environmental education.
Highlighting regional excellence, Hoshiarpur District received the ‘Best District’ award for its extraordinary achievement. With 1,945 schools completing environmental audits, Hoshiarpur has set a national record, underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship and educational reform.
This series of accomplishments not only reinforces Punjab’s leadership in environmental education but also demonstrates the state’s resolute commitment to fostering a sustainable future. The success of the Green Schools Programme in Punjab is being hailed as a model for other states, with educators and policymakers alike drawing inspiration from its innovative approach to integrating environmental consciousness into the school curriculum.
As environmental challenges continue to mount globally, Punjab’s pioneering efforts serve as a reminder of the critical role that education plays in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards. With initiatives like the Green Schools Programme, the state is paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for all.
