Delhi govt starts campaign to build ‘eco-warriors’ in schools, colleges

In a significant push towards youth-led climate action, the Delhi Government on Thursday unveiled an ambitious eco-sensitisation campaign aimed at reaching two lakh students across the capital. The initiative, which seeks to nurture a generation of “eco-warriors” through schools and colleges, will be executed in partnership with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

TERI, a globally reputed non-profit with over four decades of experience in sustainable development, will spearhead the on-ground implementation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi, and TERI to formalise the collaboration.

Under the agreement, the government will allocate Rs 40 lakh to support the programme across approximately 2,000 eco-clubs in educational institutions throughout Delhi-NCR.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who is leading the initiative, described it as a transformative step in behavioural change, rather than a conventional awareness campaign. “By this drive, we will create two lakh eco-warriors for Delhi. These student eco-warriors will promote and protect the ecosystem and biodiversity of Delhi and India,” Sirsa said at the launch event.

Set to run from June to November 2025, the campaign will feature a spectrum of activities — from storytelling and hands-on eco-actions to educational games and creative communication tools. The goal is to make sustainability an intrinsic part of young people’s lives by engaging them in meaningful, fun, and practical ways.

A central component of the programme involves training 80 “paryavaran sanrakshaks” — student and educator eco-leaders — who will receive capacity-building instruction and go on to mentor their peers, amplifying the reach and impact of the campaign.

“The Delhi government, under the visionary leadership of  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, is taking a comprehensive approach to environmental protection,” Sirsa added. “We are not limiting ourselves to enforcement or technology. We are investing in awareness, education, and people’s participation.”

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The campaign forms part of a broader climate and pollution mitigation strategy adopted by the Delhi Government, which includes the promotion of electric vehicles, regulatory reforms, and community-driven environmental initiatives.

Officials say the drive reflects Delhi’s commitment to inclusive and participatory environmental governance — with students playing a central role in shaping a greener, more sustainable future.

(With inputs from PTI)