Major Activity: ENVIS Centre, Ministry of Environment & Forest, Govt. of India

| Last Updated::20/06/2025

Major Activity

World Environment Day 2025

Report of World Environment Day 2025

BSI EIACP PC-RP, Central National Herbarium and Central Botanical Laboratory, Howrah jointly celebrated World Environment Day 2025, reaffirming their commitment to environmental stewardship. On the occasion, "A Mega Sit and Draw Competition" was jointly organized by BSI EIACP PC-RP on Biodiversity (Flora), Howrah, Central National Herbarium (CNH) and Central Botanical Laboratory (CBL), Botanical Survey of India on 03.06.2025 at CNH Building, Howrah. The event, held with a great enthusiasm and participation, focused on the theme "Ending Plastic Pollution Globally," emphasizing the urgent need to reduce single-use plastics. More than 300 students registered online for this mega sit and draw competition. Participants were divided into four age groups for the Sit and Draw Competition: Group 1 (5+ – 8 yrs.), Gr. 2 (8+ – 11 yrs.), Gr. 3 (11+ – 14 yrs.), and Gr. 4 (14+ – 18 yrs.) and the topics of the drawing competition were ‘Any Environment related Drawing’ for Group-1, ‘Our Beautiful Earth’ for Group-2, ‘My Vision of a Green Earth’ for Group-3 and ‘Plastic Pollution a Global Crisis’ for Group- 4. The judging panel for the competition included Mr. Avik Chakraborty, TGT Art Education from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Salt Lake, Mr. Rajdeep Hazra, Professional Artist along with internal experts Dr. Kanad Das, Scientist-F, BSI and Mr. Dineshwar Sah, Artist BSI. Dr. Pratibha Gupta, Director In-charge, BSI, Dr. Jeewan Singh Jalal, Scientist ‘E’, Hqrs., BSI & Coordinator, BSI EIACP PC-RP and Dr. Chaya Deori, Scientist ‘E’, CNH, BSI presented Drawing Kit and a Cap to all the participation.

The celebration of World Environment Day 2025, along with the felicitation of the winners of the Sit and Draw Competition, was held at the CNH Auditorium on 05.06.2025. The felicitation ceremony was a highlight of the event, where Dr. Kanad Das, Scientist-F & Head of the Central National Herbarium, addressed the participants. He passionately advocated for eliminating single-use plastics from daily life and announced that the office had discontinued the use of plastic water bottles at any of its events. Dr. Pratibha Gupta, Scientist-F and Head of the Central Botanical Laboratory, further engaged the participants by briefing them on the Mission LiFE initiative, aimed at encouragement of sustainable practices. Dr. Sudeshna Dutta, Botanist and anchor of the event, shared insights into the evaluation process of the Sit and Draw Competition. Prizes were awarded to the winners from each group by the Heads of Offices of the Central National Herbarium (CNH), Central Botanical Laboratory (CBL), and the Coordinator of BSI EIACP PC-RP. The winners in each age group were: Group 1 (5+ – 8 yrs.) – 1st Prize: Shivangini Dey, 2nd Prize: Jaisnavi Dey, 3rd Prize: Priyankat Singh; Group 2 (8+ – 11 yrs.) – 1st Prize: Aranya Jana, 2nd Prize: Ahyan Mallick, 3rd Prize: Abhinab Mondal; Group 3 (11+ – 14 yrs.) – 1st Prize: Soumili Das, 2nd Prize: Saikat Pal, 3rd Prize: Sarthak Paul; and Group 4 (14+ – 18 yrs.) – 1st Prize: Suvo Das, 2nd Prize: Smritikana Gayen, 3rd Prize: Atreyi Das. All winners were felicitated with Certificates, Trophies, and Metal Water Bottles, reinforcing the message of adopting environmentally friendly alternatives. The event concluded with all participants taking the Mission LiFE pledge. This pledge represents a crucial step in ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. The programme ended on a positive note with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Jeewan Singh Jalal, Scientist ‘E’ and Coordinator, BSI EIACP PC-RP.

On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden (AJCBIBG), Howrah, in collaboration with EIACP PC-RP on Biodiversity (Flora), Botanical Survey of India, Coast Guard Region (North East) and State Bank of India organized a series of impactful programmes aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. The events included a vibrant mass awareness rally, plantation of endemic and threatened plants, cycads and climbers within various divisions of the garden and painting competition. The programme began with a Mass Awareness Rally focusing on the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally”, aimed at raising awareness about creating a plastic-free environment and promoting a sustainable future. The rally commenced from the main gate of the Garden (Gate No. 1) and concluded at the Bicentenary Gate, passing through Koley Market, D.S. Lane, and Andul Road. More than 750 participants joined the rally, including representatives from the Indian Coast Guard, Regional HQ (North East), Kolkata Unit; State Bank of India, Head Office, Kolkata Unit; Morning Walker Association; students of Government Art & Craft College, Kolkata; Suryotoran Scouts and Guides Group, Howrah; local residents; students and parents from various schools across Howrah and Kolkata; BSI officials and staff; and several NGOs.

As part of the environmental initiative, over 500 endemic and threatened plant species such as Hardwickia binata, Garcinia dhanikhariensis, and Holigarna grahamii were planted. Additionally, 10 species of cycads, including Zamia pygmaea, Zamia muricata, and Encephalartos hildebrandtii, and 20 species of climbers (out of a total of 150 species maintained in the Garden) were planted by the participants. These activities took place in the newly developed Endemic and Threatened Plant Section, Climber Section, and Cycad Section located in Divisions 13 and 17 of AJCBIBG as a token of appreciation and a step toward raising public awareness about environmental conservation.

The formal programme began at the Curator’s Office, where Dr. Ravi Prasad, Botanist, AJCBIBG, Howrah, welcomed the gathering. The Chief Guest of the event was Inspector General Iqbal Singh Chauhan, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East), Kolkata. Dr. Devendra Singh, Scientist ‘E’ and Head of Office, AJCBIBG, welcomed and felicitated all dignitaries and delivered the welcome address. Keynote speakers including Dr. Pratibha Gupta, Scientist ‘F’ and Director In-charge, BSI; Dr. A.A. Mao, Former Director, BSI; and Dr. Jeewan Singh Jalal, Scientist ‘E’ and Coordinator, BSI EIACP PC-RP, addressed the gathering, shared their insights, and elaborated on the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” for World Environment Day 2025.