Sikkim Mail

GANGTOK, August 21:
Nine schools from in and around Gangtok participated in a two day function organised by Sikkim Renewable Energy Development Agency (SREDA) in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Late Prime Minister Rajiv
Gandhi on 20th of August. The event was based on the theme ‘Renewable Energy’. Five schools got short listed to display their innovations on the concluding day.

SREDA since 2004 is pro active in campaigning on use of renewable energy as the source of energy to reduce effects of global warming. Assistant project officer (SREDA), Aruna Bhutia in her welcome address highlighted about the works of SREDA in the direction of generating awareness on the use of renewable energy for making and keeping the environment clean and green.

SREDA has been conducting rallies and organising painting, slogan, modelling and quiz competitions to generate awareness amongst the masses on the use of renewable energy.

Mayor, Gangtok Municipality Corporation (GMC), K N Topgay attended the function as the chief guest whereas Deputy Mayor Shakti Singh was the guest of honour. Director SREDA L B Chettri in his address stated that such events have far reaching impact on the development of renewable energy.

Advocating the essence of renewable energy like solar energy, biomass
and many more Mr. Chettri added that the former is a sustainable form
of energy. Informing that Government of India has a dream to harness
20% renewable energy and use the same for producing power. In respect
to SREDA Mr. Chettri stated that SREDA has been working ever since in
the same direction.

Involvement of school children became necessary as they are the future of the nation and are always blooming with innovative ideas, Mr. Chettri asserted. It was also informed that the campaign has been going on since past 10 days involving various competitions revolving around the theme of ‘Renewable Energy’.

Reminiscing his time spent with Late Rajiv Gandhi, Mayor K N Topgay shared that inspired by this young visionary Prime Minister, he had gathered the courage to join youth congress and serve the country. Designating the
late PM as one of the finest leaders Mr. Topgay said that it’s a perfect occasion to focus on renewable energy as Sikkim is rich in it.

Water is abundant in the state but that even makes it more essential to advocate the conservation of the same, Mr. Topgay said.

Appreciating the efforts of PNG students where they collected the kurkure packets and used it to form organic manure, the city Mayor advised students to use such instances to work for the betterment of the environment and urged all students to use dustbin. Mr. Topgay even advocated curtailing the use of mineral water bottle in his address.

Stating that GMC is involved in the solid waste management and proper
drainage Mr. Topgay enlightened by submitting that if it is not done properly and urgently, it could be inviting disaster. It is mishandling of solid waste management and drainage that has led to landslides in the past, Mr. Topgay stated. The mayor also appreciated the efforts of SREDA in protecting the environment and for the conservation of energy.

Urging everybody to spare a thought for the safai karamcharis of GMC who collect 22 tons of garbage daily from Gangtok itself Mr. Topgay suggested all to be conscious of keeping their surroundings clean. Though tourism is good for the state’s economy but also adds to a lot of pollution especially plastic during the tourist season Mayor stated.

Expressing dismay over throwing of garbage on road Mr. Topgay urged
everyone to use dustbins as GMC has planted them every where. Assistant
Project officer SREDA also informed about the winning schools to the media.

While the First and the Fifth prizes went to West Point Senior
Secondary School in model making competition, Second prize winner was
from Tadong SSS, Third from Assam Lingzay SSS. Fourth prize to Rumtek
SSS. The model making competition was judged by PNG teacher, Ivan D
Lepcha and Painting competition by Jivan Rai of PNG School respectively.

Painting competition was won by Master Vinod Mukhia of Sichey Secondary School; second position was shared by Master Sat Prasad and Master Tai Chogyal of Sri Satya Sai and Modern Secondary School respectively, third prize by Master Nanda Chaudhary of Sri Satya Sai, fourth prize by Master Prabhjot Thapa of PNG and fifth by Ms. Shashi Tamang of Sichey Secondary School.

The models displayed by the students spoke of immense talent and innovative intellect of the students. The guests were mesmerized by the efforts put in making inverter fan using just 7.2 watts of electricity by West Point boys and a team exhibiting a model where solar energy is used to produce power.

The gathered guests and students were then entertained to some melodious music and dance performance by Assam Lingzay School and Taekwondo presentation.

 

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