Patna: The Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) has awarded five schools for their efforts in environmental conservation as part of its Green School Competition 2025. The initiative, launched in July, aimed to encourage students to adopt sustainable practices and promote awareness about pollution, waste management and green energy.
Twenty-two schools from across the state participated, with the top ten shortlisted for on-site verification by a two-member team of the Board. The winners were announced at a training programme held at Bapu Tower, Gardanibagh, Patna.
P.M. Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kankarbagh, secured first place, where most students commute by bicycle. Delhi Public School, Danapur, which operates entirely on solar energy without using air conditioners, came second. Army Public School, also notable for its cycling students, was ranked third. St Michael’s High School, Digha Ghat, with its zero-waste campus, came fourth, while Notre Dame Academy, Patliputra Colony, took fifth place for running its own biogas plant.
The competition assessed schools on criteria including waste management, rainwater harvesting, solar energy use, eco-clubs, tree plantation, plastic-free campuses and community initiatives such as park and water body maintenance.
Addressing students and teachers, BSPCB chairman Dr D.K. Shukla invoked Mahatma Gandhi, saying: “The earth provides enough resources to meet the needs of every person, but not to fulfil the greed of every person.” He urged participants to adopt sustainable lifestyles and collective responsibility for environmental protection.
Additional awards were given to five schools placed sixth to tenth, including St Dominic Savio’s High School and DAV Public School, Bhabua. Training sessions were also held on plastic bans, water and air quality monitoring, and noise pollution.
Board scientist Dr Naveen Kumar said the campaign had carried the message of green living to more than 48,000 students and their communities. He also reminded participants of the Board’s ongoing initiative: “Celebrate ‘No Horn Day’ every Sunday and avoid unnecessary honking on other days.”
