The Department of Environment, Science, Technology & Climate Change, Government of Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Police, State Pollution Control Board, and State Council for Science, Technology & Environment, will celebrate World Environment Day 2026 on June 5 under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
Addressing the media on the eve of the occasion, Secretary (Environment, Science & Technology), Sushil Singla, IFS, said that World Environment Day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices.
The state-level celebrations will feature a Mini Marathon 2026 with the message “Run for a Clean Environment & Chitta Free Life,” an exhibition on environmental best practices, and the presentation of Environment Leadership Awards. The marathon will be flagged off by the Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh, while the Hon’ble Chief Minister will felicitate the winners and award recipients.
Singla highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening circular economy principles in waste management, including solid waste, e-waste, biomedical waste, hazardous waste, and C&D waste. Efforts are also underway to bring recyclers and rag pickers onto a common platform to improve waste collection and scientific disposal.
He noted that sustained measures, including stricter environmental enforcement, promotion of clean fuels, and adoption of electric vehicles, have helped improve the state’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) from 81 to 66 since 2016-17.
To mark the occasion, district and regional offices will organize quizzes, painting competitions, cleanliness drives, and plantation campaigns. Plantation activities under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative will also be undertaken across the state in line with national World Environment Day celebrations.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
