More than 2,000 students from 26 states, seven UTs and three countries - UAE, Kuwait and Qatar joined Tricity residents in the Young India Walkathon. The walkathon was organized at Sukhna Lake by the department of science and technology, Government of India, in collaboration with Chandigarh University to create awareness about changing climate. It was part of the National children's science congress.
MC commissioner B Purushartha and chancellor, Chandigarh University Satnam Singh Sandhu flagged off the walkathon, in which students pledged to protect the environment. "We need to be serious towards the environment. Everyone should do their bit towards addressing concerns of changing climate and weather, as mankind is being adversely affected," said Purushartha.
Elaborating on the steps taken the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation in this direction, Purushartha said the city's first bio-methanation plant is being constructed in Industrial Area. After operations begin, he said it would process wet garbage collected from the city and produce power from it. He also said electricity audit will be conducted for government buildings to check power consumption in government and MC offices. As part of this, faulty bulbs will be replaced with power saving LED lights that help check power consumption.
Chandigarh University chancellor Satnam Singh Sandhu said, "Chandigarh has always been known for its cleanliness and greenery. With the selection of the city for the Smart City project, the campaign to keep it environment friendly will be taken up with the help of technology as well".
Dr Ujjwla T Tirkkey, National head, National Children's Science Congress, Dr RS Bawa, vice-chancellor, Chandigarh University and 100 scientists from the department of science and technology participated in the walkathon.