Students turn a school into an eco-centre

| S VENKATESHWARAN |

In June 2026 Nehru Government Boys Higher SecondarySchool (NGBHSS), Nanganallur, made Tamil Nadu proud bybeing selected among the top 10 schools in India under theGenCAN (Generating Climate Action Network) Programme2025–26.The school was chosen from among more than 300 schoolsacross 28 states and is the only school from Tamil Nadu toreceive this prestigious national recognition for its student-ledclimate action initiatives.The achievement was led by student S. Archit, who inspired hisfellow students to take part in environmental activities throughspeeches, quizzes, climate awareness programmes andpractical projects.Under his leadership, students conducted a climate audit of theschool campus and identified important environmental issuesthat could be solved with simple and effective ideas.One of the major projects focused on saving water. Thestudents noticed that wastewater from the handwashing anddrinking water area was being wasted. After discussing theissue with teachers and the school management, theyconvinced the vice-principal to redirect the wastewater to anearby garden and soak pit. Around 40 to 60 litres of water isnow reused every day, helping conserve water and improvecampus cleanliness.The students also introduced three, leaf composters to managedry leaves that were earlier burned or thrown away. Nearly 200kg of leaf litter is now converted into compost every year. Thecompost is used for the school garden, making the campusgreener and reducing waste. These projects have helped reduce the school’s carbon
footprint by an estimated 3.09 tonnes of carbon dioxide
equivalent every year.
Apart from these initiatives, students developed eco-friendly
habits such as switching off unused lights, reporting water
leakages, conserving resources and encouraging others to
follow sustainable practices. Their efforts created greater
environmental awareness throughout the school.
Recently, Dr. Santanu Basu, project director – Harit,
HCLFoundation, visited the school and appreciated the
students’ climate action projects.
During the visit, students presented their work through exhibits,
photographs, comics and demonstrations of the composting
and water conservation systems. Around 100 students visited
the exhibition and learned about the projects.
Team leader Archit confidently explained the initiatives and
their positive environmental impact.
The national recognition received by the school highlights the
power of student leadership and teamwork in protecting the
environment. As the only school from Tamil Nadu to receive
this honour, the school has set an inspiring example for
educational institutions across the state by showing that small
actions can create a big impact for a sustainable future.