Kolkata, Oct. 8 -- Emphasising on the protection and preservation of the environment, the state government on Thursday announced awards in four categories for eco-friendly Durga Puja celebrations. The winner will receive an award of Rs 1 lakh.
Waste segregation, sustainable materials and environmental awareness would be the deciding factors determining which Puja organisers will get 'Green Durga Puja Excellence Awards' 2026. Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Agnimitra Paul announced the awards urging the Puja committees across the state to turn the festival into a platform for the promotion of environmental responsibility.
The State Urban Development Agency (SUDA) will organise the programme which will recognise Puja committees in four categories-Best Green Puja, Best Clean and Waste-Smart Puja, Best Awareness Initiative and Community Engagement Award. "We have already received a large number of applications. We want to reach every district so that all Puja committees organising sustainable and environment-friendly celebrations can participate," Paul said during a press conference at Nagaryan Bhavan in Salt Lake.
"The state-level winner will receive Rs 1 lakh, while the first and second runners-up will receive Rs 80,000 and Rs 50,000, respectively.
The best Puja committee in each district will receive Rs 25,000, along with a certificate and an environment-friendly memento," Paul added further.
The minister said the evaluation would be conducted through a dedicated Green Durga Puja Evaluation App. Experts at the municipal, district and state levels will assess the green pujas based on criteria such as using environment-friendly materials in pandals and idols, energy-efficient lighting and responsible immersion practices. Entries shortlisted at the district level will progress to the state-level evaluation. The clean and waste-smart category will focus particularly on scientific waste collection and segregation, efficient waste management and cleanliness around puja premises.
The awareness category will assess innovative campaigns around issues such as plastic pollution and water conservation. The community engagement award will be conferred based on tree plantation, participation of self-help groups and efforts to recognise the contribution of sanitation workers.
The winning Puja organisers will act as green community ambassadors in their localities for a year, promoting environmental protection and civic responsibility.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.