The State Environment and Climate Change Department of Tamil Nadu has allocated ₹5.20 crore to expand its ambitious Green School Programme to 26 additional government schools across the state. This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to promote eco-friendly practices in educational institutions.According to a recent government order issued by the department secretary, P. Senthikumar, each of the selected schools will receive ₹20 lakh. This funding, provided by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), is aimed at implementing various environmental initiatives. These measures include the installation of solar-powered pumps, the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems, the cultivation of vegetables and fruits, and the recycling of sewage water.
This recent allocation builds on a directive issued in 2022, which allocated ₹5 crore for the initial phase of the project, benefiting 25 schools. Recognizing the success of the initial phase, the department is now expanding the programme further. In the 2023-24 budget, Environment and Climate Change Minister Siva V. Meyyanathan announced plans to extend the Green School Programme to a total of 100 schools, with a projected investment of ₹10 crore.
In March 2023, an additional ₹9.20 crore was approved for 46 schools, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering environmental awareness and sustainability in the state’s educational system.
The Green School Programme is designed to embed sustainable practices in schools, turning them into models of eco-friendly living. By equipping schools with the necessary infrastructure