Reckitt launches first Dettol Climate Resilient School in Uttarakhand
2 min read 05 Jun 2023, 09:02 PM ISTThe Dettol Climate Resilient School project is part of Reckitt’s flagship campaign, Dettol Banega Swasth India, and aligns with the LiFE (Lifestyle for the Environment) framework introduced by India at the Glasgow summit in 2021
PremiumNew Delhi: Reckitt on Monday inaugurated the first Dettol Climate Resilient School in Uttarkashi, a district in Uttarakhand on World Environment Day, under its flagship campaign Dettol Banega Swasth India.
Uttarakhand, often referred to as Dev Bhoomi or the land of gods, is renowned for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. However, the state is highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change due to factors such as melting glaciers, increasing population pressure, seismic activities, and overexploitation of natural resources. Recognizing the urgency to address these challenges, Reckitt aims to equip schools with the necessary tools and knowledge to create climate-resilient communities.
The Dettol Climate Resilient School project is part of Reckitt’s flagship campaign, Dettol Banega Swasth India, and aligns with the LiFE (Lifestyle for the Environment) framework introduced by India at the Glasgow summit in 2021. The initiative focuses on educating and empowering the younger generation to become climate champions, driving positive change in their communities. By integrating sustainability practices into the curriculum, the project aims to reduce carbon footprint, enhance energy efficiency, and promote awareness about climate change among students, teachers, and the wider community.
India ranks as the seventh most vulnerable country to climate change, making the establishment of climate-resilient schools crucial. The Dettol Climate Resilient School in Uttarkashi is the first of four schools to be developed in Uttarakhand, with the others located in Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These schools will serve as models for sustainable practices and inspire future generations to take action.
Gaurav Jain, executive vice president, Reckitt, South Asia, said, “We have been working closely in the state of Uttarakhand to drive on-ground behaviour change and educate the younger generation, who are the future of the nation. Setting up a Climate Resilient School in Uttarkashi is just another step towards our commitment of building a sustainable future."
Additionally, the project aims to create a sustainable school environment across the state by reducing carbon footprint, enhancing energy efficiency and promoting awareness and education around climate change among students, teachers, and the community.
Aligned with the vision of the Government of India, Dettol Climate Resilient Schools will empower children and recognise them as climate champions, who will act as catalysts in creating climate-resilient communities. The initiative will also focus on impact democratisation, building children parliament on climate, through STEM labs, that will focus on efficient ways of preserving flora and fauna. As part of the project, Dettol Banega Swasth India also urges the nation to come together and take a pledge showcasing their support towards Mission LiFE.
“I congratulate Reckitt for this initiative in India to establish Climate Resilient schools. This endeavour is truly remarkable and holds an important value specially as we commemorate this school in Uttarkashi which is the origin of Ganga and Yamuna. It is the true representation of our ecology, environment and rich heritage that have been passed to us over the years and it is for us to preserve for the generations to come," Abhishek Ruhela, district magistrate, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, said.
The Dettol Climate Resilient School project is aligned with the National Education Policy of the Government of India, which recognizes the role of schools in holistic development and social change. The project focuses on three key aspects: the campus, collaboration, and curriculum. By incorporating sustainable practices into all aspects of school life, including infrastructure, partnerships, and educational content, the project aims to create a lasting impact on the environment and the students.
