When we think of eco-clubs, we often recall plantation drives, Earth Day celebrations, and wildlife awareness weeks. However, in the Terai region of Uttarakhand, students from Nanakmatta Public School have redefined the concept of an eco-club.
The team came together about two years ago when they participated in the Wipro Earthian Program at their school. While exploring and implementing activities related to waste management, water conservation, biodiversity, and sustainability, they noticed several pressing environmental issues in their surroundings that demanded urgent redressal.
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It motivated them to form the Nature Preservation Society (NPS EcoClub) under the mentorship of the Nature Science Initiative, Dehradun. Armed with scientific knowledge and practical skills acquired during the scientific training by the NSI, the students felt empowered to lead independent projects effectively.
With support from their teachers, they have been leading a wave of environmental awareness and action beyond the boundaries of their school. They have been carrying initiatives on sustainable menstruation, plastic awareness, and the role of birds in agriculture in the Nanakmatta region.
Despite encountering setbacks, they persisted, learning from their experiences and refining their strategies.
A philosophy of change
Through workshops, awareness campaigns, and hands-on initiatives, these students address environmental and social challenges. Each member is self-motivated and deeply connected to their surroundings, making them keenly aware of changes occurring in their environment.
One of the club’s core missions is to reduce waste and promote an eco-friendly lifestyle. Working with the NSI, students have implemented waste reduction strategies in schools and repurposed waste materials into reusable resources.
A major focus of the EcoClub is raising awareness about sustainable menstrual practices. Through school sessions and community workshops, they educate young girls and women about the health benefits and environmental impact of switching to menstrual cups and cloth pads.
They engage in interactive discussions, share real-life testimonials, and break taboos surrounding menstrual health. Beyond raising awareness, they also provide reusable menstrual products at subsidised rates and support women in transitioning to these sustainable alternatives.
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Creating a bird friendly community
Understanding that meaningful change requires collective action, the EcoClub actively participates in citizen science projects. They organise workshops and nature walks, teaching people how to identify bird species and contributing their observations to environmental organisations.
A remarkable achievement of the club was leading the Asian Waterfowl Count, an initiative that monitors the health of wetland ecosystems by tracking bird populations. Spending hours in the field, they collected valuable data to help assess the impact of climate change and habitat loss on bird species.
They also collaborate with Bird Count India, tracking migratory bird species and contributing to national biodiversity databases. By encouraging local communities, schoolchildren, and families to participate, they foster a sense of shared responsibility for protecting biodiversity.
One of their most urgent conservation efforts is focused on Finn’s Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus), a critically endangered bird found in the Terai wetlands. With fewer than 1,000 birds left in the wild, the species is on the brink of extinction and requires immediate attention to ensure its survival. Unfortunately, little is known about this elusive bird, making conservation efforts even more challenging. Young birders from the club have even led bird censuses alongside experts and forest officials.
Beyond doing the fieldwork, the students document their surroundings through visual storytelling. They create short films and videos showcasing their initiatives, which are then shared in schools, community centers, and online platforms.
Accolodes and recognition
The team became the first-ever team in Uttarakhand to win the prestigious Wipro Earthian Award. In fact, it won the honour two years in a row. The group also received the Prayavaran Sanrakshi Samman in Dehradun for their continuous efforts in environmental conservation. Harshdeep and Vans Mittal from the team even represented Uttarakhand at MCoP5 in New Delhi, organised by WWF India.
The members of the Nature Preservation Society EcoClub are not just learning about the environment, they are actively shaping its future. Their dedication to sustainable menstruation, bird conservation, citizen science, and conservation filmmaking is helping create a greener, healthier, and more sustainable tomorrow.
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The lead image on top depicts members of the Nature Preservation Society EcoClub indulging in bird-watching. (Photo by Mukesh Kandpal)
Mukesh Kandpal works as a Nature and Sustainability Educator at Nature Science Initiative.
Aditi Rana is a student in the humanities field at Nanakmatta Public School.
