Green Games Initiatives
By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 22 Jan: The Uttarakhand government is introducing innovative initiatives for the medal winners of the 38th National Games, ensuring that they will want to return to the state time and again. As a part of these games, a plant will be planted in the name of each medal winner. Over 10,000 plants will be planted to develop a “Sports Forest Park” as a memorable tribute to the games.
Sports Minister Rekha Arya shared that several new initiatives have been taken to make these National Games historic by promoting sustainability. A total of approximately 4350 medals will be awarded in the games, and an equal number of plants will be planted in the names of the medal winners. Additionally, other guests attending the games will also plant trees, bringing the total number of plants to nearly 10,000.
To control pollution during the games, only certified green crackers will be used. Moreover, artworks and selfie points for the event are being made from e-waste and sports equipment waste. Most of the sports venues will feature heating structures powered by solar energy, reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
The medals and certificates given to the players will be made from environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials. Trophies will be crafted from e-waste and wood waste, reinforcing environmental responsibility. Rekha Arya also mentioned that cloth will be used for branding instead of plastic, helping to minimise plastic waste.
Electric vehicles will be used for the transport of athletes and officials at the venues. Additionally, 2-megawatt capacity solar rooftops have been installed at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium to provide energy to the venue.
“This event will not only celebrate sports talent but also stand as a symbol of environmental responsibility and sustainability. With the message ‘From Resolution to Summit,’ Uttarakhand is ready to show the world that a sustainable future can be achieved through sports,” asserted Rekha Arya, State Sports Minister.
