Green Puja contest to be held in Bengal through 'Paribesh' app

Kolkata: West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) is organising a Green Puja contest through its Paribesh app during Durga Puja, to motivate the Puja committees about spreading awareness pertaining to environment issues.

"Durga Puja is that time of the year when people from the state as well as other parts of the country turn up to soak in the festive spirit. So it is the best time when we can send out environmental messages to all sections of the society. The app users participating in the contest will have to upload actual pictures of the Puja and concerned activities and write feedback. Then each of their response will be given marks after being crosschecked and will be awarded accordingly," said Kalyan Rudra, chairman of WBPCB.

2,400 Puja committees across the state have already registered on the app. The Puja committees have to submit details of the use of loudspeakers, decorators, immersion details along with their respective ghats and details of awards received, if any, for the last three years, in the 15 point questionnaire that they need to answer for submitting their entry forms. The contest will open from October 2 and will continue till November 9. The prizes will be announced in October 10. Based on the feedback of the Puja committees, the three best Pujas will receive an award of Rs 50,000, 40,000 and 30,000 respectively. Rs 10,000 each would be given as consolation prize to 10 Puja committees. Lastly, the three best Paribesh volunteers will be given Rs 21,000, 11,000 and 5,000 respectively.

The Central Control Room (CCR) at WBPCB will function from October 2 to 7 from 5 pm to 11 pm. The toll-free number to contact the CCR is 18003453390.

"Our app will gradually have similar contests to motivate public participation. The involvement of the civil society is of prime importance in curbing pollution," said Rajesh Kumar, member secretary of WBPCB.