Doda, April 4, 2025: Doda district has set a groundbreaking precedent in sustainable education by distributing 5,000 recycled school desks to government schools across the region, marking a significant milestone under the Mantra for Advance Sustainable Solution initiative. Spearheaded by the District Administration Doda in partnership with the Indian Pollution Control Association and supported by SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited through their corporate social responsibility program, this effort blends environmental innovation with educational progress.
The desks, made from low-value plastic waste, exemplify a creative solution to plastic pollution while addressing the need for quality school furniture. By repurposing discarded materials, the initiative not only enhances classroom environments but also promotes a circular economy, benefiting both students and the planet. Approximately 5,000 students in Doda’s government schools now have access to these durable, eco-friendly desks, fostering better learning conditions.
The project’s success was celebrated at a ceremony in Doda’s Community Hall, attended by District Development Council Chairman Dhananter Singh Kotwal, Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh, DDC Vice-Chairperson Sangeeta Bhagat, and IPCA Founder-Director Ashish Jain. The event featured a skit on plastic waste management and the launch of a booklet, “Shaping the Future of Waste Management,” highlighting the initiative’s transformative impact.
Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh lauded the collaboration, noting, “These desks represent our commitment to sustainability and quality education, ensuring a brighter future for our children.” Kotwal emphasized the desks’ role in upgrading school infrastructure, while Jain underscored the importance of waste segregation to prevent environmental harm, pledging further support for such projects.
The MASS initiative has positioned Doda as a model for sustainable development, demonstrating how partnerships between government, NGOs, and corporate entities can drive meaningful change. With plans to expand similar efforts, Doda’s achievement inspires other regions to integrate environmental consciousness into educational advancements, creating lasting benefits for communities and ecosystems alike.