Digboi: In an effort to promote environmentally responsible festivities, a workshop on preparing eco-friendly Holi colours will be held on March 2 at Vivekananda Academy, Borpowai, under the Union Environment Ministry’s Environment Education Programme (EEP).
The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and implemented in Assam by the Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC) under the State Science and Technology Department, is being rolled out across multiple districts ahead of Holi.
According to the official list issued under the EEP framework, 44 Eco Clubs across 23 districts of Assam have been selected to conduct similar workshops on the preparation of natural, biodegradable colours. The programme spans districts ranging from Biswanath and Karbi Anglong to South Salmara Mankachar and Sribhumi, reflecting a coordinated statewide outreach.
Vivekananda Academy is the only institution selected from Tinsukia district. Education officials say the selection recognises the school’s active eco-club engagement and sustained participation in environmental awareness activities.
The workshop comes against the backdrop of growing concern over the use of synthetic Holi colours containing harmful chemicals and heavy metals. Environmental advisories have repeatedly flagged the impact of such substances on water bodies, soil quality and public health, including skin and eye ailments.
Participants in the March 2 workshop will be trained to prepare herbal colours using locally available natural ingredients such as turmeric, flower petals and plant extracts. Organisers said the objective is to encourage safer alternatives that reduce ecological damage while preserving the spirit of the festival.
Officials associated with the programme described it as part of a broader effort to instil environmental consciousness among students. They said eco-club activities often have a multiplier effect, influencing families and local communities to adopt more sustainable practices.
The initiative also highlights the potential for small-scale entrepreneurship in producing natural festival colours, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas, aligning environmental protection with livelihood opportunities.
While the notification specifies that the list of selected institutions is issued for informational purposes and does not constitute a formal sanction order, the participation of 44 institutions across 23 districts signals an organised push to mainstream eco-friendly celebrations.