Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has instituted an award to appreciate initiatives taken up by Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) in the city, which works towards making a clean and green environment. The initiative seeks to encourage residents to take part in environment-friendly efforts and to reward those who have adopted best practices, said an official of the board.The Green award for recognised Welfare Associations and gated communities in Greater Chennai was instituted this year which previously honoured only educational institutions, district collectors and industries. RWAs will be conferred an award for their involvement in activities that protect the environment. The grassroots movements will receive a shield and a combined cash award of Rs 5 lakh. The deadline for RWAs to submit a proposal detailing the work carried out by them has been fixed as October 31, 2018, and must be sent to the TNPCB office in Guindy, a release said. The various categories for application include management of solid waste, including source segregation, management of sewage, greenbelt development, rain and drinking water management and solar energy. The winners will be notified in January 2019 and awards will be presented at a ceremony conducted on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5. The awards may serve as a motivation for other RWAs to carry out such work, officials said.
