Goemkarponn news
PANAJI:
The ‘ATAL Nirnay – Goa Codes 2026’ competition has been launched to address environmental challenges in Goa, with a focus on pollution and waste management through student-led innovation and community engagement.
The initiative targets students of Classes VI to IX and aims to promote responsible environmental behaviour through technology, awareness campaigns and practical action. The word “Nirnay”, meaning decision, reflects the idea that environmental change begins with individual responsibility.
Phase I of the competition, the school-level selection round, began on February 2 with statewide orientation sessions for heads of institutions. The 28-day challenge is designed to encourage sustained participation and habit-building, particularly in waste segregation and environmental responsibility.
The competition includes five components: the Smart Waste Solution Challenge, Garbage Awareness Campaign from Home to Community, Clean Goa Action Drive, Digital Awareness Campaign, and Study and Documentation. Students are required to identify local waste management issues, develop solutions and prototypes, conduct awareness activities and document measurable impact.
The programme aligns with the waste reduction and environmental management initiatives promoted by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and supports the national cleanliness and sustainability goals advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The competition is being organised by the Project Management Unit under the CARES Scheme of the Directorate of Technical Education, Government of Goa, in association with the Goa Waste Management Corporation. A total of 688 school teams have registered for the initiative.
The Goa Waste Management Corporation will provide support for collection and disposal of waste generated during cleanliness drives. The Project Management Unit will also share details of waste “black spots” with the corporation for monitoring and corrective action.
Teach for Goa Fellows are mentoring participating schools and providing technical support. Students and teachers have also been trained to use robotics hardware kits supplied under the CARES scheme to develop technology-based environmental solutions.
Cash prizes have been announced for winners at various levels. State-level winners will receive Rs 50,000 for first place, Rs 40,000 for second and Rs 30,000 for third, along with consolation prizes of Rs 10,000. Taluka-level winners will receive Rs 8,000 and Rs 6,000 respectively, with prize money awarded to the respective schools.
The initiative aims to promote cleanliness and environmental awareness across Goa by encouraging small but consistent actions at the level of homes, schools and neighbourhoods.
