GMC and GNS launch WOW Warriors League

HEMIKA NAG

GANGTOK,: In a significant step towards promoting environmental responsibility among young people, “WOW Warriors League”, a pilot initiative by Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) and GNS, was officially launched on Mondaywith the vision of creating a student-led movement driven by leadership, learning, and behavioural change.

The two-month campaign introduces a gamified, measurable, and competitive approach to environmental conservation, encouraging students to actively participate in school-based cleanliness and waste management drives. The initiative aims to instil sustainable habits while fostering teamwork, leadership, and civic responsibility among students.

The launch programme was attended by Education minister Raju Basnett as the chief guest, Urban Development minister Bhoj Raj Rai, Gangtok MLA Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, GMC mayor Tsering Palden Bhutia, Urban Development commissioner-cum-secretaryJitendra Singh Raje, GMC commissioner Gary Chopel, secretaries from various departments, school principals, teachers, and students.

The guests addressed the programme, extending their appreciation and encouragement to the organisers as well as the students. They urged the young participants to diligently and enthusiastically take part in this campaign and bring about a remarkable change in Gangtok, upholding its title as the Green State.

The six schools that are participating in the programme are Deorali Girls’ Senior Secondary with their team “Leafora Warriors”, Tashi Namgyal Academy with their team “Zero Waste Champions”, Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School with their team “TNSS Trailblazers”, West Point Senior Secondary School with their team “West Point Green Guardians”, Enchey Senior Secondary School with their team “Enchey Eco Avengers”, and Tadong Senior Secondary School with their team “Tadong Musketeers”.

As part of the inaugural ceremony, students and team captains received official league jackets and caps, symbolising their commitment to the campaign. Participants also took a pledge, reaffirming their dedication to keeping their schools and communities clean and setting a mark of social responsibility. The event featured introductory videos showcasing each team and its members, highlighting their enthusiasm and readiness for the challenge ahead.

Over the next two months, participating schools will undertake regular cleaning and waste management activities, earning points based on their performance. The competition will be monitored and evaluated by a judging panel comprising officials from GMC and GNS. To keep participants motivated throughout the campaign, weekly giveaways and gifts will be awarded for outstanding performance and innovation.

The league winners will be announced on October 5, based on their overall performance, commitment, and impact. The top team’s schools will be rewarded with a world class washroom facility, and the winning team will be rewarded with an Exo Excursion Tour.

Organisers expressed confidence that the WOW Warriors League will serve as a model for future environmental initiatives by empowering students to become ambassadors of sustainable practices and positive behavioural change within their schools and communities.