Aizawl: A 9-year-old boy of South Hlimen in the southern outskirts of Mizoram’s capital Aizawl City bagged the first ‘SEL Foundation Award for Clean and Green Earth’ for his relentless commitment to cleaning his village and a nearby amusement park.
The award was given to Joseph Lalrinfela on Monday at a function organised by the state environment, forests, and climate change department in Aizawl which coincided with the observance of ‘Earth Day.’ The theme of this year’s Earth Day was ‘Planet vrs Plastic’.
Chairperson of the SEL Foundation and an environment activist Saizampuii Sailo, who handed over the award to Lalrinfela said that the young boy was awarded due to his dedication in cleaning the garbage, especially plastic wastes, left by people who visited Lalsavunga Park, one of the most popular spots for young couples and families, located within Hlimen village close to Aizawl city.
Sailo said that Lalrinfela not only relentlessly cleaned Lalsavunga Park but also the street near their home without anyone instructing him to do it. The award carries a citation and a cash amounting to Rs 25,000.
She said that the foundation has plans for the future which include an award for a village for best work in wildlife protection, an award for an organisation or individual for best contribution to protecting sources of water as well as an award for protection of the environment to association or individual.