Henkel India Ltd. Has announced `Henkel Eco-petition', a national level paper presentation competition in an attempt to educate, create social awareness and enhance sensitivity on environmental care in children from an early age.

The competition is open to students studying in classes 10, 11 and 12  in schools across Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

The annual contest, which began in  2005 has been gaining in popularity.

The 'Henkel Eco-petition' this year will address water conservation. The theme is ''Hold your blue gold: My innovative strategy to reduce, reuse and recycle water'', on which participants would be required to write a paper in under 2,500 words. 

Henkel says the three best papers would fetcch cash prizes of Rs10,000, Rs 7,500 and Rs5,000.

''Water is a scarce resource worldwide; four billion people do not have adequate access to drinking water supplies," says  Sam Chandar, vice president, HR and corporate communications, Henkel India Limited.

"Henkel's research and development teams worldwide are continuously working towards developing advanced technologies for resource-conserving use of water through constantly improved processes and product performance. By creating a heightened awareness and focusing young minds on this critical resource Henkel will be contributing towards sustainability in yet another innovative way,'' Chandar adds.

The  school principal or a nominated teacher from the winning school will be empanelled on the ''Henkel eco-learn'' education project initiative.

The last date for the submission of entries is 2 August 2008 and the entries can be posted at Henkel.Ecopetition@in.henkel.com.