Greenest Chief Minister of India, Shri Pawan Chamling kick starts 5th Phase of Green Mission in Sikkim.
                It is a “people’s mission” says CM

Gangtok, June 15, 2010:
    “Let us preserve our greenery and bequeath to our children a state full of greenery, beauty, resources and overall contentment”. This is said by Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling. He appealed to every one to keep up the distinct identity of Sikkim as “a green, clean, garden State” and make the State Green Mission, “a people’s mission”. He announced that a policy has been made by the State Government to create “a Green Fund in Schools”, so that the funds could be used in environment conservation and the students would also become environmentally more conscious citizens.
      Shri Pawan Chamling was speaking as Chief Guest at a programme at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok, Sikkim on June 15 which was organized by the Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department to mark beginning of phase V of ‘State Green Mission’ and Phase II of the unique ‘ten minutes to earth’ plantation campaign initiated in the State since last year. “State Green Mission”, an innovative programme of the Government of Sikkim, was launched in 2006 to raise avenue plantation and beautification of all vacant and waste lands. On the occasion, Chief Minister declared 25th June as the day for “ten minutes to earth” and appealed to all to ensure greenery drive and solicited the cooperation of all Sikkimese people for their full and active participation in making the mission a great success.
    Chief Minister recalled that awareness regarding the green revolution began from 1995 onwards after the present government was voted to power (in 1994). Since then 43% of State forest cover has increased to 47%, while the National average of forest cover is 21%, he noted. He emphasized that the green image of Sikkim should be protected and the funds allocated from the green drive should be used properly. He also stressed on survival rate of the saplings.
      Regarding future plans policies for protection and conservation of the environment, Chief Minister said that Clean Air Act, Water Quality Act, Environment Policy Act, Pesticide Act, Endangered Species Act, etc, will soon be implemented in the State. Waste management of degradable and non-degradable materials was also underlined by him.
      He mentioned initiation of the concept of neat and clean environment way back in 1272 by Edward I, king of England, and how it appeared in the world scenario. “Sikkim, a small state has set an example in the field of protection and conservation of environment”, he said.
      Minister for Forest, Mr Bhim Dhungel in his address said that the State Green Mission is a State Government programme to beautify the state. He mentioned that the Department has increased production of saplings this year and the plantations will be conducted in a proper way.
    A power point presentation, with a brief evaluation of Sikkim Green Mission, was made by the Conservator of Forest (T), Mr Pradeep Kumar. Earlier, Mr. S.T. Lachungpa, PCCF cum Secretary, welcomed the guests. The progremme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. C. Lachungpa, Chief Conservator of Forest.