SIKKIM: Workshop on ENVIS in the capital “Use natural resources judiciously”

Gangtok: Two days’ National evaluation workshop of Environmental Information Systems (ENVIS) was inaugurated by Mr. Bhim Dhungel, Minister for Science and Technology, at a hotel in the capital on April 5.

Organized by Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology with support from Ministry of Environment and Forests, main objective of the workshop is to make energy researchers, environmentalists, and policy makers aware on changes in energy sectors and their effects on environment. Participants in the workshop have come from across the country.

Mr. Dhungel in his inaugural address as chief guest underlined the importance of environment and conservation. Noting that Sikkim is in the forefront in terms of conserving flora and fauna, he called upon the people to be nature friendly. “The natural resources should be used judiciously and the challenges on environment should be taken seriously”, he said.

Mr. Nilkanth Ghosh, statistical advisor, Ministry of Environment and Forest said, the Environmental Information System (ENVIS) network was established as a planned programme under the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government of India, in December 1982. Over the years, the MoEF has identified a few organizations as centers of excellence who host subject specific ENVIS centres to disseminate environmental information. In addition to this, ENVIS centres are also hosted at the state Environment and Forests departments for wider dissemination of state environmental information. He added, presently there are a total of 78 ENVIS centres spread across the country which include subject specific and state level centres.

Mr. LM Aarawartia, Secretray, Science and Technology Department said, ENVIS center in Sikkim is functioning under Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim, and has been playing a crucial role in disseminating information related to environment issues in Sikkim. Mr. ST Lachungpa, PCCF cum Secretray, Forest and Wildlife Department, Dr Madhumita Ghosh, Joint Director, Ministry of Environment and Forests were also present in the inaugural session. On the occasion, Minister Mr. Dhungel released the news letter of ENVIS Sikkim centre and other states during the function.

[SOURCE: SIKKIM REPORTER/EDITED BY ASHOK CHATTERJEE]