Chamling declared June 25 as the day for ten minutes to earth


Gangtok, June 16: With a view to raise avenue plantation and beautification of all vacant and waste lands, the State Government has launched a unique and innovative programme called “State Green Mission” in 2006. Today, the mission has completed fourth phase and shall be entering into the phase fifth. In this regard, the Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department organized a programme on the commencement of V phase of ‘State Green Mission’ and II phase of the ‘ten minutes to earth’ at Chintan Bhawan on June 15, 2010.

The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in his speech said that an awareness regarding the green revolution started from 1995 onwards when the present government was voted to power. 43% of State forest cover in 1995 has increased to 47% and the National Average ratio of forest cover of Sikkim is 21%, he added.

‘Let us preserve our greenery and bequeath to our children a state full of greenery, beauty, resources and overall contentment’ said the Chief Minister. He further appealed to every one to keep this distinct identity of Sikkim as a green, clean, garden State and intends to make this Green Missions, a people’s mission.

Addressing the students, he expressed that the policy has been made by the State Government to create a Green Fund in the Schools, so that the funds collected could be used in environment conservation measures and also the students could become environmentally conscious citizens.

The Chief Minister also declared 25th June as the day for ten minutes to earth and appealed to all to ensure greenery drive and solicit the cooperation of all Sikkimese people for their full and active participation in making the mission a great success.

He also mentioned that the green image of Sikkim should be protected and the funds allocated for the green drive should be used properly and also emphasized on the survival rate of the saplings.

Regarding the future plans and policies for the protection and conservation of the environment, the 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 . He further emphasized on waste management of degradable and non- degradable materials.