The Biodiversity of Raj Bhawan' released

Governor desires to open Raj Bhawan on Sundays for tourists


GANGTOK, July 20: Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh today expressed the desire to open Raj Bhawan premises for tourists on Sundays so that the fund generated could help finance children of Raj Bhawan staff wanting to pursue higher education.
Speaking at the sidelines of the launching ceremony of a book titled ‘The Biodiversity of Raj Bhawan’ here at the Raj Bhawan premises, Governor Singh also made a special request to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for provision of forest land adjacent to Raj Bhawan so that more flower plantation can be done and thereby enhance the beauty of the vicinity. At the same time, he asked the State Horticulture and Forest Departments to put their effort in planting more flowers along with proper fencing at the Raj Bhawan premises.

Researched and jointly penned by Usha Lachungpa, Sudizom Lucksom and Dichen Lachungpa of State Forest Department, ‘The Biodiversity of Raj Bhawan’ is the compilation of the flora and fauna that are found within the vicinity of Raj Bhawan.

In his keynote address, Governor Singh congratulated the authors, Raj Bhawan staff and the Forest Department towards realising his long pending dream of bringing out a book. He said the book was one of the academic tasks of Raj Bhawan. “This book will be a resource for many keen learners on bio-diversity,” he added.

The Governor also called Vice Chancellors of Sikkim University and Sikkim Manipal University to promote the book amongst the students.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, Cabinet Ministers, members from the State Legislative Assembly and top officials also attended the book launch.

The Chief Minister in his address reminded the steps taken by the government in terms of environment protection.

Informing that Sikkim has always taken a historic decision in terms of protecting the natural flora and fauna, the CM said Harit Kranti Abhiyan, ban on plastics and grazing, establishment of Smriti Van, constituting green funds, green mission and ten minutes to earth are the pioneering initiatives of the State Government.

Expressing gratitude to the Governor for having taken the initiative of bringing out the book on Biodiversity in Raj Bhawan, the Chief Minister also paid condolence to the Late First Lady Karuna Devi Singh saying that she had always developed a keen interest on making Raj Bhawan a place teeming with flowers. “The concept of the book given by both of them will always be remembered by us,” he said adding “Raj Bhawan has withstood the change of times with addition of Ashirwad Bhawan and other appropriate infrastructure to retain its rich history.” He further said that the trees planted by the erstwhile political officers still survive at Raj Bhawan.

Acclaimed floral scientist KC Pradhan addressing the gathering earlier said the time has come for our people to realize the richness of bio-diversity. “We should not wait for the foreigners to come and write book on biodiversity rather we should motivate our own children,” he added.

source;sikkim express