Chamling declares 15-day-long environment festival in Sikkim

SNS, GANGTOK, 18 JUNE: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling declared the 15-day-long ‘Environment Festival or Paryawaran Utsav’ while launching the 8th phase of the State Green Mission at Tathagatha Tsal compound at Rabongla, South Sikkim on Saturday, 15 June.

The 8th State Green Mission program organised by the state forest department began with the ceremonial plantation of Rhododendron tree sapling by the Chief Minister followed by other dignitaries.

 He also asked the people to initiate the festival right away by doing plantations everywhere in the state and summoned for the active participation of one and all, including engaging MR and Workcharge employees in massive plantation drive.

“Forest is life and it is I who has to save it” said the Chief Minister reminding the public of the government’s declaration to make Rabong a Rhododendron Town due to its suitable climate. Addressing the problem of wild animal infestation in the agricultural lands faced by farmers, Mr Chamling said the government would compensate the loss of the agricultural products met by the farmers and also asked the farmers to provide accurate information about the loss to the departments.

He asked the public to participate in the implementation works of the government by becoming vigilant and aware on all the public works carried out in the villages.  Four trainers for Bamboo Crafts under integrated Water Management Program (IWMP) were awarded by the Chief Minister on the occasion.