News & Announcement
A Day for Mother Earth’ Observed along the 3rd Mile to 15th Mile Highway Stretch
Gangtok, July 7 (IPR):
A One-Day Plantation Drive was conducted today along the 3rd Mile to 15th Mile highway stretch, today.
The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, organised the drive in coordination with Forest and Environment Department, 3rd Mile Checkpost Police Department, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), JN Road Taxi Drivers-cum-Owners Association, line departments and local communities.
The plantation drive was conducted as part of the State-wide observance of “A Day for Mother Earth”, initiated by the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang. As a mark of the observance, all vehicular movement across Sikkim was brought to a symbolic halt for seven minutes at 11:00 a.m., to show respect for nature and reaffirm the State’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Area MLA-cum-Advisor, Health and Family Welfare and Culture Departments, Mr Thenlay Tshering Bhutia attended the programme as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Mr Bhutia acknowledged the coordination among departments and local communities in carrying out the drive. He remarked that the plantation marked a significant moment for the constituency, reflecting a shared responsibility towards sustainable practices.
MLA conveyed his appreciation to the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh for initiating programmes such as Mero Rukh Mero Santati, and called on all stakeholders to take equal responsibility in maintaining the saplings. He stated that such efforts would support both environmental efforts and tourism.
Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Mr CS Rao, expressed satisfaction at the public participation in the drive. He stated that the plantation initiative was designed to complement the Forest Department’s efforts in conserving the existing forest cover, which stands at over 47% in Sikkim.
He added that the drive introduced a zonal planting pattern, whereby only one species was planted across 1–2 km stretches to improve floral uniformity along the route.
Additional Director, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Mr Tenzing Gelay Bhutia, stated that the plantation drive is being implemented as a pilot project to enhance the tourist corridor, with the department taking responsibility for its long-term care and monitoring.
He acknowledged the support of the JN Road Taxi Drivers Association, PRIs, and local residents, and stated that post-plantation maintenance would be a priority for the department.
Range Officer, Kyongnosla Territorial, Mr Krishna Ch Dahal, gave an overview of the plantation layout. He said that plants like Azelea, Nilkamal, Cherry, Maple, Rhododendron, and Rani Chap were chosen and planted at different heights along the route to match the local weather and soil.
The JN Road Taxi Drivers Association assisted in the planning and implementation of the drive, reflecting their involvement in the initiative.
The event also saw the participation of CE Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Ms Shanti Tamang, CAO Tourism and Civil Aviation Department (Accounts) Mr TN Sapkota, Joint Director Tourism and Civil Aviation Department (Adventure) Mr Kazi Sherpa, Deputy Director Tourism and Civil Aviation Department (Permit) Mr Sonam Rinchen, and other officers and officials from the line departments.
A One-Day Plantation Drive was conducted today along the 3rd Mile to 15th Mile highway stretch, today.
The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, organised the drive in coordination with Forest and Environment Department, 3rd Mile Checkpost Police Department, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), JN Road Taxi Drivers-cum-Owners Association, line departments and local communities.
The plantation drive was conducted as part of the State-wide observance of “A Day for Mother Earth”, initiated by the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang. As a mark of the observance, all vehicular movement across Sikkim was brought to a symbolic halt for seven minutes at 11:00 a.m., to show respect for nature and reaffirm the State’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Area MLA-cum-Advisor, Health and Family Welfare and Culture Departments, Mr Thenlay Tshering Bhutia attended the programme as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Mr Bhutia acknowledged the coordination among departments and local communities in carrying out the drive. He remarked that the plantation marked a significant moment for the constituency, reflecting a shared responsibility towards sustainable practices.
MLA conveyed his appreciation to the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh for initiating programmes such as Mero Rukh Mero Santati, and called on all stakeholders to take equal responsibility in maintaining the saplings. He stated that such efforts would support both environmental efforts and tourism.
Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Mr CS Rao, expressed satisfaction at the public participation in the drive. He stated that the plantation initiative was designed to complement the Forest Department’s efforts in conserving the existing forest cover, which stands at over 47% in Sikkim.
He added that the drive introduced a zonal planting pattern, whereby only one species was planted across 1–2 km stretches to improve floral uniformity along the route.
Additional Director, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Mr Tenzing Gelay Bhutia, stated that the plantation drive is being implemented as a pilot project to enhance the tourist corridor, with the department taking responsibility for its long-term care and monitoring.
He acknowledged the support of the JN Road Taxi Drivers Association, PRIs, and local residents, and stated that post-plantation maintenance would be a priority for the department.
Range Officer, Kyongnosla Territorial, Mr Krishna Ch Dahal, gave an overview of the plantation layout. He said that plants like Azelea, Nilkamal, Cherry, Maple, Rhododendron, and Rani Chap were chosen and planted at different heights along the route to match the local weather and soil.
The JN Road Taxi Drivers Association assisted in the planning and implementation of the drive, reflecting their involvement in the initiative.
The event also saw the participation of CE Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Ms Shanti Tamang, CAO Tourism and Civil Aviation Department (Accounts) Mr TN Sapkota, Joint Director Tourism and Civil Aviation Department (Adventure) Mr Kazi Sherpa, Deputy Director Tourism and Civil Aviation Department (Permit) Mr Sonam Rinchen, and other officers and officials from the line departments.