“Women for Trees” Initiative under AMRUT Mitra on 21st May 2025 ​Urban Development Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA), Government of India is proud to announce the launch of the “Women for Trees” campaign, a flagship initiative under the AMRUT Mitra programme. The programme will be officially inaugurated on 21st May 2025 at AMRUT Park, Development Area, Gangtok, in the esteemed presence of Shri Bhoj Raj Rai, Hon’ble Minister for Urban Development Department, Government of Sikkim along with Shri Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, Hon’ble Advisor for Urban Development Department, Government of Sikkim and other dignitaries. Inspired by the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign of the Government of India, “Women for Trees” is a gender-inclusive initiative aimed at enhancing urban green cover and resilience through active participation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), especially women, in environmental stewardship and tree plantation efforts. The campaign is being implemented by teams from AMRUT and DAY-NULM of Urban Development Department, Government of Sikkim. The initiative is part of a three-phase campaign: • Phase I (21st – 23rd May 2025): Site visits, assessments, and planning by SHGs in coordination with AMRUT and DAY-NULM officials. • Phase II (5th June – 31st August 2025): Tree plantation drives across identified sites including parks, water bodies, and public premises. • Phase III (2025–2026): Continuous monitoring, maintenance, and survival tracking of planted trees through a geotagged digital platform. In Gangtok, the sites selected for the campaign are AMRUT Parks at Development Area, Arithang, Bojoghari and Selep Water Tank. The campaign is being carried out simultaneously in other ULBs like Rangpo Nagar Panchayat and Singtam Nagar Panchayat, Nayabazar-Jorethang Nagar Panchayat and Mangan Nagar Panchayat. With the “Women for Trees” programme, the Government aims to create a strong linkage between environmental sustainability and women’s empowerment by encouraging community ownership of urban green spaces. Issued by: Urban Development Department, Government of Sikkim