Press Release

State Level World Environment Day 2019 celebrated at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok

Information & Public Relations Department

Date: 05-Jun-2019

Gangtok, June 5 (IPR): Sikkim joined the rest of the world and celebrated State Level World Environment Day with the theme “Beat Air Pollution” here at Chintan Bhawan today. The Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri P.S.Golay graced the occasion as the chief guest. Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister for Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, Shri Karma Loday Bhutia, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Political Secretary to HCM, Shri Jacob Khaling and Chief Secretary Shri A.K Shrivastava. The programme was also attended by Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Mayor, Deputy Mayor and all HoDs, officials, teachers and students from various schools.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon'ble Chief Minister congratulated the winning schools and the students for coming forward to spread the message of environment conservation which is now a global concern in this day's time and age.

Chief Minister stated that the younger generations have to play crucial roles and responsibilities in not only engaging themselves for conserving the natural resources but also in educating others in doing the same. He stated that environment conservation is a top priority of the state government and thus it is very important to protect, nurture and preserve our natural habitat and rich bio-diversity.

Likewise, he also added that teachers should encourage students and inspire the young minds so that they become crusaders of tomorrow in preserving the environment. He thanked the students and teachers for
participating in creating awareness for such a noble cause.

The Chief Minister expressed his concern about the rising pollution in urban areas and urged everyone to work towards preservation of environment so that we surge forward not just in developmental path but also have a good healthy life. He reiterated the state
government's decision on ban of fire crackers and asked everyone to join hands in abiding for the same.
Shri Golay pointed out that some of the pharmaceutical companies are
violating the law on pollution and he directed the State Pollution Control Board to take action against those pharma companies violating the law.

The Chief Minister also invited each and every individual and organizations to join the Forest Department in conserving environment
and its natural habitat. He requested every individual to conduct plantation drive in uncultivated and vacant land so that it will enrich the ecosystem and bear fruits for the generations to come. He urged all the concerned citizens to follow up on plantation of saplings to ensure its sustainability and productivity in the long run. He also appealed to everyone present about the danger of plastics and discouraged its total use in the state.

Earlier, Minister for Forest Environment Wildlife Management Department, Shri Karma Loday Bhutia in his address informed that the
state government is working hard on environment and pointed out the
various policies which would help in the long run.

Chief Secretary Shri A.K Shrivastava in his address stated that it is our paramount duty to keep the earth safe for the future generations
and we have the responsibility to protect and guard it. He appealed to everyone present to work towards a cleaner, greener and a sustainable world by creating awareness on environmental issues. He also suggested
making no vehicle day for government officials in a week which would also be a step towards environmental conservation.

During the programme, web portal of Sikkim Climate Inventory and Management System (SCIMS) was launched by the Hon’ble Chief Minister and department report was also released.

For rendering extraordinary examples by the government and private schools for conservation and protection of the environment in the state, Forest Department acknowledged the efforts of various schools by presenting the Chief Minister’s Green School Rolling Trophy and State Green Schools Awards 2019 during the function today.

The Chief Minister’s Green School Rolling Trophy was given to
Government Senior Secondary School Pelling, West Sikkim along with cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh, certificate and gift hamper.

Meanwhile, nine schools were awarded with State Green School Award in
different categories:

Private School Category:
Baha’I Sr. Secondary School, Saramsa, East Sikkim

Primary School Category:
Government Primary School, Burfok, North Sikkim
Government Primary School, Gaikhana, North Sikkim

Junior High School Category:
Government Junior High School, Singling, West Sikkim     

Senior Secondary and Secondary School Category:
Government Senior Secondary, Nandugaon, South Sikkim
Government Senior Secondary, Machong, East Sikkim
Government Senior Secondary, Makha, East Sikkim
Government Secondary School, Gor, North Sikkim
Government Secondary School, Sang Tshalamthang, East Sikkim

All these nine schools were awarded with cash prize, certificate, trophy and gift hamper respectively.

Likewise Officials and Staffs received Commendation Certificate for their contribution for camera trapping the Royal Bengal Tiger in Sikkim forest.

Besides that environmental songs were presented by the students of Government Senior Secondary Tadong, East Sikkim and Government Primary
School, Gaikhana, North Sikkim.

Principal Secretary-cum-PCF, Shri. M. L. Srivastava delivered welcome addressed and vote of thanks was proposed by CCF, Shri B. P. Pradhan.