GANGTOK: The Forest & Environment Department organised a State- Level culmination function of the fortnightly environment festival, Sikkim Paryavaran Parva 2025 with the theme “Leave a Green Legacy” at Manan Kendra on Monday.
The 3rd Sikkim Paryavaran Parva was observed from July 1 to July 14 throughout the State.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, graced the event as the chief guest. Upon arrival, he visited an exhibition titled ‘Transforming Lives Through the Winds of Change,’ which showcased various initiatives implemented across the state since the inception of the Sikkim Paryavaran Parva. The exhibition highlighted the impactful projects and developments that have taken place as part of this initiative.
In his address, the chief guest expressed his deepest condolence for the demise of Padmashree Garud Singh Lama (Sanu Lama), a successful creator of the Nepali literature world and skilled lyricist who is recognised for having written the State Song, ‘Jahan Bagchha Tista Rangit.’
The chief guest reflected on the Paryavaran Parva’s successful culmination, which began on July 1 with a “Greenathon”. The festival featured a range of events, including ‘A Day for Mother Earth’ on July 7 and a notable seven-minute vehicle stoppage across Sikkim to promote environmental awareness and reduce carbon emissions.
Emphasising collective responsibility, the chief guest highlighted the importance of protecting the environment and wildlife, underscoring the celebration’s role in strengthening spiritual, cultural, and social bonds with nature.
The chief guest also cited key achievements such as:
- Representing India at COP28 in Dubai (2023) with initiatives like ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ and ‘Shishu Samriddhi Yojana’
- Winning the SKOCH Award 2024 for ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’
- Sikkim being declared Best State in Environmental Education 2025
- Designation of Khecheopalri Lake as Sikkim’s first Ramsar Site.
The chief guest emphasised the efforts in banning single-use plastic and related products, inspiring national policies in line with the global theme of ‘Ending Plastic Pollution.’
He also spoke about the inclusive community-driven initiatives such as: - ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’: Planting 108 trees per newborn with government support of Rs 10,800/- per child
- ‘My Child from Wild’: Fostering compassion toward wildlife through adoption initiatives
- ‘Mero Bato Mero Bot’: Community participation in roadside greening.
- ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ campaign inspired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi involving mass tree planting in mothers’ names.
The chief guest congratulated the Forest & Environment Department, the participants of the initiatives and the public on these achievements. He stated that while deforestation is a concerning issue throughout the world, Sikkim is setting an example with a 2.19% forest cover growth.
The chief guest encouraged the public to develop and transform Sikkim into a global tourist destination through these initiatives. He also called for collective collaboration of public and Departments. He expressed confidence that a spirit of healthy competition would propel the State to even greater heights.
Lastly, the chief guest extended warm congratulations to the Forest & Environment Minister, Advisors, Chairpersons, Principal Secretary, officials, front-line workers, and environmental warriors.
Minister Forest & Environment, Mines & Geology and Science & Technology Departments, Pintso Namgyal Lepcha welcomed the chief guest and dignitaries to the event.
Highlighting various initiatives such as MRMS, MBMB, and My Child From Wild, he emphasised that these endeavours contribute to a fulfilling life. Lepcha underscored the paramount importance of environmental protection and preservation, stressing that a healthy environment is crucial. He noted the Forest & Environment Department’s efforts to engage every village in these initiatives and appealed for public support to ensure their success. In conclusion, he extended his gratitude to all festival participants.
The event proceeded with screenings of several audio visual presentations. These included: - Videos of the exemplary activities by Forest Department (Foresters Beyong Forestry) showcasing their work in disaster assistance, construction of temporary log bridges, rescue of stranded tourists, transport of food and essential commodities to flood affected areas, wildlife rescue and relief operations and taming of wild fires
- Glimpses of the Green Quiz, a televised environment quiz, that was held earlier this month with the participation of students from 91 Government Senior Secondary Schools in a seven part episode series
- Videos on ‘My Child From Wild’- an inspiring and exciting animal adoption programme that fosters a special bond between humans and wildlife
- Heartfelt infomercials regarding ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati (MRMS),’ a plantation program for parents of new borns to plan 108 saplings
- Audiovisual presentations of ‘Mero Bato, Mero Bot (MBMB),’ an avenue plantation initiative launched on 9th July 2024 where ornamental trees are planted along roads to beautify the surrounding.
Additionally, the chief guest digitally launched the Online Forest Check posts (FCP) and MRMS Portal.
The Online Forest Check Posts (FCP) system will facilitate online payments via QR codes, extending this convenience to even the most remote areas of Sikkim. Additionally, the MRMS Portal serves as a one stop portal where participants can upload plantation photos and supporting documents, streamlining the verification and processing procedure.
Accolades and commendations were also presented throughout the event. They are as follows-
A) Felicitation of Finalists of the Green Quiz 2025 - 1st Position- Government Sr Secondary School Tharpu, Soreng District- Rs 50,000/-
- 2nd Position – PM SHRI Government Sr Secondary School Mangan- Rs 40,000/-
- 3rd Position- Government Sr Secondary School Kewzing, Namchi District- Rs 30,000/-
- 4th Position- PM SHRI Government Sr Secondary School Pelling, Gyalshing District- Rs 20,000/-
B) Felicitation of the three best ASHA Workers under MRMS (with certificates & cash award of Rs 10,800/- each). The names are as follows: - Ms Karma Dem of Sumin PHSC under Rangpo PHC, Pakyong District
- Ms Hem Lata Subba of Rabong PHC, Namchi District
- Ms Sabita Darjee of Kitam Health Wellness Centre under Melli PHC, Namchi District
C) The Best Road Gang for implementing MBMB during the year 2024-25 was conferred to Soreng Chakung Road Gang. The group comprising of 12 members each received a cash reward of Rs 50,000/-
D) 18 MRMS Beneficiaries from all six districts of the State received Sikkim Shishu Samridhi Yojana (SSSY) bank passbooks through the hands of the Chief Minister
E) Five Self Help Groups were also presented with social assets (shops) to showcase their products
Diving into the initiative of ‘My Child From Wild,’ the Director of the Himalayan Zoological Park, Sangay Gyatso Bhutia received cheques from several adopters. The beneficiaries being- - Alkem Laboratories Ltd contributed Rs 10,00,000/-
- SISCO Bank, Gangtok contributed Rs 5,00,000/-
Other beneficiaries such as the Amitabha School, Gangtok donated Rs 50,000/- and the family of Mesa Rai contributed Rs 7,000/-.
This was followed by a short interaction with three young ‘My Child from Wild’ adopters who spoke about why they wanted to be a part of the programme and their experiences.
Lastly, an engaging and informative skit on MBMB was performed and captivated the audience.
The welcome address was given by PCCF-cum-Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Department Dr Pradeep Kumar and the vote of thanks was administered by APCCF, Forest and Environment Department Dr P Senthil Kumar.
The programme had the presence of Cabinet Ministers, Advisors, MPs, MLAS, senior dignitaries, Head of Departments, other Public Representatives including
panchayats, District Collectors, Superintendent of Police, ASHA workers, JFMCs, EDCs, BMCs, Watershed beneficiaries, Road Workers, parents, Award winners of the school, and school students.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK
