The Annual Plantation Programme “Prayavaran Parva plantation drive” on the occassion of the Environment Week was conducted by the Former Legislators’ Federation of Sikkim (FLFS) in alignment with its 23rd Meeting in collaboration with the Forest and Environment Department Government of Sikkim, at Golitar, Fambonglho Forest Reserve Belt Pangthang, here today.
The plantation drive featured two initiatives of the state government – ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ and ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam.’
‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ is a green initiative by the Government of Sikkim with an objective to conserve the environment and to instill seeds to promote environmental awareness and responsibility among the citizens of Sikkim.
The objective of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ is to plant a tree in name of one’s mother. It aims to honour the role of mother in society and importance of preserving environment through initiatives towards clean environment.
Area MLA Kabi-Lungchok-cum-Advisor of Culture and Health & Family Welfare Departments, Mr Thenlay Tshering Bhutia, in his welcome address, thanked all the senior members of FLFS and the Forest and Environment Department for inviting him to this programme. Further, he mentioned plantation of trees such as Pomsee and Bhadrase in the wild to help counter wild animals entering public space. In his concluding remarks, he wished for long life for all the former Legislators.
The Minister for Agriculture and Horticulture, Fisheries, and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Departments, Mr Puran Kumar Gurung, in his address, assured the members of FLFS that no stone will be left unturned in support of former Legislators’ demands. Further, he wished for long life of all the former Legislators and thanked the Forest and Environment Department for the invitation.
President of FLFS Mr DB Thatal expressed gratitude to the Area MLA-cum-Advisor Mr Thenlay Tshering Bhutia and Minister Mr Puran Kumar Gurung for participating in the programme. He stated that the plantation drive reflects Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang’s commitment to environmental conservation and wildlife protection, with the Forest Department working towards its targets with ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ and ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’, a nationwide initiative led by Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi. The President expressed gratitude to the Forest and Environment Department for their contributions to the programme’s success.
The programme included felicitation of officers and officials of Forest and Environment Department who were exceptional in their efforts towards conservation of wildlife and environment.
The day saw the presence of the former members of Sikkim Legislative Assembly alongside officers and officials of concerned departments. The Annual Plantation Drive has become an annual commitment for FLFS, marking its fourth year with this event.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK
