Gyalshing,June 5 (IPR): Yuksam-Tashiding constituency celebrated World Environment Day 2025 today with a constituency-level programme held at the newly developed Rimbi Picnic Spot and Wellness Site under Rimbi-Timbrong GPU, Gyalshing district. The event was organized by the Forest & Environment Department, Government of Sikkim.
This year’s global theme, “Collective Action to Tackle Plastic Pollution,” resonated throughout the programme, aligning with various state and central eco-initiatives.
Minister for Tourism & Civil Aviation and Commerce & Industries Department, and area MLA, Mr Tshering T Bhutia, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He actively participated in the plantation drive and planted a sapling in honour of his mother under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, a flagship initiative of the Government of India.
The Minister was accompanied by DC Gyalshing Mr Tenzing D Denzongpa, ADC (Development) Mr Surat Gurung, SDM Yuksam Mr Chandan Singh Limboo, DFO (T) Gyalshing Mr Kshitij Saxena, DE Power Department Mr Kalzang Tenzing Bhutia, BDO Yuksam Mr SM Limboo, Range Officer Mr Tenzing W Bhutia, Zilla Panchayat Members Mr Birendra Gurung and Ms Sabitri Rai, and Panchayat President Mr Mangal Rai, among others.
The event also saw active participation from Gram Panchayat members of various GPUs, members of local NGOs, officials from the Yuksam Subdivision, and local stakeholders.
In his address, Minister Mr Tshering T Bhutia emphasized the urgent need for environmental awareness and conservation. He appreciated the initiatives of the Forest & Environment Department and spoke in detail about the MRMS (Mero Rukh Mero Santati) programme, an ambitious conservation initiative envisioned by Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay).
The Minister also highlighted the significance of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”campaign conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, encouraging everyone to actively participate in the movement and contribute to its success.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to sustainable development through initiatives such as the ban on single-use plastics and the Zero Waste Policy, urging public participation for effective implementation.
Touching on tourism, he shared insights into ongoing and upcoming developmental projects under the State Tourism Department aimed at promoting tourism and enhancing infrastructures across the state.
DC Gyalshing Mr Tenzing D. Denzongpa, in his address, appreciated the efforts of the Rimbi-Timbrong Gram Panchayat in developing the Rimbi Picnic and Wellness Site through a Sramdaan initiative. “Rimbi Picnic Spot has the potential to become a popular destination for both tourists and locals, which can further boost rural tourism in the area,” the DC stated.
He urged the public to actively participate in plantation drives and support the State Government’s environmental conservation efforts. The DC also outlined the district’s disaster preparedness efforts, especially in view of the ongoing monsoon season, and urged the public to remain alert and cooperative. He highlighted various disaster preparedness measures across all subdivisions of the district.
Earlier,in his keynote address, DFO(T) Mr Kshitij Saxena (IFS) elaborated on the significance of World Environment Day. He briefly spoke about the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and “Mero Rukh Mero Santati” initiatives of both the State and Central Governments. He highlighted various conservation efforts and ongoing initiatives of the Forest and Environment Department, including plastic waste eradication and the Zero Waste Initiative. He also informed the gathering about the department’s active drive for plastic waste management.
During the event, certificates and gifts were presented to the parents of newborn children under the “Mero Rukh Mero Santati”scheme. As part of this initiative, the State Government will provide a Fixed Deposit in the child’s name, which will mature when the child turns 18, promoting both environmental awareness and long-term financial security.
The event concluded with a mass plantation drive at the Rimbi Picnic Spot and Wellness Site, under the jurisdiction of the Rimbi-Timbrong GPU.
Report from DIO Gyalshing
