Plantation drive at Lower Rakdong

MANGAN, 30 June: Continuing the celebration of the week-long Paryavaran Mahotsav, a plantation drive was undertaken at Lower Rakdong and Rakshey-Kedangthang GPU under the aegis of Panchayat President, BB Gurung along with RDA, RB Rai and other panchayat members on 27 June.
Around 300 saplings of different species were planted in the area of Jang, BAC premises Tintek, NHPC Damsite area and Rakshey-Kedangthang.

Vigilance plants at Hurhurey Dara

GANGTOK, 01 July: On the occasion of the Paryavaran Mahotsav, a plantation drive was carried out at Hurhurey Dara in Namnang by Sikkim Vigilance Police on Monday. Vigilance Police Director, N Sridhar Rao, senior officials of Vigilance Police took part in the plantation drive.
A press release informs that 50 saplings of Thuja, Bottle Brush, Gulmohar, Cassia, Fistula and Taki were planted in the Hurhurey Dara area. The seedlings and technical guidance were provided by Forest Department's East Territorial Division under the supervision of ACF [T], Gangtok, JS Lepcha.

Plantation and cleanliness drive at Sikkim Science Centre

GANGTOK, 20 June [IPR]: In a joint initiative by the Department of Forests Environment & Wildlife Management, Science & Technology Department, and Mines Minerals & Geology Department of the Government of Sikkim, a massive plantation cum cleanliness drive was organised this morning at the premises of Sikkim Science Centre, Marchak.
The initiative was part of the ongoing 'Paryavaran Mahotsav 2014', a fortnight-long campaign launched by the Government of Sikkim for maintaining the clean and green status of the State.
The plantation drive which was jointly led by PCCF (Environment) Forest Department, Dr. Anil Mainra, Secretary Science & Technology, PT Ethenpa and Secretary Mines & Geology Department, BN Sharma. Senior officers of all the three departments were also present.
Similarly, on 15 June a plantation and cleanliness drive was undertaken at Namthang Primary Health Center Complex. Area MLA, Tilu Gurung along with senior officers and local public actively participating in the plantation and cleanliness drive.

Bhasmey Samaj treats water source to plantation drive

GANGTOK, 19 June: A tree plantation drive was carried out at Kerabari, Upper Lampathey and Lower Lampathey water source of Bhasmey village by Tanquadars of Bhasmey Samaj of Majhitar here in East Sikkim.
The drive was coordinated by advisors of the Samaj, Suresh K. Lama and Hem Kumar Gurung.
The main motive behind undertaking the plantation drive at the said venue was to supplement and nurture the water source of Majhitar and surrounding villages.
Water scarcity has already begun hurting these areas under the combined pressure of increased population and reduced discharge from the source. Plantation drives such as these, the stakeholders hope, will sustain the water sinks and help replenish them.
Around 500 saplings of Lampathey, Kaijaley and Dhokrey flowers were planted at these sources as part of the Paryavaran Mahotsav fortnight underway in the State
Hem Kumar Gurung, one of the advisors of the Samaj, also sponsored the appointment of a local unemployed youth as a caretaker for the sources on a monthly retainership.

Home plants

Gangtok, 18 June [IPR]: A plantation drive was carried out by Principal Secretary, Home, Suresh C. Gupta, and officers and staff of the Department at the Circuit House campus on Wednesday morning as art of the Paryavaran Mahotsav initiatives. They were assisted by CCF, CS Rao, and officials of the Forest Department. 100 saplings of different varieties of plants suitable to the climatic condition of the place were planted.

SSLSA organises plantation and cleanliness drive at TNA

GANGTOK, 15 June [IPR]: Plantation and Cleanliness Drive was organised by the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority on 14 June at Tashi Namgyal Academy. Justice SP Wangdi, Judge, High Court of Sikkim and  Executive Chairman, Sikkim SLSA, was present as the chief guest of the programme.
Addressing the students of TNA, Justice SP Wangdi informed that SLSA has organized this plantation and cleanliness drive in this school to inform the students that the school itself had started an environment awareness programme by naming it "Self Help Day" during the year 1968 at the time of VN Langer was the principal of the school who was also a nature lover.
As an ex-student of the school, Justice Wangdi said that he was very much proud of being a part of the "self help day" programme. He also shared his experiences and suggested to the students to be actively involved in such issues of global importance.
He also planted a sapling at the TNA premises during the programme. The Principal, KS Heran in his address outlined the importance of clean and pollution free environment and urged the students to contribute.
The programme was also addressed by Dr. Gopal Pradhan and Dr. Minla Zangmu Lachungpa of Forest, Environment and wildlife Department as resource persons who highlighted the importance of environment and protection of all living creatures.

Plantation drive by Dalapchand School students

RONGLI, 28 May: A plantation drive of fruits and vegetables saplings in the reserve forest of Baklakha was organized by the Scouts & Guides Unit and Generous Students of Dalapchand SS on 25 May. The plantation was conducted in the presence of Scout Master, School teachers, S.M.C, Panchayat (GPU, Dalapchand), members of local NGOs and guardians.
As per a press release, the idea sprung from the need to address the issue of man-animal conflict in the area. The main objective was to provide sufficient food for animals in the forest so that they do not invade human habitation.
Around 70 students including Scouts & Guides Unit and Generous Students of Dalapchand SS from classes VI to X participated in the plantation. The program started at 10 am with brief address by SD Bhutia, GT (Bio) and Scout Master of Dalapchand SS about the day’s program. Panchayat Secretary (GPU, Dalapchand), Mani Kr.Rai also addressed the gathering.
Locally found vegetable and fruit saplings were planted in the forest. The students also interacted with SSB In-charge who appreciated the school's initiative towards such a noble cause. He also assured all possible support from their side in the days to come. [from SHITAL PRADHAN]