SDF Chelis spearhead massive plantation drive in Phodong

MANGAN, 23 MAY:  A massive plantation drive was conducted yesterday here at Rongong-Tumlong GPU in Phodong [North Sikkim] under the supervision of Pintso Doma Bhutia (Upadhyaksha, North).  The drive was conducted by the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s women’s wing of North District and has been funded by Upadhayaksha herself. A total of 5,000 saplings of different species of flowering and fruit-bearing trees like cherry, rose, bottlebrush, avocado, pine etc. were planted.
The plantations drive started from the Tumlong Tourism Orchid Garden which was in dire need of some cleaning having been left abandoned ever since its construction in 2006. The villagers cleaned the garden and planted the saplings in the periphery and wished that the Chief Minister visit the garden during his tour to North district.

The senior citizens, including monks, youth panchayats, students and residents of Phodong were involved in the drive which covered the area from Tumlong, Labrang Monastery, Phodong Bazar, Hospital area and the Phodong School. The drive was also attended by the ward panchayat Zamgang Bhutia, Convenor Sumitra Subba and the members of the Wangdi Chi Welfare Association of Tumlong.
The Upadhyaksha, Ms. Bhutia, urged all the people to take care of the saplings and requested the villagers not to graze cattle in the area.
Speaking to NOW!, the Convener Ms. Subba informed that the job of looking after the Tourism Orchid Garden at Tumlong should be given to a local NGO and explained that the day’s initiative was in support of the Green Mission called by the Chief Minister.