Chipko Movement leader lauds Sikkim’s green mission

GANGTOK, November 13: Applauding the efforts of the State Government in pioneering innovative steps with the launch of the State Green Mission and the recently concluded ten minutes to greenery programme, renowned environmentalist and recipient of Padma Vibhushan Sunder Lal Bhauguna said the experiment of Sikkim in regard to forestry and environment conservation should be brought in the notice of all the hilly regions including the Government of India so that they can understand the importance of forest and frame the policy likewise in protection and preservation of forest.
Mr. Bahuguna was here for a two-day visit to the State as part of the ‘Save Himalayan Campaign’ to create environmental awareness and emphasize on the need for more humane and ecologically sensitive development plans for the Himalayan region.
Addressing the State Forest officials during a programme held at the Forest conference hall here today, the Chipko Movement leader said, Sikkim can play a lead role among the States in the Himalayan belt in terms of environment protection. “Today protection and safeguarding of forest has become an essential fact as even the scarcity of water is felt everywhere,” he pointed out while calling for more forestation drive.
He added that the drafting of the new environmental policy would enhance the spirit in saving the environment further more.
On the occasion, C Lachungpa, Chief Conservator of Forest, (Landuse) also made a power point presentation on the green initiatives taken by the State.
Earlier, the State Forest Minister Bhim Dhungel felicitated Mr. Bhahuguna, who was accompanied by his wife Bhimla Bahuguna, his son Rajiv Bahuguna, and Dr. Kishore Upadhya.
India’s renowned scientist also visited Himalayan Zoological Park at Bulbuley and planted Rhododendron saplings in the vicinity of the Governor’s House, few kilometres above Gangtok town.
Later in the day, the Save Himalayan team interacted with the members of the Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim (VHAS) wherein Bahuguna called for more participation from the local NGOs in giving momentum towards tree farming, which he added was the only way to save the Mother Nature.
A delegation of eminent citizens led by renowned environmentalist Sunderlal Bhauguna who have undertaken the Save Himalaya campaign on September 30 to sensitize people on the fragile ecology of Hiamlayan States of India stressed on the point that the framing and the regulation of proper environmental policy is the need of the hour to tackle the issues related with the Himalayas.
Kishore Upadhaya, the convenor of the mission said, the campaign will now head towards north east holding interactive meetings with maximum involvement of the youth.
'Dr Doma Bhutia, the legal consultant of Human Rights Law Network, Sikkim Chapter earlier placed a brief introduction of Mr. Bhaugana and his success story on the successful campaign of the world famous ' Chipko' Movement.