CM launches Million Oak Mission, inaugurates Sikkim Forest Training Institute

GANGTOK, (IPR): Sikkim on Tuesday launched the ambitious “Mission: Million Oak Trees by 2047”, a State-wide ecological restoration programme aimed at reviving Himalayan oak forests to strengthen water security, biodiversity and climate resilience.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay launched the initiative during the observance of “A Day for Mother Earth”, organised by the Forest and Environment Department as part of Sikkim Paryavaran Parva 2026 at Lagyap Reserve Forest along J.N. Road.

The Chief Minister ceremonially planted the first oak sapling under the mission, released the Oak Forest Restoration Manual, and launched the “Connect to Forest” toll-free helpline (1926) to enable citizens to report grievances, human-wildlife conflict, and hazardous trees and access Forest Department services. He also distributed Entry Point Activity support to various groups, handed over Shishu Samriddhi Yojana benefits to three beneficiaries, and flagged off a safari vehicle for Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary along with nine patrol vehicles for Forest Department divisions.

Extending his greetings, the Chief Minister described the Mission Million Oak Trees campaign as a landmark initiative to strengthen ecological security, biodiversity conservation and long-term water sustainability through large-scale plantation of native oak species.

Recalling that “A Day for Mother Earth” was instituted in 2019, he said it was conceived to encourage every citizen to dedicate a day annually to environmental conservation. He added that Sikkim Paryavaran Parva was envisioned as an environmental festival to promote public participation in conservation efforts.

Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change, deforestation and declining water resources, he stressed that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility involving government departments, educational institutions, local bodies, NGOs and citizens.

The Chief Minister informed that all Sub-Divisional Officers have been directed to utilise vacant government land for plantations and kitchen gardens with the participation of government employees, citing Mangalbaria Sub-Division as a successful example of community-led land revival.

He noted that Sikkim has 47.33 per cent forest cover, with nearly half of its geographical area under forest administration and 33.77 per cent designated as protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries. He called for preserving and expanding the State’s green cover while maintaining a balance between conservation and strategic infrastructure development.

Highlighting initiatives such as Mero Rukh Mero Santati, Mero Bato Mero Bote, Shishu Samriddhi Yojana and the declaration of Khecheopalri Lake as a Ramsar Site, he urged scientific monitoring of sapling survival, better maintenance of roadside plantations and greater participation of MLAs, local bodies and NGOs.

Welcoming the Connect to Forest helpline, he said it would improve public access to forestry services, while emphasising that oak and chestnut plantations would enhance groundwater recharge and long-term water security.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to environmental protection, the Chief Minister said no new encroachments on forest or government land would be allowed and urged citizens to actively safeguard Sikkim’s forests and biodiversity.

Addressing the gathering, Forest and Environment Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha said the department’s selective thinning of Juniper (Juniperus indica) plantations was based on scientific studies showing their adverse impact on groundwater recharge and native vegetation. He clarified that the exercise was being undertaken after obtaining the required approvals from the Government of India.

The Minister said the cleared areas would be restored with native oak species, noting that Sikkim is home to nearly 12 varieties of oak which have shown promising results in nursery trials. He announced that the department aims to plant one million oak trees by 2047 to strengthen environmental conservation, water security and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Referring to the Government’s BIPASA Mission, he said the programme places equal emphasis on water security alongside road and power infrastructure, adding that the large-scale oak plantation drive would play a key role in rejuvenating the State’s water resources. He appealed to the people to continue supporting forest and biodiversity conservation.

The programme also included the administration of the Paryavaran Parva pledge by the Chief Minister. Earlier, ACS cum PCCF, Forest Department, Pradeep Kumar delivered the welcome address, while Advisor, Forest Department, Tenzing Norbu Lamtha proposed the vote of thanks.

Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Sikkim Forest Training Institute at Bulbuley, established under the JICA-assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project.

A brief presentation on the Forest Training Institute was made by Director FTI Tshering Pintso Bhutia.

The institute will serve as the State’s premier centre for training, research and capacity building in forestry, biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management, while strengthening the technical expertise of frontline forest personnel. He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour on arrival.

Million Oak Trees by 2047 is a flagship ecological restoration initiative of the Government of Sikkim aimed at reviving the State’s native Himalayan oak forests to enhance water security, biodiversity and climate resilience. Aligned with the vision of Viksit Sikkim 2047 and launched under the theme of sustainable environmental stewardship, the mission seeks to plant one million oak trees by 2047. By restoring degraded forest landscapes, improving groundwater recharge, strengthening watersheds and increasing carbon sequestration, the initiative is expected to play a crucial role in conserving fragile mountain ecosystems while ensuring long-term ecological and water security for future generations.

The programme had the presence of Deputy Speaker SLA Raj Kumari Thapa, Ministers, Advisor-cum-MLAs, Advisor to CM, Political Secretary to CM, Advisors, Head of Departments, OSDs, senior officials and staff of Forest department along with local public.

BOX MATTER

“Mission: Million Oak Trees by 2047”

Viksit Sikkim 2047 through BiPaSa

Reviving Himalayan Oaks: Nature’s Pathway to Water Security and Climate Resilience

Oak forests constitute one of the most significant broad-leaved forest ecosystems of the Himalayan region. Belonging to the Fagaceae family—primarily the genera

Lithocarpus, Quercus, and Castanopsis—oak species play a critical ecological role as keystone species within mountain landscapes.

These forests function as vital ecological powerhouses and natural water reservoirs.