Sikkim Paryavaran Parva celebrates State’s deep bond with nature: CM

GANGTOK, : Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Tuesday greeted the people on the occasion of Sikkim Paryavaran Parva 2026 and urged citizens to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts to safeguard the State’s fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

The Chief Minister said the occasion celebrates Sikkim’s deep bond with nature and reaffirms its identity as the Green State of India, where environmental conservation and sustainable development go hand in hand.

In his message, the Chief Minister highlighted the State’s environmental achievements. Tamang said Sikkim has 47.33 per cent forest cover, more than 82 per cent of its geographical area under forest administration, and 30.77 per cent of its land under the Protected Area Network, making it one of India's biodiversity-rich Himalayan States.

He said the State has received national recognition as the Best Performing Small State in Environment and the Best State for implementing the Environment Education Programme.

Among several innovative environmental initiatives pioneered by the State, the Chief Minister said Sikkim became one of the first States to introduce the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) initiative in 2022 and launched the flagship Mero Rukh Mero Santati programme in 2023, under which 108 trees are planted for every new-born child. Eligible children are also provided a fixed deposit of Rs. 10,800 under the Sikkim Sishu Samriddhi Yojana, he said.

He also highlighted the ‘Mero Bato, Mero Bot’ initiative aimed at developing green corridors along roadsides.

Referring to recent milestones, Tamang said Khecheopalri Wetland was designated as Sikkim's first Ramsar Site in 2025, while the State also received the Sanctuary Asia Award for sustainable wildlife tourism.

Tamang said the government has provided roof rainwater harvesting structures to 457 beneficiaries, carried out plantations over thousands of hectares, rejuvenated 63 springs, and promoted sustainable agriculture through watershed development and bench terracing.

“While these achievements make us proud, climate change continues to pose serious challenges to our fragile Himalayan ecosystems. Let us therefore strengthen afforestation, conserve water, reduce pollution, adopt sustainable lifestyles, and inspire future generations to protect nature,” the Chief Minister stated.

He informed that a series of activities including plantation drives, seedling distribution, cleanliness campaigns, Greenathon, quizzes, essay competitions, conferences and awareness programmes have been planned as part of Sikkim Paryavaran Parva 2026.

Tamang urged citizens, particularly the youth, students and local communities, to participate wholeheartedly and become ambassadors of environmental conservation.  “Together, let us continue building a greener, cleaner, climate-resilient, and prosperous Sikkim for generations to come,” he concluded.