Sikkim CM launches initiative to protect oak trees

Gangtok, Jul 7 (PTI) Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Tuesday launched an initiative to protect Himalayan oak trees to strengthen water security, biodiversity and environmental sustainability. The initiative, 'Mission: Million Oak Trees by 2047', was unveiled during a programme organised by the Forest and Environment Department as part of 'Sikkim Paryavaran Parva 2026' at Lagyap Reserve Forest along J N Road. Launching the mission by planting the first oak tree sapling, the chief minister released the Oak Forest Restoration Manual, flagged off a safari vehicle for Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary and nine forest patrol vehicles. Describing the campaign as a landmark initiative, Tamang said the large-scale plantation of native oak species would strengthen ecological security, conserve biodiversity and ensure long-term water sustainability. Stressing that environmental conservation is a collective responsibility, he called upon government departments, educational institutions, local bodies, NGOs and citizens to actively participate in protecting Sikkim's natural heritage. Highlighting the growing challenges of climate change, deforestation and declining water resources, Tamang said all sub-divisional officers had been directed to utilise vacant government land for plantations and kitchen gardens through community participation. He noted that Sikkim has 47.33 per cent forest cover and called for sustained efforts to preserve and expand the state's green wealth while balancing conservation with development. Tamang called for scientific monitoring of plantations, better maintenance of roadside trees and wider public participation, while reaffirming that no new encroachments on forest or government land would be permitted. The chief minister also inaugurated the Sikkim Forest Training Institute at Bulbuley, established under the JICA-assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project. 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 skills of frontline forest personnel. The programme was attended by Deputy Speaker Rajkumari Thapa, Forest Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, ministers, MLAs, senior government officials and Forest Department personnel. PTI COR ACD