Science Centre a prized possession: CM

http://www.sikkimreporter.com/archive/23%20Feb/index.html       Sikkim
    

SHIVADEEP RAI

Gangtok: “Sikkim is a biodiversity hotspot hosting over 26 percent of the nation’s biodiversity. Within a distance of 114 km, we find all five climate zones, from Tropical to Alpine, where diverse shades of flora and fauna coexist amid quiet splendor and brilliance radiated by nature. We have taken extra care to conserve our environment and ecology while undertaking development works”. This was said by Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling in his address after inaugurating Sikkim Science Centre at Marchak, Ranipool, Gangtok, on February 22.

He said, “Over the decades, we initiated many innovative environmental conservation measures, including the ban of the use of non-biodegradable materials like plastic and poly bags in the State, ban on the felling of green trees, ban on grazing, the institution of Smriti Ban concept so on and so forth. All the conservation measures are being further consolidated in recent years by initiating the Green Mission spread across the State”.

He further said,” Given the massive concentration of natural resources and the need for protecting its sanctity, more scientific studies and exploration is necessary to sustain human survival in this part of the country. Therefore, you can appreciate that scientific outlook and scientific measures should contribute towards identification, protection and promotion of environmental wealth found in our Himalayas, in the mountain, glaciers, flora and fauna, medicinal plants, among others.”Mentioning the unique features of the Science Centre, he said, “I am happy to know that the Centre has a thematic gallery with interactive exhibits, including an outdoor science park, among others.” He spoke of the State government’s initiative to familiarize school students with science and technology. “This Centre will be our prized possession to disseminate and encourage scientific thoughts and rational thinking among our people, especially our school children,” he said.

Chief Minister thanked the National Council of Science Museum and Birla Institute of Technological Museum, Kolkata, “for their patronage, support and assistance to the e4stablishment of this Science Centre”. In his address, Dr Jayanta Sthanapati, Director, BITM, spoke of the “voyage of science museum in the country. The country's first museum was established in 1959 with the initiative of the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, he said. Mr. SB Subedi, Minister for the Science and Technology Department, and Mr. ML Arrawati, Secretary to the State Council of Science and Technology, also addressed the gathering. The Science Centre is located at Marchak, about 15 km from Gangtok towards Siliguri.