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 nation’s biodiversity. Within a distance of 114 kms, we find all the five climate zones from Tropical to Alpine where diverse shades of flora and fauna coexist amid quiet splendor and brilliance radiated by nature itself. 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 ban of use of non-biodegradable materials like plastic and poly bags in the State, ban on felling of green trees, ban on grazing, 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 huge 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 special 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 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”.
Dr Jayanta Sthanapati, Director, BITM, in his address spoke of the “voyage of science museum in the country.
The first museum of the country was established in 1959 with the initiative of the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru, he said. Mr. SB Subedi, Minister for Science and Technology Department and Mr. ML Arrawati, Secretary to State Council of Science and Technology also addressed the gathering.
The Science Centre is located at Marchak, about 15 kms away from Gangtok towards Siliguri.