Aritar plays host to State level World Environment Day celebrations “Sikkimese society still lacks interest in environment conservation”

NIRMAL MANGAR
ARITAR, June 05: The State level World Environment Day was observed today here at the Chungthang Gaddi in East Sikkim with a massive plantation drive by the students and the local people.
Organized by the State Forest, Environment and Wildlife Department in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the programme was attended by the Area MLA KB Chamling as the chief guest along with the presence of the Zilla Adakshya (East) Bimal Diwedi, officials from the concerned department and WWF.
While addressing the gathering, Mr. Chamling, who is also the chief whip of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party, said that the people of Sikkim still lacked interest and sensitivity towards protecting their environment.
The Area MLA also urged the people for more afforestation adding, “Environmental issues are major and crucial issues that need to be addressed by the people all over the world.”
‘The initiative of the State Government in starting the State Green Mission for the first time in the country itself speaks volume about the steps towards biodiversity conservation in this tiny Himalayan State,” he said.
Expressing concern over the extinction of some flora and fauna in the State, the MLA also stressed on the need for the conservation of rare and endangered species and also informed that Pangulakha under Regu constituency was a haven of rare species of herbal and medicinal plants and wild faunas such as the Mithun.
The Conservator of Forest (Land Use), C Lachungpa said, “Global warming has led to massive melting of the glaciers which can possibly invite natural disasters. Students and teachers can also play a pivotal role in imparting the message of environment conservation, he said.
Others to address the gathering were the officials from the State Forest Department, WWF and members of Joint Forest Management Committee.
The day also witnessed the presentation of a mono act play, “to save the trees” by the students of Tashi Namgyal Academy.
A quiz competition on environment was organised, in which Vidya Bharati bagged the first prize while Chujachen Senior Secondary School and Dalapchand Senior Secondary School won the second and third positions respectively.
In the Essay competition for group A, Akash James of St Xavier’s School, Pakyong, Nima Lamhu Sherpa of Gyalshing Senior Secondary School and Sandeep Gurung of Namchi Senior Secondary School became first, second and third respectively.
In Group B Essay competition, the first position was bagged by Amit Kumar Singh of St Xavier’s School, Pakyong, while Misma Subba of Gyalshing SSS and Pema Doma Bhutia of Phodong SSS bagged the second and third prizes.
Mina Sharma of Upper Khamdong Primary School, Gautam Dhobi of Rongli Junior High School and Arpana Rai of Dalapchand Secondary School stood first, second and third in the painting competition.
The prizes were handed over by the chief guest.
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