The Hindu Business Line : Plan for ‘green forest’ in Sikkim

Action plan
The objectives for having ‘Green Forest’ are towards conservation of water sources, environment, ecology, genetic resources and promotion of ecotourism.
The Forest Department has also been tasked to secure the participation of the people in their work for generating awareness and imparting knowledge to them in scientific planting and plant survival.

Sarikah Atreya

Gangtok, June 15 The Sikkim Chief Minister, Mr Pawan Chamling, has directed the State Forest Department to restore all the lost native tree species to have a 100 per cent ‘Green Forest’ in Sikkim on the lines the world famous ‘Black Forest’ of Germany.

In Germany there is Black Forest which is known for having 100 per cent forest and similarly in Sikkim we should have 100 percent Green Forest, the Chief Minister has directed the State Forest Department in his communiqué passed recently.

The Black Forest is a wooded mountain range in Baden-Württemberg, southwestern Germany and is one of the most picturesque locations in Europe. It is also widely known for its mythological attachments.

Informing about the Chief Minister’s directions, the State Forest Secretary, Mr S.T. Lachungpa, said the Department was planning a management action plan and works have begun according to the directions and suggestions of the Chief Minister.

“We are working out a management action plan where we will involve the people from the grass roots levels and incorporate their suggestions and requirements in the plan,” said the State Forest Secretary.

The Chief Minister has also called for the plantation of fruit bearing and flower bearing trees in the forest areas, road reserve, Guacharan (grazing areas) and sinking areas to improve the general ecology in the State and stressed that incidence of forest fires should be effectively eradicated with strong public-government participation.

The thrust will be on the recovery of the lost forest species and preservation of old heritage trees, said Mr. Lachungpa. “The focus in on original trees which give a well balanced ecology condition and ecology will improve and wild animal species will benefit”, he said.

The objectives for having ‘Green Forest’ are towards conservation of water sources, environment, ecology, genetic resources and promotion of ecotourism.

The Forest Department has also been tasked to secure the participation of the people in their work for generating awareness and imparting knowledge to them in scientific planting and plant survival.

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