SIKKIM: Environmentalist praises CM for his “farsighted” policies

FROM SIKKIM REPORTER

Gangtok: Mr. Sunderlal Bahuguna, a noted environmentalist and Chipko Movement leader called on the Chief Minister, Dr. Pawan Chamling at his official Mintokgang residence Thursday, November 12 evening. He was accompanied by his wife, son and former MLA, Mr. Kishore Upadhaya along with the State Forest Secretary and Secretary, Science and Technology, Government of Sikkim.

Mr. Bhauguna told the Chief Minister that he has been working for preservation of forests in the Himalayas since 1970s, and since then he has been striving to save the world from environmental degradation. He further informed that he is here in the state with an international agenda to seek cooperation of all the Himalayan States in the country especially the North Eastern States to join the movement in protecting and safeguarding the environment in the Himalayan region. He added that the Himalayas are the main source of water which feed the rivers which flow down to the plains. Mr. Bahuguna appreciated the remarkable policy decisions adopted by the Sikkim Government under the dynamic leadership of the Chief Minister as far as environmental issues are concerned. He complemented the Chief Minister for his sincere and far sighted endeavour for the cause of environmental protection and requested Dr. Chamling to be the torch bearer in this mission. While commending the efforts and sacrifices made by Mr. Bahuguna for the cause of environment, the Chief Minister assured him all possible support and cooperation for this noble cause. Expressing his happiness that Mr. Bahuguna had chosen to visit Sikkim, Chief Minister highlighted the measures adopted by his government for environmental conservation like ban on grazing, free distribution of LPG cylinder in the rural areas, Smriti Van, ten minutes to earth programme etc. He further said that the Sikkimese people have always worshiped the nature and since time immemorial learnt to live in harmony with nature.

He also apprised Mr. Bahuguna of the committee constituted to study the glaciers in the State, besides other programmes like the Harit Kranti Diwas, Green Mission, eco-friendly tourism etc. (With IPR input)