ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES OF SHRI ... - Government of Sikkim and Publications/CM_Env_initiative...

ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES OF SHRI PAWAN CHAMLING

HON’BLE CHIEF MINISTER OF SIKKIM

Released on the occasion of “Ten Minutes to Earth 2012”

Published byFORESTS, ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

EnvironmEntal initiativEs of shri Pawan Chamling2

EnvironmEntal initiativEs of shri Pawan Chamling 3

Shri Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim was adjudged the ‘Greenest’ Chief Minister of India by Delhi-based Centre for

Science and Environment (1999)


Government declared 1995-96 as “Harit Kranti” year for greening Sikkim through people’s participation and also adopted the ten- year period from 2000-2010 as “Harit Kranti Dashak”.

Felling of Trees in Reserve Forests and export of timber outside the State banned. Forest protection, wildlife and environmental conservation in the hills of Sikkim made the prime focus of the Government. Legislations, rules and guidelines were either put in place or revised and amended to make them more stringent. Steps taken to amend Sikkim Forests, Water Courses and Road Reserves (Preservation and Protection) Act, 1988.

19951995

Felling of Trees Banned

Regeneration of broad-leaved Forest


Incentives for eco-friendly, pollution- free and green industries under State Industrial Policy 1996

19961996


Use of non-biodegradable materials like plastics, poly-bags, and bio-medical / chemical wastes banned through legislation.

Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) extended from 850 to 1784 sq. km.

19971997


Age old practice of cattle grazing in Reserve Forests that led to depletion of forest wealth banned in 1998. This ban covered reserved forest areas, plantation areas and water sources. Sikkim government also won the case instituted by graziers against the ban in the High Court of Sikkim.

Cattle sheds (goth) in Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary which have been now removed after the ban on grazing.

The effect of the ban is perceptible in the form of increased natural regeneration of forests and wildlife and improvement in water availability in nearby villages.

Independent survey conducted by a Noida based non-governmental organization ‘Inscription’ found Sikkim to rate the highest in Forest Protection Index among all States of India. This was reported in Down to Earth magazine.

State award “Rajya Van Samrakshan Evam Paryavaran Puraskar” instituted .

Sikkim Forests (Compounding of Offences) Rules, 1998 framed for speedy disposal of forest offences and minimize forest offences.

Sikkim Forest Department Reward Rules, 1998 framed to provide incentive to forest law enforcement officials.

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, West Sikkim notified.

Participatory forest management involving active peoples’ participation through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) introduced.

Subsequent notification issued for Eco-Development Committees (EDCs).

19981998

Cattle sheds (goth) in Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary which have been now removed after the ban on grazing

Regeneration of Rhododendron Grande in BarseyBarsey Rhododendron Sanctuary


Smriti Vans (Memorial Forests) at Bulbuley above Gangtok established to take forestry programmes to people’s level. Smriti Vans now set up at each Panchayat Unit.

Sikkim Transit of Timber and other Forest Produce Rules, 1999 framed to regulate the transit of timber and to curb illegal transportation of timber.

19991999


Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve with area 2619.92 sq. km. declared.

Total wildlife protected area reached 30.77% of total geographical area - one of the highest in the country.

State Forest, Environment and Land Use Policy 2000 formulated and adopted in view of growing concern for protection of forests, environment and wildlife vis-a-vis increased developmental tempo.

Lopping of Dhupi trees (Cryptomeria japonica) and collection of Nagbeli (Lycopodium) and Mosses banned.

Sikkim Forests Cattle Tress Pass Rules, 2000 framed to control grazing.

Eco Clubs and Green fund instituted for Schools and Colleges.

Eco-Club of Government Secondary School, Reshi, West Sikkim

20002000


Sacred peaks, caves, rocks, lakes, ‘chhorten’ & hot springs notified; scaling of important peaks including Mt. Khangchendzonga (8598m) for mountaineering expeditions banned. Conservation of unique terrestrial & aquatic eco-system of wetlands/lakes started by prohibiting commercial activities to preserve the heritage and fragile ecology.

Network of JFMC/EDCs and Watershed Development Committees (WDCs) created.

State Biodiversity Park at Tendong, South Sikkim established.

20012001


Environmental Education introduced in Schools from Nursery to Class-VIII; implemented various action oriented schemes like National Green Corps Programme, National Environment Awareness Campaign, Green School Programme.

The Sikkim Forest (Detection, Enquiry and Disposal of Forest Offences) Rules, 2002 framed for systematic detection and disposal of forest offences.

Abandoned and closed Rathang Chhu HEP in West Sikkim and Firing Range ‘G’ in North.

State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB) set up to concretize action plan on medicinal plants in the State with Hon. Chief Minister as Chairman.

Herbal Gardens created in different Panchayats;

Ban on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to save our fields from environmental pollution. Ban on Vulture killer NSAID Diclofenac through government notification Sikkim became organic.

Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim declared.

Red Panda Ailurus fulgens (State Animal of Sikkim)

20022002

20032003


Eleven Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sikkim identified and recognized by government, the first-of-its-kind in the country.

State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SBSAP) prepared after detailed consultations. Sikkim State Biodiversity Board (SSBB) constituted.

20042004


Green Indicators 2004, a report developed by Noida–based group found the Forest Protection Index of Sikkim to be the highest in the country.

Project on ‘Treatment of Landslides & Erosion Control in West Sikkim launched.

20052005


Sikkim Ecology Fund and Environment Cess Act, 2005 framed; One of the very unique Act providing for levy of cess on industries, traders and consumers for using non-biodegradable materials.

20062006


E-governance strengthening by establishment of ENVIS (Environmental Information System) Centre. Website (www.sikenvis.nic.in) launched to disseminate information on status of environment and related issues.

Regulation of Trekking Rules, 2006 notified.

Constitution of High Level Task Force (Environment Commission).

Kitam Bird Sanctuary, South Sikkim declared.

“State Green Mission”, a unique programme, launched with the view to raise avenue plantation along the roads and beautification of all vacant and waste lands through voluntary involvement of the public. Its objective was to inculcate conservation values among Sikkimese people. The programme still continues with original enthusiasm.

Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Pawan Chamling planting a sapling

State Green Mission launched to integrate people with nature and invoke mass support


Tsomgo Lake, East Sikkim

Wetland Conservation Programme formulated and six wetland complexes included in National Wetland Conservation Programme.

State Environment Agency constituted to coordinate and implement activities relating to environment awareness, education and information in the state.

The Sikkim Private and Other Non-Forest Lands .Tree Felling Rules, 2006 framed to regulate felling of trees.

The Sikkim Forest (Allotment of Areas for Quarrying of Sand and Stone) Rules, 2006 framed to regulate quarrying.

Public Participation in action


Students on a plantation drive

20072007


Sikkim became one of the first States of India to constitute a State Council for Climate Change.

National Bamboo Mission launched.

M.G Marg, Gangtok declared spit free zone.

Sikkim became the first State in the country to constitute a high level team for the study of glaciers and alpine ecosystems.


Shri Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim participated in the Governor’s Global Climate Summit at California on invitation of the California Governor, Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Centre for Development Finance (CDF) at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) ranked SikkimFirst in Natural Resource Management First in performance in Land UseSecond best State in overall

Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI).

Sikkim hosted the International Flower Festival at Saramsa Garden from 14th -16th March.

State of Environment (SoE) Report, the first of its kind in the state prepared and published.

Eco-Tourism Directorate created.Hamro Van media venture on local cable

TV launched for awareness.

Sikkim State awarded Rashtriya Nirmal Gram Puraskar for being the first state in the country to achieve 100 percent sanitation.

Shri Pawan Chamling, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim at the Governor’s Global Climate Summitat California on invitation of the California Governor, Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

20082008


Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Cell opened in the Department of Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management to develop practical methods, guidelines and strategies to apply ecosystem approach in the management of natural forest areas.

Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Government of India and delegates at the inaugural function of the International Flower Show March 2008

State again ranked highest by Centre for Development Finance on ESI ranking in two categories

Reducing pressure on environment.

State’s responses to maintain their environment.

Sikkim Government under the guidance of the Chief Minister of Sikkim launched the “Ten Minutes to Earth” programme on 15th July 2009 with wide public

participation on an unprecedented scale. The event is observed every year on 25th June.

20092009


People from all nooks and corners

of the State Participate in the

Ten Minutes Plantation Drive


Green School Programme (GSP) of Center for Science and Environment (A Delhi Based NGO) in co-ordination with the ENVIS center of the Department launched at the state level in Sikkim in all schools, the first of its kind in the country.

Sling Dong Tinkitam Fairrieanum Conservation Reserve, South Sikkim for the protection of orchid Paphiopedilum fairrieanum and its environment, declared.

Sidkeong Tulku Bird Park at Rabdentse, West Sikkim declared. Rangrang Butterfly Park under creation in North Sikkim.

In order to protect and preserve the very old trees of Sikkim, a concept of identification and declaration of Heritage trees was started with active participation of the local people.

For preparing working plans and forest inventory, sample plots laid throughout the forests. Meetings held in different district headquarters to incorporate views of line departments.

The Reserve forests divided into compartments for the first time for easy and scientific management of forests. GIS based Maps have prepared for Division, Range and Block levels.

Under National Vegetation Carbon Pool assessment sample plots laid in East, West and South Sikkim for assessment of total carbon in Sikkim forests.

Climate Change Cell which will act as a one stop centre for all climate change related issues in the Department notified.


Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Pawan Chamling at the inaugural function of International Conference on Rhododendrons at Saramsa Ranipool, East Sikkim April 2010

International Rhododendron Festival launched;. International Conference on Rhododendrons organized and hosted with eminent Scientists from Germany, Netherlands, Bhutan, Belgium and India.

Declared Rabong Bazar, South Sikkim as Rhododendron arboratum town.

Launching of environment friendly Eco-Highways, Green Roads.

Started collaborative research work on Tree- Ring sample and pollen sample from surface and sub-surface sediments around Zemu glacier in Khanchendzonga National Park & Biosphere Reserve in North Sikkim.

The 13th Finance Commission recommended “Green Bonus” with regard to the need to manage ecology, environment and climate change impacts consistent with sustainable development. 20102010


Remote Sensing and GIS cell in the Working Plan Circle created a huge digital database on various aspects of forestry. The Department intends to use remote sensing and GIS aspects on day to day aspects basis.

Sacred groves of Sikkim along with its vegetation documented for the first time to record the rich biodiversity which the sacred groves of Sikkim harbor.

MOU signed with the Government of Japan through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for providing financial assistance for Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management

Project (SBFP) to be implemented by the Forest Environment and Wildlife Management Department. from year 2010-11. The project aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation activities and forest management capacity and simultaneously improve livelihood of the local people who are dependent on forests and are living in forest fringe areas. The project has a financial outlay of Rs 330.57 Crores and is of 10 years duration.

His Excellency, Shri B. P. Singh, Governor of Sikkim, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling planting saplings of Rhododendron tree in the premises of Ganesh Tok, Gangtok during the Ten Minutes of Earth 25 June 2010


Sikkim State marks increase in forest cover from the year 2005 (45.97%) to 2011 (47.69%) as shown by the satellite based forest cover assessment by Forest Survey of India in spite of sustained demand of forest land for non-forestry purposes.

Chief Minister’s Green School Rolling Trophy and State-Level Green School Award constituted to reward the best performing schools (Top Five Schools) of the state in their environment endeavour.

20112011


Permanent preservation plots laid out for benchmarking biodiversity and ecological observations in various altitudes and bio-geographic zones. This has set the stage for long term monitoring of biodiversity in Sikkim.

Identification of Critical Wildlife Habitat for creating inviolate areas for propagation of Wildlife around protected areas initiated.

Process of rationalization of boundaries of Protected Areas initiated.

Preparation of special management plan initiated for management of unique vegetation types like Rhododendrons.

Collaborative study with Indian Institute of Forest Management on Analyzing Forest Carbon Accounts for Sustainable Policy options with reference to Livelihood Issues’

started under India IISA programme of Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC).

Dossiers for three Wetlands Complexes (Tsomgmo-Bedang Tso Wetland, K h a c h e o dp a l r i - K h a n g c h e n d z on g a -Lhonak,, and TsoLhamo plateau-Lashar-Yumesamdong-Tambao) Submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forest in November, 2011 for registration on the RAMSAR “List of Wetlands of International Importance”.

Proposal for inclusion of Khanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in the World Network of Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO-Man and Biosphere Program submitted to MoEF on 17 August 2011. Loculemo condam ordicipsed cae ret vis? Diu qua re, cia ressici enatium dem qui iactum.


Preservation plot Kitam Regeneration of Rhododendron Grande in Barsey


As per the Environment Sustainability Index ( ESI) for Indian States 2011, launched at IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai by Centre for Development Finance, Institute for Financial Management and Research ( IFMR) on June 14, 2012, Sikkim has figured among the category of most sustainable states of India.

One of the indicators in the framework of ESI is the policy response of the state which basically measures the efforts ( policies, resources and creation of institutions) taken by the state to prevent, mitigate or adapt to changes in the environment. And Sikkim has stood first in policy response in Environmental Conservation among all the 28 states. This effectively now gives an independent third party certificate to green governance which Sikkim government is following.

20122012


To showcase the biodiversity and wildlife of the state at International forum draft proposal for inscription of Khanchendzonga National Park on the World Heritage List of UNESCO sent to MoEF, GoI and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun for review and recommendations for improvement in April 2012. It is likely to be submitted to UNESCO in early next year trough MOEF.

UN International agencies examine these proposal meticulously and once they accept it Sikkim will find more recognition at international platforms.

Sikkim Ecotourism Policy launched to establish Sikkim as an ultimate and unique ecotourism destination offering memorable and high quality learning experiences to visitors, and to contribute to poverty alleviation as well as to promote nature conservation.


POLICY RESPONSE OF THE STATE ‘S EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN AND AMELIORATE ITS ENVIRONMENT

( Ref.- Environmental Sustainability Index for Indian States 2011, Centre for Development Finance, Institute for Financial Management and Research)

ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES OF SHRI ... - Government of Sikkim and Publications/CM_Env_initiative...

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