Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Gangtok: Union Minister of State for MSME and Labour, Shobha Karandlaje, has lauded Sikkim for its successful environmental conservation efforts. During a visit to Smriti Ban in Bulbuley on June 17, she identified the state's flagship Mero Rukh, Mero Santati (My Tree, My Legacy) programme as a model that should be replicated across India.
The Minister made these comments while participating in the nationwide Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, where she planted a sapling to honor mothers. She specifically credited the Sikkim Forest and Environment Department for its innovative approach to afforestation and ecological stewardship.
Launched in 2023, the Mero Rukh, Mero Santati scheme celebrates the birth of a child by planting between 100 and 108 trees. This initiative aims to link child welfare with nature, encouraging long-term environmental responsibility. According to figures shared by the Minister, the program has already seen nearly 10,000 children enrolled, resulting in the planting of over one million trees across the state.
Reflecting on the impact of the scheme, Karandlaje noted, "The initiative beautifully links the growth of children with the growth of trees, fostering environmental responsibility from an early age." She expressed her hope that other states would look to Sikkim's success as a blueprint for their own community-driven conservation projects.
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