Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Tuesday launched "Mission: Million Oak Trees by 2047", a statewide ecological restoration programme aimed at reviving Himalayan oak forests to strengthen water security, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Marking the launch, the Chief Minister ceremonially planted the first oak sapling, released the Oak Forest Restoration Manual, and inaugurated the "Connect to Forest" toll-free helpline (1926). The helpline will enable citizens to report forest-related grievances, human-wildlife conflicts, hazardous trees, and access services provided by the Forest Department.
Later, Tamang inaugurated the Sikkim Forest Training Institute at Bulbuley, established under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said Sikkim has 47.33 per cent forest cover, with nearly half of its geographical area under forest administration and 33.77 per cent designated as protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries.
He stressed the need to preserve and expand the state's green cover while maintaining a balance between environmental conservation and strategic infrastructure development.
