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Sikkim has witnessed a growth in forest reserve by four percent in the last two decades

- Sujal Pradhan

The tiny Himalayan State of Sikkim, sandwiched between three international borders, that of China, Bhutan and Nepal, is famous for many things. An organic State, one of the first in the country to achieve that status, Sikkim is a well-known destination attracting tourists from all over the country and the globe. Another achievement that was recently added to its extensive list is the fact that it is the only State in India where forest reserve has risen by four percent; a commendable feat when the rest of the world is struggling with deforestation, climate change and urbanisation.

Although it has to be said that Sikkim could not have reached this level without effort from locals or the government; in fact it is thanks to the unique and effective environment policies of the government that the State has seen a growth in forest cover.

Pro-Nature Policy

During the last 22 years, there have been phenomenal changes in the policies and actions relating to forests, wildlife and environment generally, in Sikkim. ‘These changes, triggered by the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling have produced noticeable results in the State,’ said C S Rao, Additional PCCF, Sikkim Forest Department. The forest cover of Sikkim has increased by about 4 percent in the past two decades and stands at 47.80 percent of the geographical area of the State.