Gangtok: The Sikkim Government has launched its flagship ecological restoration initiative, Mission: Million Oak Trees by 2047, with the objective of reviving the State’s native Himalayan oak forests to strengthen water security, biodiversity and climate resilience. The programme, aligned with the vision of Viksit Sikkim 2047, was launched by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang during the observance of “A Day for Mother Earth” under Sikkim Paryavaran Parva 2026 at Lagyap Reserve Forest along J.N. Road, where he ceremonially planted the first oak sapling.
The mission aims to plant one million oak trees by 2047 through the restoration of degraded forest landscapes, enhancement of groundwater recharge, strengthening of watersheds and increased carbon sequestration to ensure long-term ecological and water security.
At an event on July 10, Forest Secretary Pradeep Kumar, IFS, said the initiative is an extension of the State Government’s sustained focus on water conservation. “Over the years, we have undertaken extensive spring rejuvenation works and introduced rooftop rainwater harvesting, which I believe was the first initiative of its kind in Sikkim and perhaps in the Northeast. Mission Million is a continuation of that effort, with one of its primary objectives being to improve water availability,” he said.
Explaining the ecological significance of the programme, he said Himalayan oak is an indigenous species that plays a critical role in retaining soil moisture while supporting wildlife and biodiversity. However, natural regeneration of oak forests in Sikkim has remained “almost negligible” because seeds are easily damaged by insects and survival rates in the wild are extremely poor. As mature oak trees continue to disappear, few young trees are naturally replacing them.
Pradeep Kumar said the Forest Department began work on the project nearly three years ago by first developing nursery techniques for raising oak saplings, as no established protocol previously existed. After successfully propagating saplings in nurseries, the department developed plantation methods that ensured successful survival in forest conditions. “Only after we confirmed that oak could be successfully raised in nurseries and planted in forests was the programme formally launched,” he said.
He added that the mission seeks to improve climate resilience across Sikkim’s forests while simultaneously enhancing water conservation. Referring to discussions surrounding the removal of chir pine, he clarified that the thinning exercise and Mission Million are related but distinct initiatives.
“The thinning operation is a highly technical process. Trees are not cut indiscriminately but are removed along the contour in carefully planned stages after receiving approval under the working plan. Wherever oak is ecologically suitable, it will be planted after pine removal. In other areas, appropriate indigenous species will be planted. At the same time, Mission Million is an independent programme under which plantations will also be carried out in areas where no pine thinning is taking place,” he explained.
The Forest Secretary said the Government has already prepared an action plan and completed extensive groundwork to identify suitable plantation sites and climate-adapted indigenous species. Nurseries have already been established in several districts, while a nursery propagation technique for oak has also been successfully developed and documented in a technical booklet released during the launch.
Responding to questions on forest fires, he said pine forests are highly vulnerable because of the resin they contain, which ignites rapidly. However, he cautioned against directly linking the oak mission with forest fire prevention, noting that while fires can occur in oak forests as well, fires in pine forests are generally far more destructive because of the combustible resin.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang described Mission Million Oak Trees as a landmark initiative to strengthen ecological security, biodiversity conservation and long-term water sustainability. He said climate change, deforestation and declining water resources have made environmental conservation a shared responsibility involving government departments, educational institutions, local bodies, NGOs and citizens alike.
The Chief Minister informed that all Sub-Divisional Officers have been directed to utilise vacant government land for plantations and kitchen gardens with the participation of government employees, citing Mangalbaria Sub-Division as a successful model of community-led land restoration. He said Sikkim currently has 47.33 per cent forest cover, while nearly half of the State’s geographical area is under forest administration and 33.77 per cent is notified as protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries. Stressing the need to balance conservation with strategic infrastructure development, he called for scientific monitoring of plantation survival and greater participation by legislators, local bodies and civil society organisations.
Highlighting the Government’s environmental initiatives, the Chief Minister referred to programmes such as Mero Rukh Mero Santati, Mero Bato Mero Bote and Shishu Samriddhi Yojana, besides the declaration of Khecheopalri Lake as a Ramsar Site.
Forest and Environment Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha said the Department’s selective thinning of juniper plantations has been undertaken on the basis of scientific studies indicating their adverse impact on groundwater recharge and native vegetation. He clarified that the exercise is being carried out after obtaining the required approvals from the Government of India.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
The Minister said the cleared areas would be restored with native oak species and noted that Sikkim is home to nearly 12 varieties of oak, all of which have shown encouraging results in nursery trials. He reiterated the Department’s commitment to planting one million oak trees by 2047 to strengthen environmental conservation, improve water security and contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Referring to the Government’s BIPASA Mission, he said water security has been accorded equal importance alongside road and power infrastructure, adding that the large-scale oak plantation programme would play a significant role in rejuvenating the State’s water resources. He appealed to the public to continue supporting forest and biodiversity conservation efforts.
Also Read | Seventeen years: Why are taxpayers financing armed groups in Manipur?