Forest minister exposes people's failure to back govt's ban on plastics

Gangtok, Feb 11: State forest minister SB Subedi today rued the lack of people's response towards the State government's environment protection policies including the ban on plastic use.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the day long 'National Environment Awareness Campaign-2008-09' held on the theme of 'Climatic Changes' held here at the Forest Secretariat, the forest minister expressed his concern over the widespread use and dumping of plastic products in jhoras and road sides by the people.
"For the protection of environment, the State government has set many policies like ban of plastics in the State. But has the ban really taken place? We see plastics dumped in jhoras and road sides", said Mr. Subedi.
The forest minister put the blame on the people who have not shouldered their responsibility or are not actually aware of the government's policy of the ban on plastics. "People can at least burn the plastics they have used and not dump in jhoras", he said.
Mr. Subedi was equally concerned over the message that will be received by tourists when they see dumping and use of plastics in Sikkim. 'During big forums in Delhi and other parts of the nation, people praise Sikkim for banning plastics. But when they come here, they may find widespread use of plastics here and we must be very serious in implementing this ban', he said.
The forest minister appealed the NGOs in assisting the State government to sensitize the people over the objectives of plastic ban. Around 29 NGOs working in the field of environment protection had participated in today's workshop organized by the State forest department.
"I am very happy to see many NGOs coming forward to spread awareness among the people over environment protection. People actually listen to NGOs rather than politicians. People do not give credit to politicians", said Mr. Subedi.
Continuing his call for social responsibility, Mr. Subedi added that forest fires that have taken recently in the State were due to the carelessness or mischief of the few people.
"The State government is trying its best to prevent forest fires but due to carelessness or plain mischief of the people, forest fires have taken recently in the State", he said.
Highlighting the extensive planting done during the State Green Mission in the past 3 years, the forest minister said that the department is considering to present awards to the best Gram Panchayats in the mission after a proper assessment. He also directed the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) to set up units in bazaar areas with the business community for keeping the bazaar areas clean and hygienic.
"It will also give a good message to the tourists coming to Sikkim. The reputation of Sikkim as a clean State is already there and we must strengthen it", said Mr. Subedi.
While concluding his address, Mr. Subedi strongly expressed his commitment towards environment protection.
"I have received valuable experiences during my five year stint as the forest minister. I have already announced that when I retire from my political life I will dedicate rest of my life towards protection of environment. Serving the people as a forest minister has also given me new enthusiasm to work for environment", said Mr. Subedi.
Earlier in his address, State forest secretary ST Lachungpa appealed the NGOs not to depend only on financial grants but to brand itself by working dedicatedly in their chosen fields. Once an NGO establishes itself then funding will not be a problem, he said.
The forest secretary said that it's the duty of the entire Sikkimese population to protect its Himalayan ecology. If we protect it, we will not only benefit but those living in the plain areas will also benefit, he said.
Highlighting the climatic changes, Mr. Lachungpa said there had been no visible snowfall in the traditional areas of the State which was due to climatic changes.
Later during the workshop, the attending NGOs from all four districts of the State were presented funds for their works done in environment protection fields.