In a remarkable green initiative, 5,552 families across Sikkim have registered under the ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ campaign to plant 108 trees for every newborn, reinforcing a unique blend of environmental conservation and cultural tradition. Launched by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang in February 2023, the initiative promotes tree plantation as a sacred duty associated with childbirth. The number 108, considered holy in Indian tradition, symbolizes blessings and life.
With monsoon planting season underway, more than 5 lakh saplings are expected to be planted this year. According to the Forest and Environment Department, Namchi leads with 1,200 registrations, followed by Gangtok (1,050), Pakyong (900), Soreng (650), Mangan (400), and Gyalshing (352), reflecting the campaign’s wide reach across rural and urban Sikkim. “This is not just about planting trees; it’s a movement rooted in tradition and social responsibility,” said Pradeep Kumar, Secretary of the department.
The campaign gained international attention at COP28 in Dubai, earning praise from world leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres and PM Narendra Modi.The first week of July will be observed as Santati Saptah, celebrating both new life and new forests across the Himalayan state.