1st Glacier & Climate Change Commission
Meeting
Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok
January 17, 2008
Inaugural address of Hon’ble Chief Minister of
Sikkim
Hon’ble Members of Sikkim Legislative Assembly,
Respected Prof. Hasnain ji, Prof. Lama, Shri Pradhan, Dr. Kulkarni,
Dr. Sah, Dr. Patwary, esteemed representatives of the NGOs,
representatives of different power developers located in Sikkim,
Chief Secretary and other government officials, members of media
fraternity, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen
I am delighted to participate in this very first
Glacier and Climate Change Commission Meeting being attended by
eminent glaciologists, scientists and academicians from across the
Country. As people living in this Himalayan heights and who
intermingle and interact with the sublime Nature on a daily basis,
we the Sikkimese people, have observed the growing impact of
global warming as manifested in erratic climatic behaviour,
irregularity in the food chain system, unseasonal river floodings,
landslides etc. With a sense of heightened urgency, we have been
called upon to think clear and act tough on issues of safeguarding
environmental sanctity in this region and generate abounding
global commitment towards effective measures to contain global
warming.
Sikkim which accounts for only 0.5 percent of total
geographical area of the Country with little over five and a half
lakhs population has always remained the custodian of Himalayan
eco-system. We provide environmental security to the entire
eastern Himalayan region of the Country. Today, as we sit here to
address the global concern of climate change, let me welcome and
congratulate eminent glaciologists, scientists and other experts
of the Country for joining hands with the Sikkimese people towards
finding some durable mechanism to address this global concern.
Respected participants,
Today, Humanity is facing its biggest challenge from climate
change, resulting from global warming. Leaders from wide
spectrums of human spheres have turned their spotlight on this man
made disaster which has exposed human survival to great risk.
Conferences are held around the world on “how to keep the Earth
cool.” The world at large has well appreciated the need to evolve
global consensus on measures to tackle global disaster looming
large to engulf the world. We appreciate that the Nobel Peace
Prize for 2007 was jointly shared by Mr. Al Gore, former Vice
President of USA and Dr. Rajendra Pachauri representing the Inter
Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as its Head “for their
efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about
man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the
measures that are needed to counteract such change"
This has considerably shifted world focus on
global warming to know that the issue requires real time
intervention if we are to save humanity at all.
The
report of Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change, 2007
regarding global warming and glacial melting has raised serious
concern in matters that directly affect our State. The State
Government is ever responsive to the pattern of receding glaciers
and recurring phenomenon of glacial lake outburst flood that have
been recorded in the entire Himalayan region.
Considering the disastrous effect on global warming
and glacial melting we have also communicated to Dr. Man Mohan
Singh, Hon’ble Prime Minister on 7th August, 2007 expressing the
State Government’s keenness to be associated with the working of
the high level advisory group on climate change known as Prime
Minister’s Council on Climate Change constituted by the Union
Government. This is because Sikkim Himalayas are coming under
pressure from the effects of the activities taking place outside
the State leading to adverse snow fall volumes and other similar
negative effects.
Sikkim as a Himalayan State hosts over twenty six
percent of the Country’s biodiversity. Nature has blessed us with
rich biodiversity, exquisite species of flora and fauna. A quick
look at our nature statistics can excite our minds and elevate our
sense. For example, within the boundary of the State, we have a
total of 150 species of mammals, 552 species of birds, 690 species
of butterflies, 424 types of medicinal plants, over 500 types of
orchids, 28 mountain peaks, 104 rivers and streams. Further, our
state is perhaps the only geographical location where within a
distance of over 114 kms, one finds five opulent climatic zones.
These climatic zones namely tropical, sub-tropical, temperate,
sub-alpine and alpine are placed within the altitudinal range of
300 meters to 8,598 meters. This includes the valleys, hills, fast
flowing rivers, still lakes and Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third
highest peak in the world.
You can well appreciate that with such a range of
natural wealth, Sikkim can ill afford to act casually on such a
crucial issue. Climate change can have serious impacts on mountain
biodiversity as it causes the retreat and sometimes disappearance
of alpine species that become trapped on mountain summits.
Mountain regions are also already under stress from various human
activities in the world reducing their natural resilience to
climate change. Moreover, the shrinking of the snow, mountains or
in glaciers may modify the water-holding capacities of mountains,
thus affecting downstream ecosystems. The change in hydrological
cycle may affect river runoff, accelerate water-related hazards,
and affect agriculture, vegetation, forests, biodiversity and
health. On the other hand, mountain ecosystems have a significant
role in biospheric carbon storage and carbon sequestration.
Mountain ecosystem services such as water purification and climate
regulation extend beyond geographic boundaries and affect all
continents.
In the context of Sikkim, we were able to address
issues of climate variables only after 1995 on a more conscious
and focused manner. Debates on issues of environmental
conservation and human exploitation were yet to be seriously
pursued and discussed by government machinery, civil society
members and people at large. I am happy to record here that
immediately after we formed the Government, we declared the year
1995-96 as the “Harit Kranti Varsh” and the year 2000-2010 as the
Harit Kranti Dashak” generating massive response from all sections
of people. As we go on to unfold the future course of action, I
would like to dwell upon briefly on what many steps we have
initiated so far to preserve and regenerate our ecology.
1.
In 1995, we banned the Green felling in forests &
no clear felling, only dead, dying and diseased trees allowed to
be removed for bona fide use;
2.
We made it mandatory the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA), Environment Management Plan (EMP) and Catchment
Area Treatment (CAT) Plan for all Hydro-Electric Projects (HEP) &
Other Projects as well;
3.
Abandoned and closed the Rathang Chhu Hydro
Electric Project in West. We also were able to close the
Firing Range “G” in North Sikkim;
4.
To preserve the Heritage and fragile ecology, we
have banned scaling of sacred peaks, caves, rocks, lakes and
important peaks including
Mt.
Khangchendzonga (8598m) for mountaineering expeditions. We have
undertaken conservation of unique terrestrial & aquatic eco-system
of wetlands/lakes by prohibiting commercial activities.
5.
Through a legislation we banned the use of
non-biodegradable materials like plastic, poly-bags,
bio-medical/chemical waste in 1997
6.
Integrated Watershed Development Program (IWDP) for
Non-forest areas through the Zilla Parishad with more emphasis on
fuel wood and fodder plantation to reduce pressure on natural
forests and to enhance the productivity of land;
7.
In 1998 imposed ban on Grazing in reserved forest
areas, plantation areas and water sources areas; fodder collection
allowed only on sustainable basis;
8.
In the year 1998 the State award “Rajya Van
Samrakshan Evam Paryavaran Puraskar” was constituted;
9.
On
5th
June 1999 launched “Smriti Van” program “A People’s Programme” to
bring people close to the nature and this programme has been taken
up in the 164 Panchayats Units in the State.
10.
In 2000 imposed ban on lopping of Dhupi tree (Cryptomeria
japonica) and collection of Nagbeli & Mosses;
11.
In 2000 directed all the Government Department &
Institutions to keep all compounds green & pollution free. No land
to be left fallow or barren;
12.
In 2000 all agencies in the State were directed to
use the alternatives of wood in construction to conserve the
forests & ecology;
13.
The State Government passed and announced a
Comprehensive State Policy on
Forest, Environment and Land Use 2000 based on the basic principle
of conservation and sustainability;
14.
Introduced the Compulsory Environment Education for
schools in 2000;
15.
Banned smoking & Pan Parag in 2001;
16.
State Biodiversity Park at Tendong, first of its kind was created
in 2001;
17.
To protect Patenting and Intellectual Property
Rights (IPRs) a State Level Apex Committee has been constituted in
2001;
18.
Sikkim Vision Document and first Sikkim Human
development Report were published in 2001. Both these document
substantively dealt with environmental issues.
19.
A State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB) was
established in June 2002 for conservation and development of
medicinal plants sector. Many
Herbal Gardens created in various representative areas along with
creation of mass awareness for cultivation. A JARI BUTI KOSH has
also been created. A Sanjeevani Herbal Garden (about 50 ha area)
has been planned at Hanuman Tok, near Gangtok. There are
restriction for commercial exploitation of medicinal plants from
the wild areas;
20.
To avoid the Land slides/slips/erosion of areas,
treatments and reclamation has been made an integrated part of
project planning;
21.
Mass Afforestation under water source development
program is being pursued vigorously on a regular basis;
22.
For Tourism Development “Tourism Master Plan” was
developed on the committed principle of Eco-tourism and Nature
tourism with strict measures;
23.
In Urban and Semi-Urban areas the concept of Urban
Forestry, Eco-cities & Eco-village developed which is under
implementation.
24.
Only eco-friendly, pollution free and green
industries would be encouraged;
25.
Organic State – no use of chemicals, pesticides & insecticides
etc. and only the use of bio-manure shall be encouraged; We plan
to be a total organic state by 2015.
26.
70 % of the State budget outlay has been earmarked
and shall be used for the integrated development of rural areas;
27.
The concept of “Model
Village” implemented in each constituency;
28.
To reduce the dependence of villages on firewood
and forests, Free LPG connection for people below poverty line and
economically weaker section of society are being provided since
15th August 2002;
29.
Constitution of High Level Task Force (Environment
Commission) for Environment and Natural Resources;
30.
In the budget of 2003 I announced the setting up of
“Hariyo Pariyo Kosh”, a green fund for the schools. Under this
school children contributed one Rupee every year with a matching
grant from Government to undertake environmental awareness and
conservation programmes.
31.
Sikkim Ecology Fund and Environment Cess Act, 2005
and the Sikkim Ecology Fund & Environment Cess Rules, 2007
enforced from
1st
April 2007;
32.
Sikkim Green Mission was launched in 2006 primarily
to integrate the People with Nature & Invoke Mass Support for the
cause. All road projects to have green/plantation components. 2%
budget of SPWD (R&B) and RMDD and 1% of all other Departments have
been earmarked for the Green Mission;
33.
Sikkim State Biodiversity Board constituted in 2006
and Sikkim State Biological Diversity Rules 2006 formulated;
34.
Green Roads: All the Road construction agencies
have been directed that the construction of road and their
stabilization works along with plantation must go together;
35.
Eco-Club, Green Funds created in a number of
schools & colleges;
36.
Gangtok-MG Marg has been declared as a “Litter and
Spit Free Zone” to minimize the pollution. Beautification work
underway and the whole stretch of the Marg will be made vehicle
free round the clock;
37.
Ban on killing of wildlife and aquatic animals has
been imposed by the Government;
38.
The Regeneration and
Plantation of near threatened and endangered species shall be
taken up on priority. Dedicated budget provision has been made
under the Panchayati Raj to sensitize all people at the grass root
level and to maintain list of plants and herbs found in their
areas for conservation.
The
efforts made by our Government have been well appreciated by
different organisations for adopting various environmental
friendly programmes. In recognition to our efforts, Centre for
Science & Environment, New Delhi, in the year 1999 voted me as the
‘Greenest Chief Minister of
India’
based on a rigorous nationwide poll. Being the
greenest Chief Minister of the country, I have been bestowed with
sacred responsibility to act in a mature and responsible manner
and also lead the nation on environment related public policy
formulations.
We know that global warming is the biggest and most
difficult issue which we are facing today. Therefore, we will
have to change our ways and switch to a non-carbon path which
requires a multidisciplinary and holistic approach with proper
combination of science and the society. This means going green
without sacrificing growth and prosperity. The civil society needs
to create awareness among people and prepare them for change. If
people are prepared and aware, change will come dramatically. The
consuming class has to change its lifestyle to consume less. In
some cases, viable alternative livelihoods must be presented to
the people.
The Sikkim Government has not only made steady
progress to improve the people’s standard of living by providing
quality health, education etc but has always been a staunch
supporter of environmental conservation and sustainable management
of natural resources for the general well being of the people of
the State.
Sikkim has large number of glaciers and they are
acting as natural reservoirs for supply of water to major river
systems of the State. As per the study carried out by Department
of Science & Technology in the State, Sikkim has 84 glaciers
covering an area of 440 sq km. The total extent of permanent
snowfields was measured as 251 sq.km. This makes total extent of
an area under glaciers and permanent snowfields as 691 sq.km.
Most of the glaciers have an area of less than 5 sq.km. There are
only two glaciers having an area of more than 20 sq.km. The total
glacial and permanent snow cover-stored water is estimated at
145.05 cubic km. These are the preliminary studies. Much more
studies are required keeping in light of the present climate
change scenario.
The world’s forests are a key storehouse of carbon
which contains roughly 60 % of the carbon stored on the Earth.
Deforestation releases this carbon into the atmosphere, adding to
emissions. According to estimates, Deforestation accounts for
nearly 20 % of global greenhouse emissions. The Government of
Sikkim, in the year 2006, has launched a unique and innovative
programme called ‘State Green Mission’ with a view to raising
avenue plantation along the roads. This also beautifies
institutional areas and religious places by planting trees and
ornamental flowers. This also covers all vacant and wastelands
including private lands. The greening drive has been
comprehensive taking every member of the society into confidence
and every element of nature in the overall campaign. This
programme is also expected to generate awareness on environment
and forests and bring a sense of participation and ownership among
the people. At the backdrop of environmental degradation, it is
imperative that we plant more trees to absorb carbon dioxide and
ensure that existing forests are preserved and regenerated. This
is the message to all that charity must begin at home.
Forest is one of the richest natural resources of
Sikkim and more than 46 % of the geographical area is under forest
cover with a per capita forest cover of 0.61 hectare against the
national average of 0.08 hectare. The many environmental
initiatives over the years have resulted in an increase of the
forest cover by 2 % from 43.95 percent in 1993-94 to 45.97 percent
in 2005-06.
According to a study conducted in Western
Himalayas, an average value of 1,150 dollars (Rs 46,000) per ha
per year is estimated for the ecological services provided by the
forests. By the same token, forests of Sikkim would render a
service of value approximately Rs 1500 crores per year. Having
taken adequate steps to protect and conserve the forests, it is
now felt that there is a need to evaluate and quantify the
services rendered by our forest ecosystem.
Therefore the value of forest should be recognised,
reflected in the economic planning and adequately compensated
under the Clean Development Mechanism. Many of you are aware about
the importance the world community is placing on Clean Development
Mechanism also known as CDM. This is in the context of the large
scale emissions of carbon dioxide and its adverse impact on the
global warming process. For instance, out of the total world CO2
emissions of 27 billion tonnes in 2004, US accounted for 5.9
billion tonnes (per capita 23.6 tonnes), China 4.7 (per capita 4.7
tonnes), Russia 1.7 (per capita 10 tonnes), Japan 1.3 (per capita
13 tonnes) and India 1.1 billion tonnes (per capita 1 tonnes).
If we examine the details of the very recent Bali
Declaration on climate change, you will find that the countries in
the developed world who are responsible for such large scale
emissions are finding it very difficult to drastically cut down
the CO2 emissions. Their fear is that such a cut down in
industrial and energy related activities may affect their growth
and development process in a big way. What they are saying is that
instead of them reducing CO2 they will encourage the developing
countries like ours to reduce the CO2 emissions or prevent CO2
emissions. And whatever is the cost involved in it in terms of
development losses they are willing to extend the equivalent
financial support. This is also known as carbon trading.
For
us in Sikkim the issue of carbon trading is very vital as we are
the one who have been practicing clean development mechanism.
Instead of thermal power plants based on coal or oil we are
producing power through hydel sources. In order to reduce the
overall carbon dioxide emission in the country, we have to
increase the contribution of hydel power. Sikkim is trying to
contribute significantly by adding hydel power generation to the
tune of 8,000 MW in a phased manner after taking all environmental
safeguards. This will be a big contribution to the nation in
overall carbon dioxide budgeting.
This means we are preventing the CO2 emission in a
big way. And whatever industries we have they do not add to the
global warming process in any way. So, we should be encouraged to
consolidate the practice of clean development mechanism. This
means our efforts should be supported. In fact, the basic concept
of Clean Development Mechanism is an integral part of our
development strategy and is already followed in the State. Now we
are seriously thinking to carry out assessment of the entire
‘carbon credit’ that we have earned in the process and put the
entire clean development mechanism we follow in the basket of
carbon trading. This will bring us fame, resources and
technology. I am personally very keen to undertake this venture.
I would therefore, appeal to very distinguished members of this
Commission, the concerned officials, civil society groups and
experts to examine this matter urgently and with utmost
seriousness.
Let me also mention that by raising the issue of
the melting Himalayas in a very important forum like this, I am
also highlighting the fact that the critical responsibility of
tackling this question of global warming and its adverse impact on
glaciology lies with the developed market economies. These
economies have been the major sources of emitting gases and other
elements that inject global warming. Our State has done very
little in terms of damaging the mountain ecology. At the same
time, we can also do very little to save the mountain ecology.
Because the forces that adversely impinge upon mountain ecology
are extraneous to us and to a large extent global in nature. These
are all external shocks which we are forced to absorb.
What I want to clearly state is the fact that
glacial erosion and melting is a local problem as it affects us
more seriously and acutely than anyone else. But this local
problem requires a global solution. Countries and people who are
responsible for it must come to our aid and assist us in fighting
and tackling this disastrous phenomenon of melting Himalayas. This
is where the question of global governance also comes in more
prominently.
In all these I find weather forecasting to be very
crucial. We really lack in an accurate and institutionalised
weather forecasting system. This has led to disastrous
consequences. Look at countries like USA and Japan. They are so
advanced in weather forecasting. They do it month to month, week
to week, day to day, hour to hour and minute to minute. I was
amazed to see that they have even a ‘bus stop weather’ forecasting
system warning school going children and their parents about snow
fall, rains, storms and heat. In a disaster prone region like
Sikkim, we need the most modern system of weather forecasting. To
strengthen the weather forecast database, we are already pursuing
with the Ministry of Earth Sciences for setting up of a network of
automatic weather stations and snow gauges. We are also taking up
a programme of setting up of village resource centres in the newly
constructed Block Development Offices. The automatic weather
stations will also be installed in each of the Block
Administrative Centres with the help of Department of Space,
Government of India.
We should identify and prioritise the areas which
are more susceptible to climate change hazards. Identification
of the newly formed lakes in the past 30-40 years in the glacier
areas should also be carried out. Monitoring the lakes in the
glacier areas which are expanding in size should also be initiated
on priority. Defence forces, Border Road Organisation and ITBP
located in these areas can play a pivotal role in these aspects.
There is a very urgent need for developing a warning system and
action plan for identification of moraine dammed glacial lakes
which are potentially dangerous for outburst and flooding.
Like in the other parts of the globe, wetlands are
the primary carbon sequestration mechanism. Draining and drying
water bodies can release significant amounts of carbon dioxide and
methane. Therefore the State Government has taken necessary and
adequate actions to protect and avoid degradation of these
wetlands through people’s participation. In order to protect and
conserve unique aquatic ecosystems, innovative steps have already
been taken by the State Government by establishing the innovative
‘Pokhari Sangrakshan Samitis’ or ‘lake conservation
committees’. These committees need to be strengthened by way of
capacity building and empowering and allowing them for collection
of fees in lieu of providing various services to the
tourists. They should be the key stakeholders in the preparation
of management plans for protection and conservation of important
wetlands of Sikkim. Apart from climate change, this is essential
because most of the tourists flow in our State is lakes centric.
The development in alpine areas in terms of road
construction and other activities should adequately take care to
protect these lakes. The concept of green roads should be
introduced and there should not be any muck disposal on the
downhill side of the roads. This will greatly help in preventing
siltation of alpine lakes.
The United Nation Development Project (UNDP) is
planning to organize a National Climate Change Training Workshop
in India as a follow up of such training in Bangkok. The State
Government is also pursuing with UNDP to conduct the same in the
State of Sikkim.
The Government has initiated awareness programmes
against burning of leaf litter, garbages, agricultural wastes etc
in the open in order to keep the State clean and reduce air
pollution. We have also taken positive steps for discouraging the
use of non biodegradable materials by imposing ‘environmental
cess’ on various non bio-degradable materials.
We are also toying with the idea of making
eco-labelling of various hotels mandatory. This is primarily for
promoting the use of energy efficient devices compact fluorescent
lights (CFLs) and solar water heaters and proper management of
solid wastes. Similarly we are also designing a long term plan for
regulating the transportation sector mainly with a view to
de-crowding the urban settlements and checking air pollutions.
Further, we are soon making it mandatory to keep three dustbins in
each of the household for keeping (a) degradable materials; (b)
non-degradable materials and (c) hard metals like irons and
bottles in three separate dustbins.
Climate change may have serious impacts on the
production of many of our agricultural and horticultural crop
species. There may also be migration of species from lower
altitude to high altitude. When I was touring European countries
in March 2006, I was amazed to find that the spring season was
delayed there by full one month. The stark example was the late
flowering of Tulips in Holland. The gardeners in the famous
KEUKENHOF LISSE Garden spread over 32 hectares where 7 million
Bulbs are planted by hand by 30 Gardeners in a period of three
months, had not even started their business in the end of March
also..
We
are worried in Sikkim as we have seen warm winters, very short
springs and long spell of rainy season. Unseasonal rainfall,
rising temperatures, increased flooding, landslides and rock
avalanches from destabilized slopes are already being experienced
in the state. The torrential rains and unusually prolonged
monsoon in Sikkim in 2007 caused extensive damage due to
occurrence of landslides. This was definitely not the case when I
was young. My parents do tell me about how they looked forward to
and celebrated the incoming of “Vasanta Ritu”, the most
magnificent and invigorating of all the seasons.
Therefore, there is a need for conducting extensive
studies regarding the nature, direction and impacts of climate
change. I personally feel that these studies should be done in
holistic manner as I feel the phenomenon of climate change every
one and everything both living and non-living. It is imperative
that the state builds a knowledge database on the climate change
so that it can prepare itself for reducing the impacts and
adapting to the forecasted changes. More and more research studies
should be initiated in the fields of biodiversity, farming
livelihoods, animal husbandry, health, tourism etc vis-à-vis
impact of climate change.
It is precisely because of the gigantic challenges
and very imminent dangers that we face today, our Government in
Sikkim has, on its own initiative, constituted a Commission to
study the state of Glaciers and its impact on water system in
Sikkim under the Chairmanship of Prof. S.I. Hasnain, Senior
Fellow, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi who is personally
present with us today. The Commission will review the current
status of Glaciers & Snowmelt and potential impact of climate
change on mountain eco-system. It would also suggest measures for
modern scientific and technological interventions and actions
required on human resources generation, training and management
that would cater to glaciology and related environmental
management.
Let me also state that Sikkim is the first State
and the only State that has taken such an initiative. I am very
proud to be actively involved along with famous glaciologists like
Prof. Hasnain and his distinguished team to undertake this
campaign and part of the global initiative. Like many other world
famous campaigns which started at a very local and modest manner
like Gandhiji’s historic salt march, let this campaign also take
regional, national and global shape and dimension. The commitment
of the people of Sikkim in this regard is insurmountable.
Sikkim is a mini theatre which in a way displays
how climate change triggered by non-natural forces at the global
level could bring disastrous natural calamities. Sikkim is also a
living example of how despite limited resources, poor
technological base and narrow space for political manouverings,
one single Sikkimese community could do so much to check the
process of global warming and fight the agents of global warming.
Keeping in view the importance of glacial studies
and climate change, setting up of full fledged Glacier & Climate
Change Centre in the State will be pursued with the Central
Government. In fact, during the course of discussion at the
National Development Council Meeting in last December, I have
personally requested the Government at the Centre to at least set
up a regional Institute in the North Eastern region, on climate
change and related issues. As a non-polluting State, Sikkim should
be able to take advantage of and shoulder serious responsibility
on the broad consensus that emerged recently at Bali on
establishment of the Adaptation Fund to help developing Countries
to adapt to the vagaries of climate change. We should be able to
take lead in climate change adaptation programs with the help of
Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the fund as above.
I
assure the very distinguished Chairman and members of this
Commission that we will provide all support for smooth functioning
of this Commission. This Commission has the mandate to recommend
policy intervention to the Government. This should also include
providing safeguards and early warning system for the upkeep of
our power projects. I also suggest that all the power developers
should provide resources and fullest professional support to this
Commission.
My Government has declared the year 2008 as the
“Year of Responsibility”. In addition to completing the jobs and
carrying out the duties assigned to all of us, each one of us has
to take the onerous social responsibility of protecting our
“Mother Earth” and take necessary steps for reducing greenhouse
gases. One proverb explains it all,
“Only when the last tree
has died and the last river been poisoned….. will we realize we
cannot eat money”. This is high time that we understand this
everlasting truth to save Nature which feeds us and sustains human
civilization on earth.
I assure that all the recommendations of this
Commission will be considered in all seriousness for
implementation on a targeted mode. The work of this Commission
will be a great service to the people of the State and Nation as a
whole. I, on behalf of the people of Sikkim and all the grieving
humanity, wish all success for a smooth and effective functioning
of this Commission. With these words, I take your kind permission
to formally inaugurate the first meeting of the Glacier and
Climate Change Commission.
Thank you all once again
1st Glacier & Climate Change Commission
Meeting
Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok
January 17, 2008
Address of Hon’ble Minister, Science & Technology
Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr.Pawan Chamling, Ho’ble
Speaker, Advisors, Deputy Speaker, Ministers, Chairpersons, Zilla
Adakshyas, Upa-Adakshyas, Chairman – Glacier Commission Shri
S.I.Hasnain, members of the Commission, Chief Secretary, Principal
Secretaries, Accountant General, Heads of the Department,
distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen..
The State Government has constituted a Commission
to study the Glacier and Climate change. This Commission also
shall make study on its impact on the life supporting system and
also suggest the adaptability measures. This initiative of our
Government, I am sure is the first of its kind in the country.
Under the dynamic leadership of Dr Pawan Chamling, our Government
is committed for all round development in the State.
The term global warming or climate change is not a
local problem. Entire world is being affected by the changes,
however, we feel the action has to be initiated locally to adapt
with the changes.
We are happy that the renowned National
institutions like Department of Space, National Institute of
Hydrology, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Jawahar Lal Nehru
University and Sikkim Central University have agreed to assist us
through this Commission.
Now, the Commission has a major responsibility and
I learnt that the Chairman and members of the Commission have vast
experience in such areas. Hence I am sure the Commission would be
able to come out with a fruitful report by December 2008.
I also urge each organisation of the State
Government, Central Government, army, Border Roads Organisation,
NGOs, civil society, industries and power developers, tours and
travel agent and the community at large to join hands and provide
valuable inputs to the Commission as and when required.
In addition, let me also take an opportunity to
urge each of us to plant trees and protect our forests, which act
as carbon sink. Let us take all the necessary steps in energy
efficient and energy saving devices. Let us prevent the
occurrence of forest fires. Each one of us should take measures
for prevention of environmental pollution.
I wish the Commission a great success.
