Sikkim at forefront of environmental protection: Governor

On the eve of World Environment Day, Sikkim governor Shriniwas Patil today said the Himalayan state was leading in protecting the environment.
"It is indeed heartening to note that the small state of ours and its people, over the years are in the forefront to the cause of environmental protection and preservation," Patil said in a statement.
The sustained green initiatives and policies taken by the state government over the last two decades, he said transformed Sikkim into a champion state in the country toward this cause.
Patil pointed out that green initiatives such as 'Ten Minutes to Earth' pioneered by the state resulted in massive increase in forest cover.

The regular feature of Sikkim's schools receiving prestigious green awards from national and international platforms over the last five years only reflected the inclusive and sustained campaign with eco-friendly policies of the state government, the Governor added.