Gangtok: A northeastern Indian state has found a new way to protect both the environment and local traditions.
Sikkim’s department of forests, environment and wildlife management encourages people to forge a personal relationship with trees. The department issued last year the Sikkim Forest Tree (Amity and Reverence) Rules 2017 that allows people to form three types of bonds with trees.
An individual can enter a Mitini (sibling) relationship with a tree. Those who want a paternal relationship can adopt a tree as a child. If they want to remember a deceased relative all they have to do is to register a Smriti (remembrance) tree.
To formalize the relationship, people will have to submit forms and appropriate documentation to forest authorities. The tree will be registered under the individual’s name after due verification and scrutiny.
The trees registered may be part of the person’s property or belong to someone else. If it is going to be in someone else’s property, the person has to sign an agreement with the owner after paying some compensation.
In case of a tree growing in a public space, permissions will have to be sought from the concerned government department. Any damage to a registered Mith, adopted or Smriti tree will be treated as a forest offense.
The idea was presented by Pawan Kumar Chamling, often credited to be India’s greenest chief minister, to Thomas Chandy, Sikkim’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
(Source: cntraveller.in)