GANGTOK : Sikkim on Wednesday kicked off its annual environmental festival, as officials emphasised on collective action to protect the state’s rich natural heritage and tackle the growing challenges of climate change.

The fortnight-long ‘Sikkim Paryavaran Parva 2026’ was inaugurated at Chintan Bhawan here by Forest and Environment Minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha in the presence of senior officials, students, environmentalists and representatives from various organisations.

Addressing the inaugural programme, Lepcha stressed that environmental conservation must become a people’s movement, with every citizen taking responsibility for safeguarding forests, water sources and biodiversity.

“Sikkim’s greatest strength is its pristine environment. Protecting it is not only the responsibility of the government, but of every individual. Through ‘Paryavaran Parva’, we aim to inspire citizens, especially the younger generation, to become champions of sustainable living and environmental stewardship,” he said.

The inaugural session featured the launch of a series of awareness campaigns, exhibitions, sporting and educational activities that will be conducted across the state over the next two weeks.

The Forest and Environment Department said the annual festival is aimed at fostering greater public involvement in protecting Sikkim’s ecosystem, while reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience. (Source: PTI)