Gangtok, 28th July 2022(IPR): Urban Development Department, in Coordination with Gangtok Smart City Development Limited, under the banner of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, organised a Plantation cum Sensitization Programme (AMRUT 2. O) on water resources at Selep Tank, Bulbuley, today.
Smt. Raj Kumari Thapa MLA, Yangyang cum Advisor of Urban Development Department, Government of Sikkim, graced the programme as the chief guest. Also present were M.T. Sherpa, Secretary, Urban Development Department, Shri H.K Chettri, Gangtok Municipal Commissioner, Shri Lakpa Sherpa, Chief Executive Officer, Smart City, officials from PHE department and other departments, officers and staff of Urban Development Department.
Addressing the event, Smt Raj Kumari Thapa, MLA, Yangtang cum Advisor, UDD, applauded the plantation cum Sensitization Programme on AMRUT 2. O of the Urban Development Department. She said that both Environment and water are the basic needs of life. She said she is happy to see the students participating in the programme. She encouraged students to participate in constructive activities, which will be a contributing effort to a good society.
Further, Smt Raj Kumari Thapa said that our water patterns have changed drastically due to climatic changes, affecting water quality and quantity. She asked the students to participate actively and learn about water management and treatment procedures.
Furthermore, she urged students to participate in plantation drives as nature plays an essential role in giving life, sustaining it, and maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.
While concluding her short address, Smt Raj Kumari Thapa said that when such little steps are taken together by the schools and various government departments, it helps in fostering strong mental and social health amongst today’s children so that they connect with peers, their elders, their community and their environment.
Secretary Urban Development Department, Shri M.T Sherpa welcomed all the dignitaries and the students at the event. He said that this Atal Mission For Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2. O is to provide 100% coverage of clean tap water supply 24×7 to all the households. He stated that today’s event brings awareness about the water supply system in the urban sector, water mechanisms, and modalities of how to conserve water. He further stated that AMRUT 2. O is targeted toward access to clean tap water, recycling, and reusing treated water. He added that the mission would help protect freshwater bodies from pollution and make natural resources sustainable.
Earlier, Smt Bandana Rai, Additional Secretary cum Nodal Officer of AMRUT 2. O briefed about the Atal Mission For Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation(AMRUT)2.O.
She said that the mission encompasses the involvement of all groups, from the older to the younger age, and each one of us should be responsible for saving water for the future by rejuvenating water sources.
Students from Deorali Senior Secondary School, Modern Senior Secondary School, West Point School, Palzor Namgyal Girls Senior Secondary School, and Bojhoghari Secondary School, along with their respective teachers, participated in the event.
The students participated in the plantation drive enthusiastically. Around a hundred saplings were planted at the premises of Selep Tank.
Later, the participating students went on a guided tour of the Selep Tank, where an official from PHE briefed them about the water management, conservation, and distribution of water from the Tank to the urban areas.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Smt Bandana Rai, Nodal officer for AMRUT 2. O.
