The Urban Development Department, Government of Sikkim, in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MO HUA), Government of India, is pleased to unveil the “Women for Trees” campaign—a flagship initiative under the AMRUT Mitra programme. This campaign will be officially launched on 21st May 2025 at AMRUT Park, Development Area, Gangtok. The event will be graced by Shri Bhoj Raj Rai, Hon’ble Minister for Urban Development Department, and Shri Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, Hon’ble Advisor to the Department, along with other esteemed dignitaries
Inspired by the Government of India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, this gender-inclusive programme aims to strengthen urban green spaces and build climate resilience by actively engaging Self-Help Groups (SHGs), particularly women, in tree plantation and environmental stewardship.
The implementation of the campaign is being led by teams from AMRUT and DAY-NULM under the Urban Development Department. The initiative will roll out in three distinct phases:
Phase I (21st – 23rd May 2025): SHGs, along with AMRUT and DAY-NULM officials, will conduct site visits, carry out assessments, and develop plans for plantation.
Phase II (5th June – 31st August 2025): Tree planting activities will take place across designated areas such as parks, water bodies, and other public spaces.
Phase III (2025–2026): A digital platform will be used to geotag and monitor the growth and maintenance of the planted trees.
In Gangtok, the selected locations include AMRUT Parks in the Development Area, Arithang, Bojoghari, and Selep Water Tank. Simultaneously, the campaign will be conducted across other urban local bodies including Rangpo, Singtam, Nayabazar-Jorethang, and Mangan Nagar Panchayats.
By integrating environmental sustainability with women’s empowerment, the “Women for Trees” initiative aims to foster a sense of community ownership over urban green infrastructure.
