The Sikkim State Civil Service Officers’ Association (SSCSOA) launched a plantation drive under the Connect Earth–Sikkim initiative to revive barren land at Samsing, Pakyong. The drive involved planting avocado saplings, nakima plants (Tupistra nutans), and finger millets on land allocated by the Government of Sikkim.
The event was coordinated by Additional District Collector (Development), Pakyong, Robin Pd Sewa, who also serves as Chief Coordinator of the Connect Earth–Sikkim Mission. Endorsed by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, the mission aims to promote sustainable agriculture, rejuvenate unused land, and foster community participation in environmental conservation.
The programme saw participation from key officials including Secretary of the Department of Personnel Rinzing Chewang Bhutia as Chief Guest, Secretary of Rural Development Department and SSCSOA President Dushyant Pariyar, Secretary of Information and Public Relations Annapurna Alley, Secretary of Mines and Geology Dicky Yangzom, Secretary of Labour Bhim Bdr Thatal, Secretary of State Election Commission Kesang D Rechung, and Secretary of SSERC Bimal Kr Rai. Officials from various Pakyong offices and Panchayat representatives were also present.
In his address, Secretary Rinzing Chewang Bhutia congratulated SSCSOA and encouraged youth to bring forward innovative ideas in government sectors. He emphasized maximizing land use for modern, diversified agriculture aligned with market demands to strengthen the state economy.
SSCSOA President Dushyant Pariyar highlighted the continuation of the mission to convert barren lands into productive agricultural areas and praised the cooperation among departments for sustainable development.
ADC Robin Pd Sewa expressed gratitude for the officers’ involvement and underlined the mission’s broader goals, including improving public health, promoting organic farming at the household level, and enhancing tourism. He urged spreading awareness so indigenous communities can sustain the initiative.
During the event, SSCSOA handed over sickles and spades (kaatas) as a symbol of support to the mission.
