Gangtok, May 28: President of India Droupadi Murmu planted a sapling of Rhododendron arboreum, locally known as ‘Lali Gurans’, at the premises of Lok Bhawan in Gangtok on Thursday.

The ceremonial plantation programme was part of the President’s official engagements in Sikkim and aimed at promoting environmental conservation and sustainable living. The initiative also emphasised Sikkim’s ecological heritage and the State’s continued commitment towards preserving the natural environment of the Himalayan region.

Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Secretary-cum-PCCF of the Forest and Environment Department Dr Pradeep Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Governor at Lok Bhawan Jitendra Singh Raje, District Collector of Gangtok Rohan Agwane, officials of Lok Bhawan, Forest and Environment Department personnel, police personnel, senior State Government officials and dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Rhododendron arboreum, known for its crimson-red blossoms, is among the prominent flowering trees of the Himalayan region and holds ecological and cultural significance in Sikkim. The species is widely found across the State and contributes to the biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas.