Gangtok, May 15: Sikkim has been recognised as one of the Best States for Excellence in Implementing the Environment Education Programme (Eco-Club Programme) for 2024–25, alongside Odisha and Goa. The announcement was made during the National Review Meet organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in New Delhi.

Government Senior Secondary School, Rumtek, Sikkim, secured the first position in the newly introduced Best Eco-Club Award. Progress High School, Goa, and Government JHS Shikia, Odisha, were awarded second and third places, respectively.

The awards, comprising a trophy and certificate, were presented by Nameeta Prasad, Joint Secretary, MoEF&CC, to representatives from the Sikkim Forest and Environment Department—Kusum Gurung, Additional Director, and Rajen Pradhan, Senior Programme Officer.

This marks the second consecutive year that Sikkim has received national-level recognition for its effective implementation of the Environment Education Programme, highlighting its consistent efforts in promoting Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) among young learners.

Spearheaded by the ENVIS Cell of the Forest and Environment Department, Sikkim has facilitated over 900 Eco-Clubs across the state. In 2024–25 alone, the programme conducted 12 workshops on alternatives to single-use plastic and solar energy, 35 Nature Camps, and more than 300 community-level LiFE campaigns, impacting over 3,500 students and teachers.

The recognition reinforces Sikkim’s commitment to environmental education and its role in nurturing a generation of environmentally responsible citizens.