For his commitment to the environment and sustainable development, Pawan Kumar Chamling, the chief minister of Sikkim, was recently honoured by the Centre for Science and Environment ( cse ), New Delhi. A survey conducted by cse of 237 environmentalists from all over India adjudged Chamling as the greenest chief minister in India.

Speaking at a function, Chamling said that he was planning to bring out a comprehensive state environment policy. The time has come for all of us to spearhead a model of development, one that is environment-centric, he said.

The chief minister expressed concern over environmental changes in his state. "The Zemu glacier has depleted in size by more than three to four kilometres, the water in the Teesta river is flowing at an all-time low,' he said. "We have had the warmest winter in living memory. These are all indications that things are going wrong,' he added. "Sikkim has already started environment and pollution monitoring and soil conservation,' he said. "We want to keep development in check so that the unique biodiversity of Sikkim is not threatened.'

The government has already banned the use of plastic and polythene bags and has stopped the construction of Rathang Chu Hydro electric project to protect the biodiversity in that area.