`It's needed for sustainability of nature'

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling on the need for legalising adoption of trees. Edited excerpts

What's the reason behind introducing the Sikkim Forest Trees Rules? People in Sikkim, particularly those in rural areas, have a cultural practice of forging life-long relationships of mith or brotherhood with others who are not their blood relatives. This practice extends to trees. Through the rules, we aim to perpetuate this rich cultural legacy. The notification seeks to encourage public compassion towards trees in particular, and forests in general. Promoting the concept will go a long way in inculcating a deep sense of responsibility and care for nature in people. For your information, a rhododendron tree is my mith, and therefore, I have a friendly relationship with all rhododendron trees. . The rules endow people with the responsibility of protecting a tree. Do they also give them any rights? The term "responsibility" must be redefined in light of the relation. In Sikkim, forging a relation of mith requires an inherent love among the partners. People are expected to extend the same feeling towards trees once they enter into a relation with them. Care and protection then stem from this feeling of love.

Do you think the rules will benefit people?

Conservation of trees in mountain areas will benefit people by

way of ecosystem services. Conserving trees on steep slopes will lead to soil and water conservation, promote soil fertility and thereby organic farming, improve air quality, aid in carbon sequestration, and so on. They are also an important element in tourism. People can collect fruits and flowers from such trees without damaging them. It is part of our bigger mission of boosting sustainability of nature.

So the rules are mainly aimed at protecting Sikkim's rich biodiversity!

Yes. The relation of mith propagates good virtues and thus strengthens the social fabric. So, it is expected that even those who are indifferent towards nature will develop compassion towards trees once they forge ties with them, and through campaigns we will encourage people to adopt the concept. When trees and ecosystems are preserved, flora and fauna will flourish. The ultimate goal is to tell the world about sustainable development. We also have other eco-innovations such as Smriti Van, 10 Minutes to Earth and Tree Adoption. Under 10 Minutes to Earth, tens of thousands of saplings are planted across the state annually. I am delighted to inform you that Sikkim's forest cover has increased by almost 4 per cent—from 44 per cent in 1993 to 48 per cent now. Hope these stories would encourage nature lovers globally.