You can now officially adopt a tree in Sikkim as a sibling or child

Sikkim is geared up to do its bit for nature conservation and is soon going to start a program wherein people can officially adopt a tree as a child or sibling. Nestled amidst the mighty Himalayas, the state of Sikkim is a paradise for nature lovers and this program comes as a breath of fresh air that will also help in preserving the greenery by promoting bond-building between people and fauna.
The idea was proposed by state Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling to Thomas Chandy, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Sikkim. As per reports, new rules will be created in order to build a personal relationship between man and tree, which will be covered under the Sikkim Forest Tree (Amity & Reverence) Rules 2017 of the Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department.


As per the rules, one can enter a have a Mith/Mit or Mitini relationship with a tree, meaning a sibling. One can also have paternal relationship and adopt it as a child, or if someone wants to dedicate something in memory of any departed soul, they can get a Smriti tree. In order to take a tree home as a relative or child, one will have to go through all the formal adoption process and do full-fledged paper work. The selected tree would be registered under individual’s name only after all the verification and required enquiry are done.

In case the adopted tree’s ownership is being passed on to another person, an agreement will be signed between the owner of the tree and the one who is adopting the tree. The agreement might also involve some kind of monetary compensation to the owner. If the adopted tree is in some public area, the owner will have to seek permissions from the government to become a registered Mith or Mitini.