The Forest Division, Namchi, in the presence of Namchi Zilla Adhakshya Anjita Rajalim, organized a training and awareness program on the Online Marking Order Management System. The event was attended by Zilla Panchayat members, Panchayat Presidents, Panchayats members and Joint Forest Management Committee from across Namchi district.

The newly launched online system is part of the Sikkim Government’s initiative to streamline public services. The portal allows residents to apply for permission to cut trees from private property without the need to visit the Forest Department office physically.

In her address, Zilla Adhakshya Anjita Rajalim highlighted the difficulties people have faced in securing marking orders for trees on their land. She praised the initiative, noting that it brings Forest Department services directly to citizens’ doorsteps.

During the session, several Panchayats raised concerns about the exclusion of the Panchayat NOC (No Objection Certificate) requirement in the online portal.

DFO Territorial Peggyla Venchungpa clarified that Panchayat verification of land documents will still be required, and applications for marking orders will be processed through the Gram Prasashan Kendra (GPK).

She urged Panchayats to prioritize the marking order system in their upcoming Gram Sabhas and suggested forming local volunteer teams to assist with using the portal.

Arpan Subba, Panchayat President of 12-Namphing GPU, expressed his gratitude to the Forest Department for empowering Panchayats and involving them in developmental work. He announced plans to hold awareness programs at the GPK level to further educate the public on the portal’s use.

The online portal, markmytree.nic.in, is now operational. Residents wishing to obtain a marking order for trees on their property can do so online from October 1st to April 30th through their GPKs.