September 11, 2026
Will Sikkim’s eco-restoration drive repeat old mistakes?
Sikkim is replacing dhupi in its reserved forests with ecologically beneficial trees. To avoid another monoculture, it can learn from its own history.
Karthick Sakthivel
Karthick Sakthivel is the co-founder of Uyirmei Mato Foundation, a Section 8 nonprofit based in Sikkim. A permaculture designer and rural development practitioner, he is an SBI Youth for India alumnus. Karthick has worked across the social sector since 2022 with organisations including Gram Vikas, Barefoot College, Gram Association, NEST, and ALT EFF. His work centres on ecological restoration and sustainable living, travel, and environmental practices. He is also a chemical engineer from NIT Trichy.
Areas of expertise
Permaculture, rural development, environmental conservation, sustainability
Currently working at
Uyirmei Mato Foundation, Co-Founder
Articles by Karthick Sakthivel
March 16, 2023
Sikkim’s organic dream and a rude awakening
The Sikkim government banned chemical-based farming and set up local organic markets, but these actions have not benefitted farmers in the state's remote areas.
February 9, 2023
Sikkim has open-defecation-free villages but no water
Government initiatives to fix Sikkim’s water crisis have fallen short, forcing locals to migrate to other states for alternative livelihood opportunities and a better life.
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