Ten Minutes to Earth is a novel, unique and innovative programme conceptualized and initiated by the Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri. Pawan Chamling during 2009 in which the 25th day of June (10.30 AM to 10.40 AM) is observed by every citizen of the State as an annual ritual by dedicating ten minutes of their time in plantation, protection and conservation of the mother earth.
The then Governor of Sikkim, Shri. Balmiki Prasad Singh terming the ‘programme as ‘innovative’, has said - "Ten Minutes to Earth is in the highest traditions of the Indian civilization values. It is a people’s programme where every Sikkimese participate on the same day and at the same time. Through this programme, Sikkim is lighting a lamp for restoration of ecology and may this lamp guide other States of India and world".
The state-wide massive plantation drive is coordinated by the Department of Forests, Environment & Widlife Management, Government of Sikkim. The department provides free seedlings through distribution booths set up at every forest check posts and several other prime locations.
No. of seedlings planted during Ten Minutes to Earth Programme on 25th of June (2009 to 2017) 
| |
Year |
Districts |
Year-wise Total |
| Phase |
East |
West |
North |
South |
| 1 |
2009 |
203740 |
186039 |
60465 |
160450 |
610694 |
| 2 |
2010 |
185000 |
115586 |
54104 |
117341 |
472031 |
| 3 |
2011 |
64277 |
21895 |
9224 |
18472 |
113868 |
| 4 |
2012 |
54255 |
17305 |
7541 |
8232 |
87333 |
| 5 |
2013 |
54115 |
10775 |
14105 |
5365 |
84360 |
| 6 |
2014 |
50110 |
6721 |
2009 |
6000 |
64840 |
| 7 |
2015 |
46169 |
10094 |
18340 |
4416 |
79019 |
| 8 |
2016 |
65000 |
6628 |
4560 |
16590 |
92778 |
| 9 |
2017 |
3638 |
1412 |
12284 |
3900 |
21234 |
| |
Distrcit-wise Total |
726304 |
376455 |
182632 |
340766 |
1626157 |
Figure Source: Territorial Circle, FEWMD, GoS