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Click the text More... for detail news 2005/2004/2003 News
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All vehicles should have dust bins: Sikkim State Government has taken up programme of State Green Mission to make Sikkim Clean ......More...
- Tips for better stay in Sikkim: a few suggestions to better infrastructure......... More...
- New eco-tourism model aims to save Sunderbans, help locals...More...
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Army cyclists flagged off on 300 km rally: A 15-day long cycle rally cum medical/dental health camp and environmental awareness expedition...... More..
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An Expedition to the Green Lake: The Mountain Institute details an expedition to North Sikkim ....... More..
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Manipur paradise for Adventure Tourism, Eco-Tourism....More..
All vehicles should have dust bins
Sikkim State Government has taken up programme of State Green
Mission to make Sikkim Clean, Green and Garden State. A venue plantation
along various roads has been taken up extensively through people’s
participation. We have also issued guidelines of Green Taxi to check
pollution. Further all taxis and other vehicles are requested to have dust
bin or garbage carry bags in the vehicle so that passengers should put used
food packing material, wrappers, empty mineral water bottles etc. in the
dust bin/garbage carry bag kept in the vehicle and not to throw here and
there on the road while traveling. Drivers of taxis and other vehicles
should ensure to clear the dust bin/garbage collection bags at the
designated and earmarked major dust bins in and around town areas. We need
co-operation of taxi owners,Taxi Drivers’ Association, Travellers, Travel
Agent Associations and Motor Vehicle Department on this aspect to keep our
roads free of garbage.
Sikkim has launched a unique and innovative programme called “State Mission”
under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minster, Dr. Pawan Chamling
with the view to raise avenue plantation and beautification of all vacant
and lands to further reinforce the wide spread recognition of Sikkim being a
Clean, and Garden State. As a part of the Green Mission, the Green Taxis
initiative has been taken to reduce the solid waste (garbage) disposal along
roads while traveling.
We request all the taxi drivers of Sikkim to ensure that the travelers foil
following code of conduct.
1. Match Sticks, cigarette stubs can cause wild fires, Avoid throwing them
out
2. Avoid littering and spitting on the road
3. Always use dustbins, not roads to throw wastes
4. Avoid throwing food wrappers, tetra packs, plastics from the vehicle.
5. Flowers are important for birds, Avoid plucking them
6. Contact the Forest Secretary at 03592-281261 (0) or the concerned
Divisional Forest Officers for reporting any forest offence.
(T.R.Poudyal) IFS
Principal CCF-cum-Secretary Forests
Forest, Environment & Wildlife Management Department
Government of Sikkim, Gangtok
Source: Sikkim Herald
Dated: 8th August 2006.
Tips for better stay in Sikkim
Gangtok, Aug. 9: Keen on lessening the hardships of visitors, especially trekkers, to the mountainous North Sikkim, a group of experts after a survey of the area gave a few suggestions to better infrastructure.
The 12-member team of the state forest and wildlife department and a few NGOs, which visited Green Lake and Zemu valley in North Sikkim, last month, conducted a survey on prospects of rapid assessment of wildlife, vegetation structure and conservation plan and eco-tourism.
The first thing that struck the surveyors was the lack of accommodation. According to the report filed by them, there are so few number of lodges in the area that trekkers and porters often have to spend the night in caves. Porters’ barracks, level camping sites, functional toilets and drinking water supply also need to be worked on.
According to them, the trekking trail should be fortified with locally-endorsed codes of conduct and Lachen Dzumsa, a local body, should take charge of camping sites. In order to stop the use of rhododendron wood for fuel, they suggested that provisions for LPG or kerosene be made in these areas. “These suggestions need to be discussed and endorsed by Lachen Dzumsa, without whose cooperation, the plans cannot be implemented,” said Sandeep Tambe, the divisonal forest officer, wildlife (west).
Besides forest and wildlife department officials, the team comprised members of The Mountain Wildlife Fund, India, Wildlife Institute of India and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.
Source : The Telegraph
Dated: 10 August 2006..
New eco-tourism model aims to save Sunderbans, help locals
Kolkata, August 10: The Sunderbans may be replete with the big cats and mangroves but, thanks to lack of infrastructure, has never been able to pull the tourists by numbers that the rich flora and fauna of the delta deserves.
So, with a view to attract visitors, a new eco-tourism module has come up at Bali Island in Hatkhola, near Gosaba National Park, where tourists can stay and interact with the locals.
Developed by Help Tourism in association with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Sunderbans Tiger Project, the project is also an effort to conserve the forests with help of the locals, said Asit Biswas, a partner of Help Tourism, which works for conservation of nature and wildlife in East and Northeast India.
“The Sunderbans was losing its distinct beauty due to frequent poaching, hunting and timber-felling,” he said, “so the villagers needed an alternative way to sustain themselves. This module will support them.”
Manish Chakrabarti, the conservator, architect and town planner who designed the cottages, said they have been built keeping in mind the locale, and its flavour. “This is a unique aspect of eco-tourism and the module is a special way to contribute to gainful employment. This is the first time tourists can actually interlink with the place and its people,” he said.
Stressing the involvement of the locals in the project, Biswas said village women maintain the mud cottages, and the locals also run a nature shop, selling gift and handicraft items. The money that comes in from the shop goes back to the locals, he said. “This way, they don’t have to indulge in illegal activities like poaching.”
Col S R Banerjee, state director of WWF, said: “Some of the locals were already into conservation of nature and wildlife in some way or the other. This package involves them in a more comprehensive way.”
Biswas said the module started in Bali Island in 2003, and is now slowly catching up. “We usually take families for the tour, and on reaching there they spend time intermingling with the villagers. The tourists also have the choice to eat local food and buy local items.”
He said the busiest season for the tours is September-April, adding that the package costs Rs 4,500-Rs 15,000.
Dated:Aug 14, 2006
Source: Kolkata Newsline,India
Army cyclists flagged off on 300 km rally
A 15-day long cycle rally cum medical/dental health camp and environmental awareness expedition has been flagged off today here by the Commander of Nathula Brigade.
The expedition which is being headed by Captain Tarun Dabra, comprises of cyclists of the 317 Field Ambulance unit and also includes two Sikkim Forest Department Officials.
Besides inculcating a spirit of adventure, the rally will conduct medical and dental health camps for the local population along the route and also create awareness on the preservation of flora and fauna, informed the unit’s Commanding Officer, Lt Col BS Pilkhwal. He added that medicines will also be distributed free of cost by the members of the expedition and if possible they will also engage in plantation work at various places in their route. The route covers Padamchen, Rhenock, Kalimpong, Teesta, Rangpo, Singtam, Dikchu, Rangrang, Chungthang, Lachung, Yumthang, Mangan, Phodong and will conclude at Gangtok, covering a distance of about 300 kilometres. The expedition is scheduled to be flagged in by Maj Gen KT Parnaik, YSM, GOC, 17 Mountain Division at Gangtok on 30th August.
Source : The Telegraph
Dated: 16th August 2006..
An Expedition to the Green Lake
The Mountain Institute details an expedition to North Sikkim under taken along with officials from Forest Department, and representatives from WWF, Wildlife Institute of India and ICIMOD.
The high altitude trek brought the team members into intimate contact with the flora and fauna there…
The Department of Forest, Environment and Wildlife management, The Mountain Institute, WWF-India, Wild life Institute of India and ICIMOD in a joint collaborative effort carried out an expedition to the Green lake in Zemu valley in the Khangchendzonga National Park, North Sikkim from 2nd to 11th July 2006. the group consisting of 12 team members and supported by 32 members of the local staff was lead by DFO (KNP) North JB Subba. Though several surveys have been conducted in the lower and temperate regions of Sikkim earlier, the alpine areas have received less attention. Even Smith and Cave who visited Zemu valley in the early twentieth century do not talk about the Green lake area or its vegetation and also a lot of changes were noted in the Zemu valley since Smith’s days. The objective of the survey was to conduct a rapid assessment of the various wildlife habitats, the vegetation structure and composition, use by wild life and biotic pressure which would aid in preparing a long term conservation plan for the Khangchendzonga National Park.
The trek is along the left bank of the Zemu River and the road head is Zemu beyond Lachen. This 7 days trek starts from Zema which is at 8,000 feet and after passing through the dominant habitats of Silver fir forests, Birch dominated thickets, alpine scrub and alpine meadows culminated in the Green lake which is at 15,000 feet. During the course of our survey we camped at Talim, Jakchen, Yabuk and Rest Camp.
The highlights of this trek are verdant conifer forests, rich wildlife, beautiful mountain peaks of Siniolchu, Tent Peak and Khangchendzonga and the massive Zemu glacier. The Zemu is the longest glacier of Sikkim almost 1 km wide and about 26 km long. Above Yabuk one can see the snout of the glacier which is pyramid shaped, from where the raging Zemu chu originates. The glacier is an awesome spectacle with the deafening sound of melting falling ice, small green lakes and constantly under going upheavals.
The Zemu valley has relatively less moisture compared to the other valleys due south of it. Some of the floral highlights were the Brahma kamal (Saussurea obvallata) which was found as low as 10,000 feet. The medicinal orchid-Panchamle (Gymnadenia orchid is ) was found in abundance in the openings in the sub-alpine silver fir forests. A good populace of other valuable medicinal plants like Bikh (Aconitum ferox) and Podophyllum hexandrum in pockets were also surveyed. The tree line consisted of stunted silver fir along with some magnificent specimens of Juniper (Juniperus indica), locally known as Dhoop with its peeling bark. Floristically the dominant genus in the alpine zone included Pedicularis, Potentilla, Saussurea and Severally members of Apiaceae.
The extensive Kobresia sedge meadows (Buki meadows) in the upper reaches of the Zemu valley were found to be very rich in fodder resources and sonsequently support a large population of the globally endangered Blue Sheep (Sseudois nayur) In three different sightings within a couple of hours the group saw 74 blue sheep in the green lake area. Here we also came across scratch marks and scat of the top predator of the alpine eco-system the snow leopard. None of the wildlife, was shy of our presence indicating that they are now wantonly disturbed here.
The exclusive Serow (locally known as Tahr) was also sighted and photographed. The team also came across the high altitude subspecies of the Assamese macaque subspecies pelops and surprisingly a Pika in the sub alpine forests. Important bird sighted during the trek included grey-backed shrike (Lanius tephronotus), a species restricted to the Eurasian High Montane biome: short-billed minivet (Pericrocrotus brevirostris): ret-tailed minla (Minla ignotincta); chestnut-headed tesia (Tesia castaneocoronata) etc. Indirect evidences of blood pheasant was also found.
As far as trekking tourism is concerned currently 4-5 tourist groups visit this Green Lake Trek annually. The support staff consisting of mostly porters, face hardships, when due to inadequate accommodation facilities they have to often sleep in caves. Eco-friends tourism infrastructure like porters barracks, level camping site, functional toilets and drinking water supply needs to be arranged in the camping sites. The trekking trail upto Talem is quite good: however the trail between Talem to Yabum (about 25 km) needs to be improved in places where it is too steep, narrow or slushy. There is a need to designate camping sites and formally notify this trekking trail with a locally endorsed “Code of Conduct’. These camping sites need to be maintained by the Lachen Zumsa after charging nominal camping fees. The practice of using Rhododendron firewood for cooking and heating has to be reduced and alternatively kerosene of LPG provided for heating and cooking purpose. Local travel agents should be preferred while granting trekking permits in this trekking trail. All this will finally ensure maximum benefits to the state, better service to the tourists and minimum impacts on the fragile environment of the Zemu valley.
The filed staffs of the forest Department were also oriented in alpine flora fauna and habitat classification. The recommendations include creation of conservation zones for the valuable medicinal plats around rest Camp, the Blue sheep around the Green Lake and general ecotourism promotion jointly with the local community along the trekking route. These recommendations need to be discussed and endorsed by the Lachen Zumsa, since their cooperation is vital for implementing this policy on the ground. Once these recommendations are implemented, it will result in a more effective, participatory “on ground” conservation of the Zemu Himal jointly with the forest Department.
The Zemu valley with very little human presence is a safe haven for he precious Himalayan wildlife of Sikkim. In many ways it reminds us that the best way to preserve our natural heritage is to protect it from the polluting and selfish touch of mankind.
Source: Now
Dated: 18-August-06
Manipur paradise for Adventure Tourism, Eco-Tourism
IMPHAL, July 30: Manipur, situated in the north eastern, is a land gifted
with natural bounty. The first prime minister of India when he first came to
this land was so taken by its beauty that he termed it `The Jewel of India`.
The lakes, rivers, hills and hillocks, together with its rich flora and
fauna would make Manipur a tourist delight.
To develop tourism in the state, the Tourism department has identified a
number of tourists spots in the various districts. The Tourism departments
is alsoplanning to develop an Eco-park at Baruni hills.
The Forum of Adventure Organisations Manipur, a apex body of adventure &
Mountaineering, is proposing to the toursm department to inlcude adventure
activities so as to attract adventure tourists.
Adventure Tourism has the potential to generate employment for the youth of
the state as can be seen fromthe example of states like Himachal Pradesh,
Uttaranchal, Darjeeling, Sikkim. Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur are the other
two states wich has the potential to develop adventure tourism if the state
government support the adventure organisations. For adventure tourism to be
successful in the state good relation and coordination between the adventure
organisations and Directorate of Tourism department is of utmost
importance..
The Youth Adventure Forum of Manipur has till date, organised several
trekking expeditions in Manipur, India and aboard, including the highest
altitude and longest trek at Nepal Himalaya. The YAFM orgd Mount Everest
Trekking Expedition to Base camp in 1995. The team consisted of 8 members.
Normally in this Everest trek to and fro it`s takes 25 days. but this
distance was covered by a team of treekers sponsored by the Directorate of
YAS Govt of Manipur in the year 1993 in just 14 days.
But their record was bettered by a YAFM team which completed the trek in
just 12 days for up and down in 1995. The Nepal trekking office issued a
certificate recognising the YAFM team`s effort as the first time ever when
this Mount Everest trek was completed in 12 days.
The Youth Adventure Forum of Manipur organised 1st Himalayan Mountaineering
Expedition to Mount Kullu Pumori 6,445 metres in Himachal Pradesh. The team
was flagged off by Former Governor of Manipur O.N.Shivastava on July 31st
1997 at Raj Bhavan. The team members were Jinendra Maibam leader, L
Chitaranjan deputy leader, L Ingobi member, Th Birjit member and Th
Dhaneshwor were also members of the team. On August 13th, a day remebered as
the patriots` day in Manipur, the team de climbed Mount Consolation
5850metres.On Aug 15th, the YAFM team submitted Mt. Norbu 5770 metres at
11.25 am.
The entire North Eastern Region is a rare gift of nature and there is great
potential for Adventure sports and eco-tourism. In the state of Manipur,
there are sites for Adventure sports and Eco-tourism. Manipur Mountaineering
& Trekking Association completes its 25 years of existence. The Adventure
Sports and Eco-tourism are the two faces of same coin. Without the spirit of
adventure, it is impossible to explore the beauty of this great nation
(tourist spots).
MMTA organised 1st himalayan mountaineering expedition to Mt Koktang, the
team was flag off by Manipur chief minister RK Joychandra On Nov 11th 1988
MMTA climbers submitted Mt Koktang. The 2nd MMTA expedition to Mt Bhagirathi
II was flag off by Okram Ibobi on September 7th 2006, the expedition was a
success but unfortunately, Yambem Laba suffered cerebal edema.
In 1992 Government of Manipur declared MMTA and MAASI as deemed state
Institute of Adventure. G Anita was the member of Indo-Nepalese Women
Everest expedition in 1993. And in 1994 G Anita adjudged 1st in the national
adventure award and in 2004 again G Anita was awarded Padama Shree by the
President of India. In the last 25 years MMTA had conducted 53 adventure
courses, 20 nos of trekking expedition and 25 nos of of Rock & sports
climbing course.
Manipur Adventure & Allied Sports Institute is another organisation which is
working in the field of adventure. Every year it organises World Tourism
Meet on 27th September in collaboration with Government of India Tourist
office, Department of Tourism Government of Manipur and travel trades. MAASI
has an ecological park covering an area of 100 acres of land on the hill top
and slopes, which is a big attraction for tourists and holiday campers. It
is an ever expanding natural garden where all types of regional flora and
fauna can be found. Today, the park id also a centre of reasearch and field
study of University and college students.
A tourists bungalow under the central and state sponsored scheme is now
under construction at the MASSI`s southern slope facing towards the north.
The bungalow is likely to be inaugurated in the coming sept 2006. MAASI also
organised Himalayan Mountaineering expedition in Gangotri in 1984. Adventure
Academy of Manipur is also one of the association working in the field of
adventure. The academy has conducted several courses, trekking and river
rafting.
Dated:
18th Aug 2006.
Source: Kangla Online,Friday ,By
Jinendra Maibam