DOCSLIB.ORG

Identification of Destination Regions of Male Out-Migration in West Bengal

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Identification of Destination Regions of Male Out-Migration in West Bengal © Kamla-Raj 2019 J Soc Sci, 61(1-3): 18-29 (2019) PRINT: ISSN 0971-8923 ONLINE: ISSN 2456-6756 DOI: 10.31901/24566756.2019/61.1-3.2207 Identification of Destination Regions of Male Out-migration in West Bengal Manoj Debnath, Sheuli Ray and Debendra Kumar Nayak Department of Geography, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793 022, Meghalaya, India E-mail: 1<[email protected]>, 2<[email protected]>, 3<[email protected]> KEYWORDS In-migrants. Out-migrants. Physiographic. Regional. Urbanization ABSTRACT West Bengal has a long history of out-migration even though it is rarely highlighted, and this is largely due to a predominance of short distance inter-district migration as compared to the long distance types. However, short distance migrations do reveal important regional characteristics often ignored by migration analysts. Secondly, it is equally important to note the important changes taking place in the regional pattern in out-migration in a state which reflects changing socio-economic realities in different regions of the state in recent times. West Rarh Plateau Fringe and North Bengal plain in the state have been traditionally mobility source regions whereas southern part of South Bengal plain and East Rarh plains are the main destination for the out- migrants. Using data available in successive census counts, this paper unravels the pattern of changes in destination of male out-migrants in the state. INTRODUCTION ered that urban areas are important destination for inter-regional migrants in India. Lowell and Identification of source and destination re- Findlay (2001) mentioned that India is a source gions in migration analysis is of considerable region of high skilled workers to the developed significance for understanding regional charac- regions. Cebula and Alexander (2006) argued teristics in understanding pattern of out- migra- that income, quality of life and cost of living tion. Movement between place of origin and play an important role in influencing decision to place of destination was traditionally related to migrate. Most authors agree that out-migration the attractiveness of places and inversely relat- is a significant livelihood strategy adopted by ed to the distance (Oberai and Singh 1980). Dif- landless agricultural labourers and poor rural ferent factors are responsible for determining the people (Haberfeld et al. 1991; Tiwari 1992; Ke- destination for migrants. Place of destination de- shri and Bhagat 2012). Better accessibility, em- pends on a variety of complex factors including ployment opportunity and high agricultural distance, cost, choice, information, communica- wage rate constitute significant factors in rural tion, level of urbanization and time etc. (Connell to urban migration in any area (Bhattacharya et al. 1976). Place of destination depends on the 1998; Gupta 1993; Andrienko and Guriev 2004). nature of external and internal opportunities of Remittance is the most important component of any area. Chiswick (2000) argued that the selec- migration in the farmer’s household (Panda tion of favourable destination of migrants de- 2016). Out-migration is greater in areas of poor pends on migration policies for both the desti- agricultural potential and particularly high among nation and origin region. Riosmena and Massey the landless farmers (Parganiha et al. 2009). (2012) worked on origin and choice of destina- Thus, out-migration a complex phenomenon tion for Mexican migrants to the United States. when viewed from different perspectives. One Clark and Ballard (1980) hypothesized that deci- of the more important perspectives is a regional sion of out-migration depends on decision to analysis as different regions display diverse leave and choice of the destination. Shen (1999) economic potential and hence determine the pro- worked on origin and destination attributes of pensity to out-migration depending upon their inter-regional migration in China. Fleischmann capacity to hold the potential migrant or encour- and Dronkers (2010) argued that higher unem- age large scale out-migration. The present study ployment rate is the main reason for migration at examines the regional pattern in the process of the place of origin. Greenwood (1971) discov- out-migration, and identifies favoured destina- MALE OUT-MIGRATION DESTINATION REGIONS IN WEST BENGAL 19 tions of these migrants from different regions in Patterns in inter-regional migration have been West Bengal- a state in Eastern India character- analysed by classifying all the districts of the ised by extreme regional contrasts in physiograph- state according to diverse physiographic re- ic, cultural and economic development. The study gions. The state has been divided into three considers male out-migration only, for female out- broad regions (De 1990; Sarkar 2003; Sau 2009; migration is often marriage related or due to fam- NABARD 2015) such as, Northern Hills and Te- ily movement. This of course is not to underesti- rai, Western Rarh and the Gangetic plain. These mate female out-migration for economic reasons. physiographic regions constitute the basis of regional analysis. Objectives Sector and industrial category wise migra- tion flow into respective regions is tabulated The following specific objectives are placed and analysed on the basis of place of last resi- before the study dence. Percentage share of the out-migrants in i. To identify source and destination of out- different industrial categories has been calcu- migration in West Bengal lated and further aggregated into different sec- ii. To find out factors that influence out-mi- tors for different physiographic regions in West gration at the place of origin Bengal. METHODOLOGY RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The study is based purely on secondary Different factors are responsible for deter- sources and data have been collected from the mining the destination for migrants. Place of Census of India, Migration Table-D. In spite of destination depends on distance and migration, inherent limitations, the present analysis uses distance and cost, distance and choice, distance Census data as inter-regional comparisons are and information, distance and communication, less affected by the weakness of this source. urbanization and time (Connell et al. 1976). Place The study classifies migrants on the basis of of destination depends on the nature of external place of birth for the purpose of estimating the and internal opportunities of any area. Table 1 quantum of out-migration. On the other hand, highlights the preference destination region in migrant workers by place of last residence and inter-regional pattern. It is evident that the South industrial category have been used for analys- Bengal Plain (SBP) is the main destination for ing the reasons for migration in different regions the migrants from all the regions. South and North in West Bengal. Both the 2001 and 2011 census 24 Parganas and Kolkata are the leading devel- of India, migration data at the district level are oped districts which attract largest number of used for analysis as the 2011 Census has not migrants. The rural migrants move to SBP to yet published all tables. engage in works available in different tertiary Migration balance is the sum of the differ- sectors, industrial activity and urban informal ences between inter-district outmigration and sectors in North 24 and South 24 Parganas, Kolk- inmigration (Sharma and Singh 1981). Migration ata megacity etc. South Bengal Plain (SBP) is rate has been calculated for out-migration, in- the most preferred destination for migrants from migration and net migration, as well as specific Hills and Terai, East Rarh Plain and North Ben- subgroups of population on the basis of Clark’s gal regions. Large proportion of the male mi- (1986) method. The formulae used for the pur- grants from Hills, Terai and North Bengal come pose is as given below: to South Bengal Plain region. The SBP is rela- O tively far from Hills, Terai and North Bengal (Ta- Or= . K P ble 1). People moved far from their native place Where, Or=out-migrantsrate because of great pull factors present at the South- O= number of out-migrants, P=Population, ern parts of South Bengal plain region. Rapid K=constant (usually 1000 or 100) urbanization, industrial and infrastructural de- J Soc Sci, 61(1-3): 18-29 (2019) 20 MANOJ DEBNATH, SHEULI RAY AND DEBENDRA KUMAR NAYAK Table 1: Regional preference for out-migrants (in %), West Bengal, 2001 Regions (Place of Origin) Place of destination (Preference regions in percent) *1st 2nd 3rd 4th Hills and Terai (H&T) SBP NBP ERP WRPF 48.4 31.7 15.7 4.2 North Bengal Plain (NBP) SBP H&T ERP WRPF 42.4 41.1 14.7 1.9 East Rarh Plain (ERP) SBP WRPF H&T NBP 67.8 29.0 1.8 1.4 South Bengal Plain (SBP) ERP WRPF NBP H&T 78.1 9.6 6.6 5.7 West Rarh Plateau-Fringe (WRPF) ERP SBP H&T NBP 60.4 38.1 0.9 0.6 *1st, 2nd … Preferrred destination regions for respective regions, Source: Census of India 2001, West Bengal and migration table D: persons born and enumerated in districts of the state and data have been computed. velopment and growing urban informal oppor- attract large proportion of male migrants into tunities in Kolkata metropolitan city and its ad- this region. In summer season a large numbers joining areas are the pull factors for migration migrate into this region as cultivators (Rogaly et into this region (Debnath 2017). Table 2 shows al. 2001; Sengupta and Ghosal 2011; Debnath and the proportion of male in-migrants to total male Ray 2017a). Among all the regions in West Ben- in-migrants in different regions. East Rarh Plain gal, ERP and SBP have experienced most frequent and South Bengal Plain regions show highest migration between them. ERP is the first prefer- male in-migration in West Bengal. ence for SBP and vice versa (Table 3). East Rarh plain is the first preference destination for South Bengal plain region.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Vividh Bharati Was Started on October 3, 1957 and Since November 1, 1967, Commercials Were Aired on This Channel
    22 Mass Communication THE Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through the mass communication media consisting of radio, television, films, press and print publications, advertising and traditional modes of communication such as dance and drama, plays an effective role in helping people to have access to free flow of information. The Ministry is involved in catering to the entertainment needs of various age groups and focusing attention of the people on issues of national integrity, environmental protection, health care and family welfare, eradication of illiteracy and issues relating to women, children, minority and other disadvantaged sections of the society. The Ministry is divided into four wings i.e., the Information Wing, the Broadcasting Wing, the Films Wing and the Integrated Finance Wing. The Ministry functions through its 21 media units/ attached and subordinate offices, autonomous bodies and PSUs. The Information Wing handles policy matters of the print and press media and publicity requirements of the Government. This Wing also looks after the general administration of the Ministry. The Broadcasting Wing handles matters relating to the electronic media and the regulation of the content of private TV channels as well as the programme matters of All India Radio and Doordarshan and operation of cable television and community radio, etc. Electronic Media Monitoring Centre (EMMC), which is a subordinate office, functions under the administrative control of this Division. The Film Wing handles matters relating to the film sector. It is involved in the production and distribution of documentary films, development and promotional activities relating to the film industry including training, organization of film festivals, import and export regulations, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • APPENDICES Appendix - A
    APPENDICES Appendix - A Abbreviation and symbols used °C Degree centigrade NADPH Nicotinamide-adanine AHC Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering dinucleotide phosphate ALP Antilipid peroxidation NBT Nitroblue tetrazolium APG Angiosperm Phylogeny Group NBU North Bengal University BHT Butylated hydroxytoluene NO• Nitric oxide BR- Biosphere Reserve NP National Parks BTR Buxa Tiger Reserve ONOO- Peroxynitrite CAL Central National Herbariyum PAs Protected Areas conc. Concentrated PMN Phenazine methosulphate DMRT Duncan’s Multiple Range Test ROS reactive oxygen species DNA De-oxyribonucleic acid SEE standard error of estimates DPPH 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl SI Stomatal index DPX Dibutyl Phathalate Xylene TBA Thiobarbituric acid F.E.Vs freely ending ultimate veins TCA Trichloroacetic acid FAA Formaldehyde: Acetic Acid: Alcohol TLC Thin layer chromatography Fe2+ Ferrous ions WLS Wildlife Sanctuaries FWT Fresh weight tissue GMP Garden of Medicinal Plant, University of North Bengal GNP Gorumara National Park h Hour H2SO4 Sulphuric acid hRf Retention factor IC50 50% Inhibitory Concentration IUCN The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources JNP Jaldapara National Park mg Milligram MWLS Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary Appendix-B List of publications I. Based on Thesis works Das, A.P.; Ghosh, C.; Sarkar, A.; Biswas, R.; Biswas, K.; Choudhury, D.; Lama, A.; Moktan, S. & Choudhury, A. 2010. Preliminary report on the Medicinal Plants from three MPCAs in Terai and Duars of West Bengal, India. Pleione. 4(1): 90 - 101. Choudhury, D.; Ghosal, M.; Das, A.P. & Mandal, P. 2013. In vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic leaves and barks extracts of four Litsea plants. Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research. 3(1): 99 - 107.
    [Show full text]
  • Checklist of Mosses (Bryophyta) of Gangetic Plains, India
    Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 23(2): 97-106, 2016 (December) © 2016 Bangladesh Association of Plant Taxonomists CHECKLIST OF MOSSES (BRYOPHYTA) OF GANGETIC PLAINS, INDIA 1 2 3 KRISHNA KUMAR RAWAT , AFROZ ALAM AND PRAVEEN KUMAR VERMA CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India Keywords: Bryophyta; Gangetic plains; Uttar Pradesh; Bihar; West Bengal Abstract An updated account of 79 taxa of mosses of Gangetic plains, representing 40 genera and 19 families, is provided. The family Pottiaceae with 17 taxa belonging to 9 genera appears most dominant and diversified family in the area while at generic level, the genus Fissidens (Fissidentaceae) with 19 species shows maximum diversity, followed by Hyophila and Physcomitrium each with five species. Introduction In our earlier publications, boundaries of ‘Central Indian bryo-geographical zone’ and ‘Panjab and Rajasthan plains bryo-geographic zone’ were proposed along with a checklist of mosses in these areas (Alam et al., 2015; Rawat et al., 2015). In present paper the boundaries of ‘Gangetic plains bryo-geographic zone’ is redefined for ease in distributional analysis, and provided updated checklist of mosses recorded from here. Materials and Methods The present compilation is based on the all available literature on mosses of Gangetic plains till date and gets its foundation from extra-ordinary work of Gangulee (1969-72; 1972-76; 1976- 78), who has provided the most elaborative, informative and reliable data of moss diversity of India. In enumeration, the taxa reported earlier without specific epithet, have been excluded. The summary of various families and genera is followed by alphabetical list of taxa. The accepted names are cited in bold.
    [Show full text]
  • RESEARCH CIRCLE Forest Directorate Government of West Bengal
    RESEARCH CIRCLE Forest Directorate Government of West Bengal INTRODUCTION - TREE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME - IMPROVED NURSERY TECHNIQUES &TRIALS - SUPPLY OF QUALITY PLANTING MATERIAL & CERTIFIED SEEDS - INSITU & EXSITU CONSERVATION OF FOREST TREES - INSITU & EXSITU CONSERVATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS - SOIL TESTING ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE & CONTACT NUMBERS RESEARCH CALENDER FOR 2016-17 Introduction Forestry Research in the state is organized by Research Circlethrough its three divisions, namely, Silviculture (Hills) Division with its headquarter at Darjeeling, Silviculture (North) Division, headquarter at Siliguri and Silviculture (South) Division with itsheadquarter at Midnapore. Major mandate of the Research Circle is as follows: 1. Tree Improvement Programme 2. Trials on Modern Nursery Practices 3. Supply of Quality Planting Materials& Certified Seeds 4. In-situ & ex-situ conservation of Trees 5. In-situ & Ex-situ conservation of Medicinal Plants 6. Soil Testing 1. TREE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME a. Maintenance of Seed Stand &Plantations:For theprocurement of superior seeds, Seed Production Areas / Seed Standare maintained annually. Seeds collected from Seed Stand / Plus Trees were supplied to user Divisions. During 2015-16 4453.50 Kgs of certified seeds were supplied to user Divisions. Seeds collected from these stands / Plus trees were used to raised QPMS and for undertaking various nursery trials. Division Wise Seed Stand /Plus Trees (in Nos.) Silviculture Hills Silviculture North Silviculture South Seed Stand 170.76 Ha. 220.60 Ha. 37.17 Ha. Plus Trees 504 Nos. 479 Nos. 110 Nos. b. Plantations : For assured supply of genetically improved seeds the Divisions under this circle undertake plantations of RET (Rare, Endangered & Threatened)as well as maintenance of Seedling Seed Orchard both in North & South Bengal.
    [Show full text]
  • Request for Expression of Interest ( Reoi) Engagement of Consultant for Detailed Planning, Designing, Detailed Drawing& Esti
    Request for Expression of Interest ( REoI) Engagement of Consultant for detailed planning, designing, detailed drawing& estimation and supervision of construction of an underwater fresh water tunnel aquarium to be located at North Bengal Wild Animals Park (Bengal Safari), Jalpaiguri, West Bengal Zoo Authority ( WBZA) File No. 23/WBZA/ EoI-1/2018-19 dated 26-02-2019 The North Bengal Wild Animals Park (Bengal Safari), is located on outskirts of Siliguri town. It aims to provide a glimpse of wild animals and birds of the North Bengal plains to the general public for developing a healthy relationship between animals and human beings and to promote conservation of our faunal resources through display, care and awareness. A professionally run park will serve a great variety of roles to benefit both theanimals it displays and the visiting public. Conservation breeding programmes can help conserve endangered species. Educational programmes can help foster the respect that wild animals deserve and familiarize the visitors with the important role these animals play in the ecosystem. It is intended to develop the park in conformity with the National Zoo Policy, 1998 with the following objectives:- 1. To conserve the rich biodiversity of the region i.e. North Bengal plains. 2. To reduce the tourist pressure on the National Parks/Protected Areas around Siliguri. 3. To create amongst the visitors empathy towards wild animals. 4. To collect and collate the scientific data on the biology, behaviour and health care of wild animals displayed and use them for betterment of management. 5. Recreation by providing wholesome and healthy educational activity by utilizing the outdoor natural setting.
    [Show full text]
  • Class Notes the Northern Plains
    Class Notes Class: IX Topic: Northern Plains (Ch – 2) Subject: Geography The Northern Plains The Indo-Gangetic Plain, also known as the Indus-Ganga Plain and the North Indian River Plain, is a 630-million-acre (2.5-million km2) fertile plain encompassing northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, including most of northern and eastern India. The Indo-Gangetic Plain is divided into two drainage basins by the Delhi Ridge; the western part drains to the Indus, and the eastern part consists of the Ganga–Brahmaputra drainage systems. The northern plain has been formed by the interplay of the three major river systems, namely--- Indus Ganga Brahmaputra – - The plain being about 2400 Km long and 240 to 320 Km broad. The rivers in their lower course split into numerous channels due to the deposition of silt.These channels are known as distributaries. These vast plains also have diverse relief features. A thin strip between the foothills of the Himalayas and the plain, the Bhabar is a region of porous ground consisting of boulders and pebbles that have washed down from the mountains. It is not suitable for crops and is forested. The streams disappear underground here. South of this belt, the streams and rivers re-emerge and create a wet, swampy and marshy region known as Terai. This was a thickly forested region full of wildlife The many tributaries of the Indus and Ganges divide the plain into doabs, tongues of land that extend to where the tributaries meet. Close to the rivers is khadar land of new alluvium that is subject to flooding.They are renewed almost every year and so are fertile, thus, ideal for intensive agriculture.
    [Show full text]
  • IND: Rural Connectivity Investment Program – Project 3
    Initial Environmental Examination May 2015 IND: Rural Connectivity Investment Program – Project 3 Batch 3 Roads, West Bengal Prepared by Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India for the Asian Development Bank. CURRENCY EQUIVALENT as of May 2015 Currency unit — Indian rupee (Rs) Rs 1.00 = $ .01572 $1.00 = Rs 63.5981 ABBREVIATIONS ADB Asian Development Bank MORD Ministry of Rural Development MORD Ministry of Rural Development APO Accident Prevention Officer B.T. Black Top BGL Below Ground Level BIS Bureau of Indian Standards BOQ Bill of Quantity C.C. Cement Concrete CD Cross Drainage CGWA Central Ground Water Authority CGWB Central Ground Water Board Ch. Chainage COI Corridor Of Impact CPCB Central Pollution Control Board CTE Consent to Establish CTO Consent to Operate DG Diesel Generating DPR Detailed Project Report EARF Environmental Assessment Review Framework ECOP Environmental Code of Practices EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMOP Environmental Monitoring Plan EMP Environmental Management Plan EO Environmental Officer FEO Field Environmental Officer GDP Gross Domestic Product GOI Government of India GSHAP Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program HC Hydrocarbon HH House Hold IEE Initial Environmental Assessment IRC Indian Road Congress LHS Left Hand Side MCM Million Cubic Meter MFF Multi-Tranche Financing Facility MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forests MoRD Ministry of Rural Development MOSRTH Ministry of Road Transport & Highways NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NGO Non-government organization NOx Nitrogen
    [Show full text]
  • Tasar VCA-West Bengal
    Tasar Value Chain Analysis West Bengal Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) Central Silk Board (CSB) & Professional Assistance for Developmen Action (PRADAN) Tasar Value Chain Analysis – West Bengal Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) 89 TASAR VALUE CHAIN STUDY WEST BENGAL MAHILA KISAN SASHAKTIKARAN PARIYOJANA – MKSP CENTRAL SILK BOARD – CSB & Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN) 1 Tasar Value Chain Analysis – West Bengal Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) 2 Tasar Value Chain Analysis – West Bengal Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) Table of Contents Chapter Chapter title Page number number Foreword 5 Executive Summary 6 1 Introduction 10 2 Methodology 15 3 Cocoon Production 16 4 Yarn Conversion 55 5 Value Chain Analysis 95 6 Conclusion & Recommendations 110 References 112 Acknowledgements 113 List of Respondents 114 3 Tasar Value Chain Analysis – West Bengal Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) 4 Tasar Value Chain Analysis – West Bengal Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) Foreword It is heartening to note that tasar culture is drawing attention from various stakeholders in recent times, with its potential to achieve many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) defined by the United Nations, leading to the creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities. One such major convergence initiative is a project under Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP)-NTFP for the ‘Promotion of Large Scale Tasar Sericulture-based Livelihoods in the state of West Bengal’ coordinated by the Central Silk Board (CSB), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and co-funded by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and implemented by the NGO, Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN) since October 2013.
    [Show full text]
  • Teesta Barrage Project – a Brief Review of Unattained Goals and Associated Changes
    International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2013): 6.14 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391 Teesta Barrage Project – A Brief Review of Unattained Goals and Associated Changes Baishali Mukherjee1, Ujwal Deep Saha2 1, 2University of Calcutta, Department of Geography, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Ballygunge, Kolkata – 700019, India Abstract: The Teesta Barrage Project that has been conceived in the year 1975-76 had a grand plan for the revival of agricultural economy of six districts of North Bengal- Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur and Malda which did not have any strong industrial base. The project is still incomplete and there is a very little chance for the completion of the entire project as executed. The dam constructed aimed to control flood, bring lands under irrigation, generate hydro electricity, navigation, fishing and tourism which after the completion of the first phase is still unachieved and far from fulfilment. This paper is attempted to study the objectives behind the construction of the project along with its achievements and unachieved goals. Changing natural habitat with emphasis on the impact of the project over human life in the catchment area have been tried to determine through selected study of respondents and using Remote Sensing techniques. The changes of LULC attributes within the catchment area in due course of time have few striking characteristics along with increasing sufferings for the locals due to some changes in geo- economic environment. Keywords: Teesta barrage, flood, irrigation, LULC, geo-economic environment 1. Introduction 2. Geographical settings of the study area Any part of the world dependent on agricultural practices To evaluate the environmental condition a certain extent of require ample amount of water for crop production and if the TBP lying closest to Teesta River has been taken into concerned area is associated with rainfall variability then consideration.
    [Show full text]
  • An Updated Checklist of the Mammals of West Bengal
    Journal on New Biological Reports ISSN 2319 – 1104 (Online) JNBR 8(2) 37 – 124 (2019) Published by www.researchtrend.net An updated checklist of the mammals of West Bengal Jayanta Kumar Mallick Wildlife Wing, Forest Department, Govt. of West Bengal (Retd.), India Corresponding author: [email protected] | Received: 09 April 2019 | Accepted: 31 May 2019 | How to cite: Mallick JK. 2019. An updated checklist of the mammals of West Bangal. J New Biol Rep 8(2): 37-123. ABSTRACT The Checklist of Mammalian fauna of West Bengal has been updated after more than two and half decades to include recent taxonomic changes, new additions and distribution records for West Bengal. In this checklist, 234 species (Extant 211, Extinct 23) and 215 sub-species, belonging to 137 genera, 39 families and 11 orders, are reported. The chiropterans represent maximum number of species (75) followed by rodents (50), carnivores (48), Artiodactyls (29), Eulipotyphla (11), Primates (8), Lagomorpha (5), Perissodactyla (3), Pholidota (2) Scandentia (2) and Proboscidea (1). Relative to the 1992 version, the gain in number of species is 46 (+24.46%), that of sub-species 70 (+48.27%), genera 31 (+29.24%) and families 7 (+21.87%). Following recent molecular evidences, Cetacea is reordered under Artiodactyla in the new version. There are, however, a few records that remain unresolved, doubtful or controversial. Key words: checklist, mammals, taxonomy, distribution, habitat, status, conservation. Abbreviations (Old names in parenthesis). BWLS: Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Birbhum district BBWLS: Bibhuti Bhushan (Parmadan) Wildlife Sanctuary, North 24-Parganas district BDWLS: Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary, Nadia district BTR: Buxa Tiger Reserve, Alipurduar district.
    [Show full text]
  • District Survey Report of Coochbehar District
    DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT OF COOCHBEHAR DISTRICT (For mining of minor minerals) As per Notification No. S.O.3611 (E) New Delhi Dated 25th of July 2018 and Enforcement & Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining (EMGSM) January 2020, Issued by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) Government of West Bengal (Work Order No: MDTC/PM-5/160/66, Dated: 20.01.2020) July 2021 CONSULTANT District Survey Report Coochbehar, West Bengal Table of Content Chapter No Subject Page No 1 Preface 1-2 2 Introduction 3-15 3 General Profile of the District 16-35 a. General Information 16-18 b. Climate Condition 19-20 c. Rainfall and humidity 20-21 d. Topography & Terrain 21-22 e. Water courses and Hydrology 22-23 f. Ground water Development 24 g. Drainage System 24-26 h. Demography 26-28 i. Cropping pattern 29 j. Land Form and Seismicity 29-32 k. Flora 32-33 l. Fauna 33-35 4 Physiography of the District 36-39 4.1 General Landforms 36 4.2 Soil and rock pattern 36-38 4.3 Different geomorphology units 38-39 5 Land Use Pattern of the District 40-48 5.1 Forest 43-44 5.2 Agriculture and Irrigation 44-46 Work Order No: MDTC/PM-5/160/66, Dated: 20.01.2020 District Survey Report Coochbehar, West Bengal 5.3 Horticulture 46-48 5.4 Mining 48 6 Geology 49-50 7 Mineral Wealth 51-79 7.1 Overview of mineral resources 51 7.2 Details of Resources 51-79 7.2.1 Sand and other riverbed minerals 51-78 I.
    [Show full text]
  • Indigenous Knowledge of Rajbanshi Agriculturists of Northern West Bengal, India
    Indigenous Knowledge of Rajbanshi agriculturists of northern West Bengal, India Ashok Das Gupta, Dept. of Anthropology, University of North Bengal, India 734004 This paper is a small ethnographic documentation of Indigenous Knowledge of Rajbanshi agriculturists of northern West Bengal, India. This paper is a small ethnographic documentation of Indigenous Knowledge of Rajbanshi agriculturists of northern West Bengal, India. Rajbanshi is a caste-community overlap and as a huge social fold intake various heterogeneous groups in plains and uplands of sub-Himalayan northern west Bengal state of India. Their informal experimentation, trial and error, folk life, tradition, cultural symbols, generation-wise intellectual reasoning are equally important to gather scattered indigenous knowledge traits and their cognate Indigenous Knowledge System extending from mode of production and division of labour to their structure and super structure. This is basically a qualitative study and will highlight various services by both Rajbanshi males and females to attain organic cultivation and management of biodiversity. North Bengal jungles, mountains and agrarian lands are biodiversity hotpots and like various other indigenous communities Rajbanshis show their contribution in production and food preservation. They have developed a lifestyle that may look poor but actually fitting into local environments. Their kitchen garden, highland and lowland cultivations and use of forest and water resources and cattle hordes cum poultry develop together a complex system that can serve a wider public. Full Text Natural Resource Management of Dhangdhinguri This village in Pundibari village panchâyat in Cooch Behar I block in Cooch Behar district is the Study area here. This village is completely situated in a rural area.
    [Show full text]