Annual Report 2018-19

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19

PUBLISHED BY THE CHAIRMAN WEST BENGAL BIODIVERSITY BOARD

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19

Dr. A. K. Sanyal Chairman

It is a proud moment for me to present As a result the number of Biodiversity the Annual Report of West Bengal Management Committee (BMC) and People’s Biodiversity Board (WBBB) for the year 2018 Biodiversity Register (PBR) has escalated -2019. It highlights the significant work quite fairly and going strong with financial completed in West Bengal along with assistance from both the State Government & recording of important decisions. More National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). challenging path is lying ahead and we are Dissemination of information on varied gearing up to meet it. elements of biodiversity, similar to previous We are almost at the end of this decade years, has also been continued by the Board which has shown that climate change is not in as well though seriously challenged by acute the distant future. It is happening and its shortage of manpower, adding more impact is felt not only in the changing awareness materials, printed information, weather pattern but in scores of other issues thematic posters on different elements of in every level of socio-economy, geo-politics, biodiversity, commissioning and sponsoring health, livelihood and so on. Our mother earth of studies on varied biodiversity components, is not in a good state now. The most brochures, leaflets, TV/Radio programmes, concerned area is food security for the poor seminars and other extension materials and people. So, changing environment as well as distributed among different communities. gradual liquidation of biodiversity is the most Board is working with other institutions to pressing issue of our time. meet the larger goal of conservation of During the year under report the Board biodiversity, along with sustainable use of bio has constantly tried to build up the capacity -resources. and involve the villagers in the formation and In a specially designed initiative the management of the BMCs. Constant effort of Board introduced and continued the Nature the Board to build up the capacity of the Study Tours coined as ‘Bio Tour’ or ‘Jeevan BMCs, in documentation, in various Safar’ for the students from district schools customised tasks, based on the local needs of and also sponsored several awareness conservation, has been instrumental in programmes through the BMCs. Effort is on to shaping many BMCs. The Board has been able set up a state wide Bio-Club network in the to generate a momentum in documentation schools. Edited versions of Board’s activities throughout the state by taking up publication on identification of vary aggressive awareness generation programme. biodiversity components of our state are in

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the pipelines along with other new that people will come forward with their publications to brought out soon. valuable suggestions and support for the The journey is still to achieve more and cause of conserving biodiversity in a more to undertake something unique and new each inclusive manner. I place on record my passing year by learning from the past. The sincere thanks to Sri Suvendu Adhikary, Board has introduced a dedicated portal for Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of online registration by submission of Form-I Environment, Government of West Bengal and sharing of benefit by the commercial during the period under report. Thanks are users of bio-resources of the state. also due to Principal Secretary and other officers & staffs of Department of The Board has been successful in Environment, Government of West Bengal for registering some TRVs with PPV&FR their support to the activities of the Board. In authority to help the marginal farmer’s get this opportunity, I convey my indebtedness to royalty benefit. The Board is working on PBR the Chairman and Secretary of NBA for data to introduce some climate resilient crops continued guidance and support. I would like in some ecologically vulnerable areas. to record my appreciation to the Member It calls for a concerted effort to uphold Secretary and other officials and staff of our the need to save biodiversity for a cleaner, Board for bringing this consolidated Report of greener, healthier and happier world. I hope the activities of the Board during 2018-2019.

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iodiversity also includes not aware right this moment then we have to genetic differences within see more extinction of species and one day we each species - for example, will be disappeared. Therefore, the 150 between varieties of crops and countries came together to deliberate and to breedsB of livestock. Chromosomes, genes, and formulate certain guidelines and rules and DNA-the building blocks of life-determine the regulations upon the said issue. The United uniqueness of each individual and each Nations Convention on Biological Diversity species. Protecting biodiversity is in our self- was one of the major aftermaths of the 1992 interest. Biological resources are the pillars United Nations Conference on Environment upon which we build civilizations. Nature's and Development termed the Earth Summit products support such diverse industries as or Vasundhara in Rio de Janeiro. agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, pulp India is a vast country and has been and paper, horticulture, construction and endowed by nature in terms of great diversity waste treatment. The loss of biodiversity of environment. From the Indian Ocean to the threatens our food supplies, opportunities for lofty Himalayas and beyond to the cold recreation, sources of wood, medicines and deserts of Ladakh, the physiognomic diversity energy. It also interferes with essential and myriad of climatic situation have given ecological functions. Earth's biological rise to a countless habitat across the length resources are Vibrant to humans economic and breadth of the country. and social development. This diversity has made India one of the As a result, it was felt at the international seventeen mega diversity countries in the level that biological diversity is a global asset world. India already accounts for 7.8% of the of remarkable value towards present and global recorded species. India is also rich in future generation. But the threat to species traditional and Indigenous knowledge both and its extinction at an alarming rate due to coded and informal. West Bengal is the only malpractices of human beings and their State in India which touches Himalayas in the activities compelled philanthropists to think north and has a sea on its south. As such the about the conservation of biodiversity. physical environment of the state varies from Declines in the numbers of such charismatic Bay of Bengal in south to the snow-capped animals as pandas, tigers, elephants, whales, Himalayas in the north through vast stretches and various species of birds, have drawn of alluvial plains in the middle, small patches world attention to the problem of species at of hills and isolated mounds in the western risk. Species have been disappearing at 50- part. Soil characteristics, temperature and 100 times the natural rate, and this is rainfall also vary widely from one part to predicted to rise dramatically. Based on another. These have been resulted in rich current trends, an estimated 34,000 plant and diverse vegetative cover consisting of all mos 5,200 animal species including one in eight of forest types, vast expanses of grasslands, the world's bird species face extinction. And, different agricultural crops as well as about 30% of breeds of the main farm animal cropping practices. Fach of these supports a species are currently at high risk of extinction. particular type of biodiversity. Varieties in 45% of the Earth's original forests are gone, ecosystem such as fresh water, brackish cleared mostly during the past century. Up to water. estuary and marine also contributed to 10 per cent of coral reefs, among the richest the richness of State’s biodiversity. ecosystems, have been destroyed, and one third of the remainder face collapse over the Further, West Bengal falls in the next 10 to 20 years. Coastal mangroves, a vital transition zone between peninsular Indian nursery habitat for countless species, are also sub-region, Indo-Malayan sub-region of vulnerable, with half already gone. If we are oriental zone and Palearctic. This also helped West Bengal in its great array of natural eco

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systems embellished with ingress, biological diversity importance to be notified colonization and interspersion of life forms as heritage sites and their managements. In from all adjoining region. Richness of India three tier arrangements have been biodiversity is reflected by the fact that West made: National Biodiversity Authority at the Bengal though acquire 2.7% of total area of top, State Biodiversity Boards in the middle the country, but four Viz., the Himalaya and Biodiversity Management Committees at (Central Himalaya), Gangetic Plain (Lower the bottom level (Municipality, Block and Gangetic Plain), Coast (East Coast) and Panchayet Samity) to surveillance, conserve Deccan Peninsula (Chhoto Nagpur), out of 10 and protect Biodiversity. The National recognized biogeographic zones of India are Biodiversity Authority with its headquarter at represented in the State. In West Bengal, huge Chennai was established in 2003 to amount of biodiversity related data has implement India's Biological Diversity Act, already been accumulated through surveys, 2002. It is a statutory, autonomous body and identification and inventorying activities of it performs facilitative, regulatory and the botanical, zoological, anthropological, advisory functions for Central and State forest and ashery survey of India, State Forest Governments on issues of conservation, Department and several other institutes, sustainable use of biological resources and autonomous bodies as well as Non- fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising Government Organizations. For greater out of use of biological resources. Apart from effectiveness it is essential that relevant and that, National Biodiversity Authority strongly user-friendly databases need to be prepared emphasize on the enactment of Biological and made available through modern Diversity Act, 2002 and Biological Diversity information technologies. India, being Rules, 2004. In the Second and Middle tier signatory to the CBD has signed and ratified activity, the State Boards focus on advising the convention and thereafter has enacted the the State Governments subject to guidelines Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to carry out the issued by the Central Government on matters international onuses enshrined under the relating to conservation of biodiversity, Convention. To bring the biodiversity into the sustainable use of components and equitable Indian legal framework, an attempt was made sharing of benefits arising out of utilization of to make the biodiversity bill, 2000 into act biological resources. The State Biodiversity and which was passed by the Lok Sabha and Board also regulates bv granting approvals the Rajya Sabha on December 2002 which for commercial utilization of any biological became known as Biological Diversity Act, resource by Indians. West Bengal Biodiversity 2002. The rules promulgated under this Act Board came into existence with effect from came into force on 15th April, 2004, referred 16th day of September, 2004, under to as Biological Diversity Rules, 2004. Also, Department of Environment, Government of the said Act & Rules were enacted owing to West Bengal with following objectives: the international onus of India towards the • Documenting the biodiversity of the international guidelines as laid down during State the Rio Declaration. The Act mandates implementation through decentralized • Conserving natural resources for the approach with NBA focussing on advising the people by the people, Central Government on matter relating to the • Ensuring sustainable use of bio conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use resource of its components and equitable sharing on benefits arising out of the utilization of • Ensuring fair and equitable sharing of biological resources; and advising State benefits arising out of commercial Governments in the selection of areas of utilisation of genetic resources and

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•Protection and Rehabilitation of animals, microorganisms and chronicling of threatened species. knowledge relating to biodiversity. The whole hierarchy is responsible to strong enactment The local level Biodiversity Management of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and the Committees, which is the third tier of the Biological Diversity Rules, 2004 and state system, are responsible for promoting wise implementation of Biological Diversity conservation, sustainable use and Rules. The West Bengal Biodiversity Board is documentation of biological diversity, in the committed for spreading the message of form of People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) biodiversity conservation across the state including conservation of habitats. with the involvement of the people of every conservation of land races, folk varieties and sphere. cultivars, domesticated stocks and breeds of

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ection 22 of the Biological Diversity EN/1223/T-11-7/003-i/ 2003 dated Act, 2002, states that away state has 16.09.2004. The present Board is constituted to establish a state Biodiversity with representatives from various S Board. As per sub section (3) Government Departments, scientists and section22 of the said Act, the Board shall be a experts and concerned people from various body corporate by the name aforesaid, having fields of biodiversity matters. The Board is a common seal, with a, 'power to acquire, hold headed by the Chairman who has overall and dispose of property, both moveable and administrative control and officiating with the immovable, and to contract, and shall by the support of the Member Secretary, who is the said name sue and be sued. The West Bengal Chief Environment Officer of Department of Biodiversity Board was constituted vide Environment. GoWB. Department of Environment’s Notification No.

Chairman: Dr. Asok Kanti Sanyal, Former Emeritus Scientist, Zoological Survey of India.

Ex-officio Members: Additional Chief Secretary/ Principal Secretary, Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Biodiversity & Chief Wildlife Warden, Directorate of Forests, Government of West Bengal or his/her authorized representative not bellow the rank of

Conservator of Forest.

Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture or his/her authorized representative not below the rank of Joint Secretary or Director of Agriculture.

Principal Secretary, Department of Panchayats & Rural

Development, Government of West Bengal or his/her authorized repetitive not bellow the rank of Joint Secretary.

Representative of Gorkha Territorial Administration.

Experts: Prof. N. D. Paria (Retd.), Department of Botany, University of Calcutta. Rina Chakrabarti. Scientist (Retd.), Zoological Survey of India, Dr. P. K. Pradhan, Teacher, St. Lawrence School, Kolkata. Director, Zoological Survey of India or his/her authorized representative not below the rank of Scientist-E. Director, Botanical Survey of India or his/her authorized representative not below the rank of Scientist-E.

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Member Secretary: Shri Sandipan Mukherjee, IFS, Chief Environment Officer, Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal. (Till 21/08/2018)

Shri Siddhartha Roy, IFS, Senior Environment Officer, Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal.

Permanent invitees: Vice Chancellor, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences The Chairman, West Bengal Pollution Control Board. Dr. S. K. Gupta, Scientist [Retd]. Zoological Survey of India. Prof. A.P. Das (Retd.), Department of Botany. North Bengal University. Prof. S. C. Santra (Retd.), Department of Environmental Science, Kalyani University. Prof. Goutam Saha, Department of Zoology,

University of Calcutta.

Present strength of the Board Senior Research Officer: 01 (One) Research Officer: 01 (One) Research Assistant: 01 (One) Stenographer: 01 (One)

Committee for research advisory Prof. Silanjan Bhattacharyya, Department of Zoology. W. B. State University. Dr. Sujit Chakraborty, Scientist (Retd.), Zoological Survey of India

Dr. K. C. Gopi, Additional Director, Zoological Survey of India

Dr. B. K. Sinha, Scientist F, Botanical Survey of India

Prof. (Retd.) Gour Gopal Maiti, Department of Botany, Kalyani University

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36th Meeting of the Board

The following agendas were discussed on the wholehearted satisfaction for this welfare 36th meeting of the Board held on 6th move by the Board. September, 2018 in the Conference room of Vetting of Service regulation of employees of the Environment Department, Govt. of West WBBB was discussed. (Refer to Agenda 3 for Bengal. details.) Agenda– 1: Confirmation of the Minutes of Member Secretary reported about the the 35th Board Meeting: publication of newspaper advertisement (for The Member Secretary apprised the members engagement of District Coordinators in on the minutes of the 35th Board meeting held Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri – Alipurduar & Howrah on 5th February, 2018. There being no districts) through I & CA, GoWB and assured comments received from any members it was to finalise the process soon. accepted as confirmed. Member Secretary apprised that the matter Agenda– 2: Confirmation of Action Taken was sent to the Environment Department, Report on the decisions taken in 35th GoWB for consideration. Subsequent Board Meeting: procedures will be initiated on receipt of response from the Department. The Member Secretary reported about the action taken on the decisions adopted in the While elaborating on the aims behind setting previous meeting. Chairman requested to up of Bio-Clubs Chairman expressed his report about the compliance of decision taken desire to speed up the proceedings to spread on declaration of BHSs. Member Secretary the message of conservation of biodiversity stated that a follow up action has been taken and prepare groups of young people to carry for framing a management plan for the forward the spirit. It was suggested to keep declared BHS. A letter was sent to PCCF the focus for involving students from junior (HoFF) requesting for assistance in the classes as far as possible. Member Secretary matter through a mutual consultation reported about submission of applications meeting as some of the BHS were within from interested schools from the districts for forest area. Chairman suggested for a specific setting up Bio-Clubs in their respective Management Action Plan for each BHS. schools. It was decided that the clubs would Member Secretary reported that proposals be set up following the guidelines of the for declaration of other identified sites as BHS Board. The guidelines were narrated by the are under process and would be complied Chairman. Members ratified and accepted incorporating the suggestions of the Board. that and requested the Chairman and Member Secretary to initiate the process. The annual accounts of the Board for the F.Y. 2015-16 & 2016-17 were then placed before Agenda– 3: Vetting of draft Service the Board for consideration and the same was Regulation for the employees of WBBB : accepted as approved by the members. Member Secretary placed the draft before the Member Secretary was requested to take Board. A threadbare discussion took place on further necessary stipulated actions as per different provisions of the regulations. Act & Rules. Member Secretary ratified all the queries Member Secretary appraised the Board about raised by the members. On the suggestion of registration of employees of W.B. Biodiversity the Chairman it was decided to include the Board (WBBB) in the online portal of EPF and ‘appointment on compassionate ground’ in initiation of PF contribution by the employees the regulation. Members expressed their of the Board. Members expressed their satisfaction and requested the Member

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Secretary to take further action for obtaining of other miscellaneous items with the necessary concurrence before publication as permission of the chair. the Gazette Notification. Action Plan/Vison Document: On the issue Agenda– 4: Amendment of Recruitment raised by Dr. Rina Chakraborty, the Chairman Rules : mentioned the importance of the Vision Document to prepare a roadmap for the Member Secretary placed the proposal for future goals and activities of the Board in the amendment of Recruitment Rules citing the light of the Act & Rules. The draft document need of modifications in the existing rules. prepared earlier should be made into a Members suggested to consider certain points comprehensive one, he suggested. Members before transferring the responsibility of asked the Chairman to look into the matter to recruitment to a separate regulatory body. which he agreed. Chairman requested to determine the validity of posts created earlier for which recruitment Integrated Research on Biodiversity procedures were initiated but left unfinished. Mapping: Dr. Rina Chakraborty raised the issue before the Board. She briefly narrated Members expressed their views in the matter the importance of the issue and requested for of specifically fixing up the academic criteria the opinions of the Board. Chairman seconded in a broad-spectrum manner for selection of her concern along with other members and technical posts upholding the spirit of the Act said that the Board would welcome specific & Rules. Members also requested to consider research proposals in the matter for the fate of the personnel engaged on consideration. contractual basis for more than five years. The issue of career mobility/promotion of Medical Benefit for the Board employees: stagnant posts were also discussed. Member Secretary placed the staff welfare issue before the Board. Members It was decided that Member Secretary will unanimously supported the issue stressing take up the matter with the Financial Advisor the need for a specific health policy for the to prepare a recruitment plan explaining the employees of the Board considering the requirement of the Board. importance of the matter. Chairman Agenda– 5: Amendment of W.B.B.D. Rules : requested the Member Secretary to chalk out The issue of amendment of WBBD Rules was the modalities for implementation of a discussed in detail. Member Secretary placed suitable health policy for the employees of the suggested modifications in the Rules W.B. Biodiversity Board in consultation with before the Board, with immediate need to the Financial Advisor. include the provisions of ‘Access & Benefit It was decided to circulate notice to all the Sharing’ and tier (level) of Panchayat Raj colleges/universities of the state to restrict System where the Biodiversity Management collection of biological specimens during field Committees would be constituted. The Board surveys. requested the Chairman to constitute a The issue of importance of pisciculture and committee in consultation with Member livelihood of dependent communities was Secretary, for this purpose. The committee discussed and it drew mixed response from would analyse the Rules and suggest the the members. Some members cited similar required modifications. The Chairman initiative by Fisheries Department, GoWB. assured to finalise the process. After prolonged discussion it was decided Agenda– 6: Miscellaneous, with the that a letter would be written to Directorate permission of the Chair: of Fisheries, Govt. of W.B., regarding culture The meeting was then opened for discussion of indigenous ornamental fishes in restored

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ponds for livelihood development. Concerned respective districts in consultation with local Biodiversity Management Committees would administration and State Biodiversity Board. be involved to facilitate the initiative in their

37th Meeting of the Board

Agenda– 1: Confirmation of the Minutes of Rules are being collated for incorporating. the 36th Board Meeting: Once the same is completed the same will be forwarded to concerned authority for The Chairman apprised the members on the notification. minutes of the 36th Board meeting held on 6th September 2018. There being no comments Action Plan/Vision Document: Chairman received from any member it was accepted as apprised the Board that the Vision Plan of the confirmed. Board is being worked upon and will be completed soon incorporating all the Agenda– 2: Confirmation of Action Taken suggestions and inputs provided by the Report on the decisions taken in 36th members in the last meeting. He also Board Meeting: requested the members to provide their The Chairman reported about the action inputs in this regard. taken on the decisions adopted in the Integrated Research on Biodiversity Mapping: previous meeting. It was reported that Chairman informed that Board is open to District Coordinators in Darjeeling- receive research proposals on Biodiversity Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri - Alipurduar Mapping and encourage all interested respectively have been appointed after proponents to submit specific proposals in following stipulated procedures. the matter for implementation. He requested Appointment of District Coordinator for Dr. Rina Chakraborty to take responsibilities Howrah and North 24 Parganas are in process in the matter. Dr. Chakraborty accepted the and will be completed soon. request and ensured her expertise support, Recommendations have been sought from but suggested that Board should take lead in different Biodiversity Management the matter while she will provide advisory Committees for setting up of Bio-Clubs in the support only due to her age related respective BMC’s jurisdiction. Applications restrictions. received from the BMCs are being actively Medical Benefit: Chairman requested the FA considered and seed money will be released to look into the matter. FA requested for some soon. time to come out with a final suggestion after The Draft Service Regulations which was holding a discussion with the Member vetted in the earlier meeting had been Secretary, WBBB. forwarded to FA for further checks & balance. Chairman reported about the precedent of FA requested for some more time and wanted sending letters to academic institutions to discuss about some issues with the requesting restriction of collection of Member Secretary before coming out with a biological specimens during field surveys final decision in the matter. with very limited response. However, Amendment of Recruitment Rules is also in considering the importance of the issue the process for finalization and will be done soon. members suggested to send letters again to The inputs provided by the members in the academic institutions requesting them to last Board meeting for amendment of WBBB consider limiting sample collection during

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field visits in future. in ABS Project for three months upto March 2019 for completion of remaining Importance of pisciculture and livelihood of works, from the fund support of NBA : dependent communities: Chairman reported about a project in the same line being funded The Chairman informed the Board that the by the Board. He also informed the Board that termination of the UNEP-GEF-MoEF & CC-ABS a letter was written to SFDC which is yet project in December, 2018 had resulted in unanswered. severe shortage of manpower to cope up with the works destined for the present Financial Agenda– 3: Partial utilization of fund Year. Hence, the Board in consultation with allotted for Post-PBR, BHS Management National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and other Conservation Activities towards proposed for some manpower outsourcing Preparation and monitoring of PBR : for the remaining 3 months of this F.Y., which The Chairman explained about the need to was agreed upon by NBA & a fund of keep the BMCs functional providing fund Rs.1,38,000/- has also been placed by NBA required for preparation of PBR & Post-PBR with the Board. activities. He reported that a request of fund Considering the limited time span within to the tune of Rs.1,30,00,000/- had been which the destined works need to be placed to Environment Department, GoWB completed and for utilizing the services and for the preparation & monitoring of PBRs, out expertise gained by the project personnel the of which the Board received only partial grant Board has retained two personnel viz. Shri R. of Rs.12,86,000/-. He further reported that Roychowdhury - Computer Assistant & Smt. the Board, on the other hand, had received Jinia Sinha Roy - Technical Assistant on another grant-in-aid of Rs. 40 lakh for Post- contractual basis from January to March 2019 PBR, BHS Management & other conservation for completing the works of the present activities under the same H/S; which is very Financial Year as outsourced personnel. likely to remain partially unutilized by March, 2019. Therefore, he requested the Board for After detailed discussion and considering the its approval to utilize the excess fund of Post- nature of work, expertise gained and the PBR, BHS Management & other conservation short time span, as well as their recruitment activities to enhance the PBRs preparation procedure followed during their engagement which is a mandatory activity of the BMCs and in the earlier project, the Board members the Board as well. He justified that PBRs approved the proposal and also suggested to would be considered as the basis to initiate intimate NBA regarding their re-engagement conservation activities. The Chairman also stating the reasons. intimated that there was a provision in the Agenda– 5: Miscellaneous, with the accounting procedure to replenish the said permission of the Chair: fund from the sanction for PBR preparation in the next financial year; as per the Accrual The meeting was then opened for discussion basis of Accounting procedure followed by of other miscellaneous items with the the Board. permission of the chair. After discussion the Board approved the Possibility of declaring Santraghi Jheel/ proposal with a suggestion to give intimation Saheb Bandh as heritage site: On the issue to the Environment Department in this regard raised by Dr. Rina Chakraborty, the Board for intimation to Accountant General, W.B., if opined that the issue may not be required. accommodated in the current action plan of the Board for certain obvious matters. Agenda– 4: Retention of Computer Assistant and Technical Assistant working Searching of water bodies throughout WB thorough BMCs which could be declared as

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heritage site or may be provided any Fisheries Department which would help the conservation status: Dr. Rina Chakraborty studies. Prof. S. C. Santra & Dr. Kalyan Rudra raised the issue before the Board. After much showed their concern about the Ahiran Beel discussion the Board acknowledging the of Murshidabad district and requested the merit of the proposal and agreed to initiate Chairman, WBBB to do something for its the activities in project mode and requested conservation. Chairman assured to look into Dr. Chakraborty to prepare a specific the matter and expressed his view that the proposal. Dr. Chakraborty suggested to projects would enable to identify and include Board officials as PI while she will conserve those waterbodies which are provide expert support in the execution of the treated as sacred by local people in different project work. Members suggested to procure districts of the state. ‘Inventory of Waterbodies of W.B.’ from

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iodiversity Management a biodiversity component and its Committee (BMC) is the keystone associated traditional knowledge. One has agency for implementation of the to take consent of the BMC prior to Biological Diversity Act, 2002. in commercial utilization of any bio-resource. Bthe country. The Biological Diversity Act,

2002 is to provide for the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its  BMC shall maintain a Register giving components and fair and equitable sharing of information about the details of the access the benefits arising out of the use of biological to biological resources and traditional resources, knowledge and for matters knowledge granted, details of the connected therewith or incidental thereto. As collection fee imposed and details of the said in the Section 41(1) of the Biological benefits derived and the mode of their Diversity Act, 2002 every local body shall sharing. constitute a Biodiversity Management Committee Within its area for the purpose of  BMC in consultation with NGOs and promoting conservation, sustainable use and community institutions shall initiate documentation of biological diversity, i.e. proposals for declaring Biodiversity People's Biodiversity Register (PBR), Heritage Sites BMC shall also be including preservation of habitat, responsible for taking care of the conservation of land race folk varieties and management of Biodiversity Heritage Sites cultivars, domesticated stocks and breed of declared under its jurisdiction. animals and microorganisms and chronicling of knowledge relating to biological diversity'. BMC also has the responsibility to prepare The Biological Diversity Act envisages a three and implement a management plan for a -tier system for implementing the same With period of 5-10 years in consultation with the National Biodiversity Authority. the State Biodiversity Board with the According to the act, a Biodiversity support of a Technical Support Group Management Committee (BMC) is the third (TSG) which were constituted by the SBB. tier to implement the strategies of biodiversity conservation. In West Bengal, BMCs are being constituted in Notified Area  BMC shall take initiative to generate Authority (NAA), Block, Municipality and awareness regarding biological resources Municipal Corporation Level. available in the locality, their ecological and economic importance and the need to conserve them and prepare an action plan FUNCTIONS OF BMC regarding the same.  It is obligatory for a BMC primarily and

principally to prepare, maintain and validate a PBR in its respective Gram  BMC shall determine and periodically Panchayats (GPs) or Mouzas. Through PBR update the status of regeneration of all exercise, huge knowledge, information and important species and the quantum raw data on past and present status of available within its area, by making bioresources of a particular area getting inventory under the guidance of the State studied. This can help in making strategies Biodiversity Board. for conservation in future.

 BMC shall set up and maintain germplasm  A BMC can regulate any commercial use of bank and seed centres or other centres of

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similar nature for promoting cultivars, folk by the State Biodiversity Board or the varieties and landraces under the technical National Biodiversity Authority for guidance of the State Biodiversity Board. granting approval, maintenance of data about local Vaids, folk healers and  BMC is to advise on matters referred to it practitioners using biological resources.

Details of BMCs constituted during 2018-19

Sl. No. District Name of BMC Date of Constitution

1 Jalpaiguri Nagrakata Dev. Block 07.02.2019

2 Jalpaiguri Maynaguri Dev. Block 11.01.2019

3 Jalpaiguri Sadar Dev. Block 08.03.2019

4 Alipurduar Kumargram Dev. Block 07.02.2019

5 Alipurduar Alipurduar II Dev. Block 08.03.2019

6 Murshidabad Goalpokher I Dev. Block 11.12.2018

7 Murshidabad Itahar P.S. 16.01.2019

8 Murshidabad Beldanga Municipality 17.05.2018

9 Murshidabad Murshidabad Municipality 11.04.2018

10 Murshidabad Dhuliyan Municipality 05.06.2018

11 Murshidabad Beldanga I Dev. Block 05.06.2018

12 Murshidabad Hariharpara Dev. Block 01.06.2018

13 Murshidabad Kandi Municipality 14.08.2018

14 Murshidabad Bharatpur I Dev. Block 12.06.2018

15 Murshidabad Nowda Dev. Block 05.10.2018

16 Murshidabad Raghunathganj I Dev. Block 30.11.2018

17 Hooghly Chanditala II Block 27.11.2018

18 Birbhum Mayureswar II P.S. 13.12.2018

19 Purulia Jhalda Municipality 12.04.2018

20 Purulia Baghmundi Dev. Block 21.09.2018

21 Paschim Bardhaman Durgapur - Faridpur Dev. Block 26.06.2018

22 North 24 Parganas Dum Dum Municipality 07.05.2018

23 South 24 Parganas Rajpur- Sonarpur Municipality 16.07.2018

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very local body within the states of practices. It is intended and is found to India shall constitute a Biodiversity mobilize and motivate individuals and Management Committee as per the communities to participate in a process that Biological Diversity Act, 2002. creates awareness about biodiversity in a EPreparing People’s Biodiversity Register very effective manner. It aims to help in (PBR) of the respective area has been planning ways to prudently manage local earmarked as the most important technical biodiversity. The process of preparation of mandate of the BMCs. The Board is PBRs, and the resultant documents are of thoroughly involved in PBR preparation. All immense importance in promoting more kind of facilities are being provided to the sustainable, flexible, participatory systems of BMCs regarding PBR exercise. As per the management and in ensuring a proper access methodology developed by the N BA and the and benefit sharing mechanism arising out of experience gathered so far, the Board economic use of the local bio-resources and provides the guidelines for preparation of associated traditional knowledge, to the PBR. stakeholder individuals or communities at large.

What is People’s Biodiversity Register? Who can prepare? According to the ground rules, a PBR includes some definite chapters like landscape, It is the mandate of the BMC of each local Lifescape and peoplescape which keep an body to prepare and validate the PBRs account of the area's bio-resources, local involving local people in the whole exercise. people's knowledge regarding the resources Technical help during the exercise can be pertaining to the status, usage, history, sought from the State Biodiversity Board or changing trends, forces driving such changes, from other available expertise. The process of the gainers and losers in the process and also documentation of a local body can be initiated their perception regarding management of by any School, College, University, Institution, the resources. This record acts as an Club and Non-Government Organization. Such important base for initiating further steps exercises can be carried out by involving regarding not only for conservation, also in students and/ with help and services from promoting well-grounded management in local people of the area. To validate these harvesting, marketing of bioresources and documents of the local biological resources benefit sharing of the same, as well as its and associates traditional knowledge as associated knowledge. Most importantly, the 'People's Biodiversity Registers'. it is PBRs should constitute continually updated mandatory to constitute a BMC in the said databases and not just one-time printed area. The responsibility of maintaining and documents. updating the prepared PBRs lies with concerned BMCs.

Why do we need to prepare People’s Biodiversity Register? To bring all important specific information together on bioresources, associated local traditional knowledge and the ecological processes which affecting them, PBR is needed to be prepared. The entire exercise is capable of leading to recognition and promotion of conservation oriented local

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Glimpses of PBR Workshops

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PBRs released during 2018-19

Sl. No. Block/ Municipality District

1 Kanthi Municipality BMC Purba Medinipur

2 Mohunpur G.P., Mohunpur Block Paschim Medinipur

3 Ghugumari G.P., Coochbehar I Block Coochbehar

4 Srirampur G.P., Purbasthali I Block Purba Bardhaman

5 Ranaghat Municipality Nadia

6 Sahachak G.P., Daspur II Block, Paschim Medinipur

7 Sasank G.P., Khandokos Block Purba Bardhaman

8 Jumiki Block, Egra I Block Purba Medinipur

9 Rohini G.P., Sankrail Block Jhargram

10 Topsia G.P., Gopiballavpur II Block Jhargram

11 Vajachowli G.P., Kanthi III Block Purba Medinipur

12 Bansberia Municipality Hooghly

13 Dhobeberia G.P., Deshpran Block Purba Medinipur

14 Nalpur G.P., Sankrail Block Howrah

15 Itachuna – Khanyan G.P., Pandua Block Hooghly

16 Lalua G.P., Keshiary Block Paschim Medinipur

17 Basanti Block South 24 Pgs.

18 Bamunpara G.P., Bhatar Block Purba Bardhaman

19 Memari-II Block BMC Purba Bardhaman

20 Raninagar-II Block BMC Murshidabad

21 Dhaniakhali Block BMC Hooghly

22 Arambag Block BMC Hooghly

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Seminar/ Meetings attended and delivered lectures by Dr. A. K. Sanyal, Chairman, WBBB during 2018-2019

27/04/2018: Delivered a lecture at Behala 08/12/2018: Attended a seminar on College, Kolkata Sundarban Biodiversity and Livelihood, held at Jharkhali, South 24 Parganas. 19/05/2018: Delivered a lecture in a seminar on Fisheries in West Bengal 11/12/2018: Delivered inaugural lecture in a seminar held at Bankura Sanmilani 22/05/2018: International Day for Biological College Diversity. 14/12/2018: Delivered two lectures at the 05/06/2018: Attended the Celebration of Academy Staff College, Burdwan World Environment Day, organised by University the WB Pollution Control Board 27/12/2018: Attended a TV programme on 05/07/2018: Delivered a lecture in a Biodiversity. workshop for the teachers, organised by tbe CEE, Ahmedabad and Paribesh 10/01/2019: Attended a meeting with the Unnayan Parishad Chairman of Katwa Municipality, Burdwan in connection with 24/07/2018: Delivered a lecture in a seminar establishment of a Biodiversity Park. at the Kalyani University 13/01/2019: Delivered a talk in a seminar 01/08/2018: Delivered an invited “Gopal held at Rahara RKM College, Rahara, Bhattacharya Memorial Lecture” at the North 24 Parganas. Bangyo Bigyan Parishad, Kolkata. 06/02/2019: Delivered a theme lecture in 04/08/2018: Attended two meetings of BMC, seminar organized jointly by WBBB and one at Usti, Diamond Harbour & the Amity University. other at Jaynagar-Majilpur. 08/02/2019: Inaugurated the Butterfly 25/08/2018: Attended an outreach garden at the AV School, Krishnagar. programme as Chief Guest organized by SEBA, Kolkata. 13/02/2019: Delivered the inaugural lecture in WBBB organized seminar 12/09/2018: Delivered two lectures at the “Mainstreaming Biodiversity: Academic Staff College, Burdwan Convergence of Stakeholders University. for Sustainability”, held at 28/09/2018: Delivered an invited talk at Science City, Kolkata. Belur College, Kolkata. 18/02/2019: Delivered an invited talk on 01/10/2018: Delivered key-note address in a Biodiversity at Barrackpore seminar at Vivekananda Research Rastraguru Surendranath Centre, Nimpith, South 24 Parganas. College. 12/10/2018: Attended a seminar in Kolkata 21/02/2019: Attended an “Environmental as Invited Panellist and delivered a awareness programme” at lecture. Basirhat and delivered a 03/12/2018: Attended a seminar held at the lecture. JBNSTS Institute, Kolkata and delivered keynote address.

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28/02/2019: Chaired a technical session in a 09/03/2019: Attended a seminar on seminar “Agriculture and Environment “Preservation and Sustenance of Series” held at City College, Kolkata. Biodiversity”, held at BITM, Kolkata and delivered a lecture. 01/03/2019: Attended a workshop on “Sustainable livelihood and Climate 29/03/2019: Attended an awareness change” as Chief Guest, held at IBRAD, programme on biodiversity, held at Kolkata and delivered a lecture. Behala Girl’s School as the Chief Guest and delivered a talk. 08/03/2019: Attended a seminar at Burdwan University and delivered a special lecture on Biodiversity status in India”

Activity of Board Officials

19/05/2018: participation in a Radio 29/06/2018: PBR workshop at the Illambazar programme on Biodiversity on the Block BMC, Birbhum occasion of International Day for 05/07/2018: PBR workshop at the Chapra Biological Diversity. Block BMC, Nadia 29/05/2018: PBR Workshop at the 06/07/2018: PBR workshop at the Tehatta-I Bhadreshwar Municipality BMC, Block BMC, Nadia Hooghly 10/07/2018: PBR workshop at the 31/05/2018: PBR workshop at the Taherpur Mahishadal Block BMC Notified Area Authority BMC, Nadia 12/07/2018: PBR workshop at the Karimpur- 31/05/2018: PBR workshop at the Birnagar I Block BMC Municipality BMC, Nadia 16/07/2018: Delivered a lecture on 02/06/2018: PBR workshop at the Shantipur Biodiversity Conservation in Nayagram Block BMC, BMC 02/06/2018: PBR workshop at the 19/07/2018: PBR workshop at the Krishnagar Municipality BMC, Nadia. Sandeshkhali-I Block BMC. 13/06/2018: PBR workshop at the Nabadwip 23/07/2018: PBR workshop at the Municipality BMC, Nadia. Sandeshkhali-II Block BMC 16/06/2018: Awareness programme at the 25/07/2018: PBR workshop at the Hingalganj Gobardanga Municipality BMC on Local Block BMC Biodiversity 02/08/2018: PBR workshop at the Jaynagar-I 25/06/2018: Attended a meeting on Block BMC declaration of Biodiversity Heritage Site of Kanakdurga Sacred Grove 04/08/2018: Attended PBR Release programme at the Bansberia 27/06/2018: PBR workshop at the Municipality BMC. Rampurhat-II BMC, Birbhum 07/08/2018: PBR workshop at the Rayna-I 28/06/2018: PBR workshop at the Nanoor Block BMC Block BMC, Birbhum

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19

09/08/2018: Delivered a lecture in the 21/12/2018: PBR workshop at the Salboni seminar on Local Biodiversity at the Block BMC Moulana Azad College. 22/12/2018: Monitoring of Post-PBR 10/08/2018: PBR workshop at the Ranigunj Conservation activity in Nayagram Block BMC Block BMC 13/08/2018: PBR workshop at the 24/12/2018: Monitoring of Post-PBR activity Bhagabanpur-I BMC of Dantan-II Block BMC 21/08/2018: PBR workshop at the Garbeta- 04/01/2019: PBR workshop at the Cooper’s III Block BMC. Camp Notified Area Authoruity BMC 27/08/2018: PBR workshop at the 07/01/2019: PBR workshop at the Englishbazar Municipality BMC, Malda Mandirbazar Block BMC 27/08/2018: PBR workshop at the Old Malda 16/01/2019: PBR workshop at the Chhatna Municipality BMC, Malda Block BMC 28/08/2018: PBR workshop at the Ratua-II 22/01/2019: Attended a TV Programme on Block BMC People’s Biodiversity Register in DD Bangla. 29/08/2018: PBR workshop at the Kushmundi Block BMC 07/02/2019: Delivered lecture on the topic Biodiversity around us in an 30/08/2018: PBR workshop at the International Seminar organised by Banshihari Block BMC Bajkul Milani Mahavidyalaya. 07/09/2018: PBR workshop at the Galsi-I 08/02/2019: Attended the inauguration Block BMC meeting of Krishnagar AV School 11/09/2018: PBR workshop at the Uluberia 16/02/2019: Delivered a lecture on “How to Municipality BMC be an ecologist” in the seminar Ecology: 18-20/09/2018: Training programme for Today and Tomorrow, organized by District Coordinators in Birbhum Department of Botany, University of 13-14/11/2018: Delivered lecture in Calcutta Biodiversity Governance Training 16/02/2019: Attended a radio programme on Programme at NIRD&PR with NBA in the Biological Diversity Act and Rules. Hyderabad 27/02/2019: 28/02/2019: PBR workshop at 22/11/2018: PBR workshop at the the Garbetta-II Block BMC Kharagpur Municipality BMC 27/02/2019: Attended a PBR release 26/11/2018: PBR workshop at the North programme at Contai Municipality DumDum Municipality BMC 02/03/2019: PBR workshop at the Mohanpur 08/12/2018: Delivered a lecture on Block BMC Sundarban Mangrove in the 04/03/2019: PBR workshop at the Dantan-I International Seminar organized by Block BMC Visva-Bharati 05/03/2019: PBR workshop at the Sabang 10/12/2018: PBR workshop at the Katwa Block BMC Municipality BMC 16/03/2019: Delivered a lecture on Local 14/12/2018: PBR workshop at the Panskura biodiversity in Ramnagar College. Municipality BMC

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19

Celebration of International Day for Biological Diversity, 2018 The International Day for Biological associated with the Board. Diversity – 2018 was observed on 22nd May A documentary on biodiversity, each year as a reminder to all for our duties “Biodiversity of West Bengal- Himalaya to towards conservation and sustainable Sagar”, was prepared which was released on utilization of vast resources of biodiversity the occasion and screened to the audience. that envelops us. It was also a reminder that we need to arrest the pace of degradation of Welcoming all, The Member Secretary our biodiversity mainly due to over bearing expressed his gratitude to all the participants acts of human being. for being present in the programme. He thanked to all the dignitaries and special The state level observance with invitees for taking time off from their busy multifarious stakeholders, had very rightly schedule to be present in the programme to justified the main theme of IDB—2018 i.e. make it a grand success. Celebrating 25 years of Action for Biodiversity to generate awareness by Hon’ble MIC in his address expressed his involving all varied stakeholders who need to pleasure to see the large gathering and hoped be appraised of their dual roles, both as a that the issues of biodiversity will be protector and as sustainable consumer. understood and accepted by all. He narrated about various initiatives taken by the State Inauguration Government about restoration and The central programme to mark the conservation of biodiversity in various commemoration of IDB-2018 was held during developmental activities. He reminded that a one-day long programme at Science City biodiversity and natural resources are vital Mini Auditorium Kolkata on 22nd May, 2018. for the sustenance of human which should be More than 400 people from different protected by any means. He conveyed his segments of the society that included sincere thanks to the Board for making the representatives of BMCs/ Research documentary to disseminate the importance Institutes/ Govt. Organizations/ NGOs, of biodiversity among the people. He students / Teachers of Schools, Colleges, informed about special drive by Universities and others took part in the event. municipalities to protect and save the The dais of the inaugural programme was waterbodies to conserve the aquatic luminated by Sri Sovan Chatterjee, Hon’ble biodiversity of the state and invite for a Minister-In-Charge, Environment coordinated effort from all the stakeholders Department, GoWB, Sri Arnab Roy, IAS, in this direction. He also expressed Principal Secretary, Environment satisfaction to the activities of the Board. Department, GoWB, Dr. Asok Kanti Sanyal, The Chairman, WBBB set the tone of the Chariman, WBBB & Sri Sandipan Mukherjee, programme thereafter in his deliberation. IFS, Member Secretary, WBBB. Highlighting the theme of this year, he The day started with Folk Song pointed out the need for better plan and performed by Sri Arup Thandar, District management to mitigate the ill effects of Coordinator Birbhum district and his team. unplanned development underlining the various advantages of sustainable A condolence was presented to development towards livelihood generation, remember the demise of former Chairman of healthy life, cultural enrichment, better WBBB Prof. Arun Kr. Sharma and famous understanding etc, on this 18th year of global scientist Dr. Ashis Kr. Ghosh, who was closely celebration of IDB. He then briefly narrated

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19

the activities and various achievement of the theme lecture was delivered by Dr. K. State Board since inception towards Venkataraman, former Secretary, National generating awareness and steps taken for Biodiversity Authority & former Director, effective implementation of the provisions of Zoological Survey of India, who is currently the Act & Rules in the state. engaged as Sr. Scientific Consultant of The Principal Secretary in his National Centre for Sustainable Coastal deliberation stressed the need of involvement Management, Tamil Nadu. of common people for conservation and Dr. Venkataraman started his protection of biodiversity as no policing and deliberation by mentioning that the concept institutional protection is there for non-forest of biodiversity is not clear till today though areas and he expressed his pleasure knowing India has a rich tradition of biodiversity the involvement of common people for the conservation for last 250 years. In his protection of biodiversity. He mentioned the deliberation he mentioned about our sacred efforts of the State Board towards this books (Ramayana, Mahavarata) which has direction, particularly information of BMCs, tremendous compilation of data on preparation of PBRs and generating biodiversity of those times. He went back to awareness among the people about the time of foreign invasions for the rich biodiversity and its importance. He also biodiversity of our country. He drew appreciated the documentary prepared by the inference of historical facts to drive the Board for the purpose of awareness importance of biodiversity. He mentioned generation. about food scarcity which caused famous Biodiversity Award: ‘Bengal Famine’ due to loss of biodiversity. Looting of bio-resources was rampant on Like previous year, the Board conferred those days. He mentioned about the rich Biodiversity Award for the cause of biodiversity in different eco-systems present conserving biodiversity. in our country. Kalyani Municipality BMC of Nadia He described about some mythological district & Jamalpur Block BMC of Purba events which is believed to have originated Bardhaman district were awarded for their life forms in the world. The ancient scriptures activities & achievements involving local also talk about the importance of biodiversity people. conservation which were in practice back Awards in the institutional category was then. As a megadiversity country India is rich conferred to Sriniketan Self Help Group from in biodiversity which reflects in the food Jharkhali, South 24 Parganas for their habits of different regions. activities & achievements involving local He also mentioned about numerous people for conservation of mangroves and varieties of fruits, vegetables, faunal species also other indigenous crops catering to the etc. which came from outside India but has nutrition supplement of the local people. become broadly established in India. Annual Biodiversity Award in the Diminishing numbers of domesticated individual category was given to Md. Alim animals also found a mention in his Ansari, BDO, Jamboni Block, Jhargram for his presentation. Exotic species are increasing commendable contribution for managing the suppressing indigenous species which should one of the oldest sacred groves in Jhargram be cautiously noted. He mentioned about rich district namely Chilkigarh Kanak Durga marine diversity, most of which are in the temple area. brink of extinct though a substantial amount Theme Lecture: of forex is earned from them. After the felicitation programme, the The apathy towards maintaining the

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virginity of eco-systems is driving the collegiate extempore competition was held on extinction of species at a rapid pace which if different topics on biodiversity. 16 not stopped will doom the sustenance of the participants from different colleges took humankind. He mentioned about the participation in the competetion. The debate patronage of ancient kings and rulers for was judged by Dr. Rina Chakraborty, Ex- protection of biodiversity and environment Scientist, Zoological Survey India, Dr. Jaya which is lacking today by modern civilized Bandyopadhayay, Associate Professor of communities. M.A.K. Azad University of Technology, Dr. He also mentioned about the significance Swati Nandi Chakraborty, Guru Nanak of establishment of National Biodiversity Institute of Pharmaceutical Science & Authority and its activities through the 3-tier Technology. Smt. Tameka Hazra of system currently adopted all over India. Vivekananda College was declared the winner of the debate. Smt. Snehasmita Samamta of He signed off by saying that it is wise to Bethune College became the first runner-up act right now to save mankind. and Sri Akash Dutta of Serampore College PBR release: won the third position. The Board organized a On a solemn note, 18(eighteen) PBRs State Level Photography competition on were formally handed over to the Chairman specified themes on biodiversity and of the Board by the members of the respective livelihood which attracted a large Biodiversity Management Committees viz., participation from all over the state. Sri Kanthi Municipality BMC of Purba Medinipur Shouvik Pal was adjudged the winner of the district, Mohanpur Block BMC (Mohanpur competition, Sri Amit Kumar Adak won the GP) of Paschim Medinipur, Coochbehar-I second position and Sri Ganesh Chowdhury Block BMC (Ghughumari GP) of Cochbehar became third in the competition. district, Purbasthali-I Block BMC (Srirampur All the position holders of extempore and GP) of Purba Bardhaman district, Ranaghat photography competition were given Municipality BMC of Nadia district, Daspur-II mementos and certificates amidst a big round Block BMC (Sahachok GP) of Paschim of applause. Students from different schools Medinipur district, Khondokos Block (Sasank from South 24 Parganas who were selected GP) of Purba Bardhaman district, Egra-I Block for essay writing competition and awarded on BMC (Jumki GP) of Purba Medinipur district, the occasion. Sankrail Block BMC (Rohini GP) & The session ended with the vote of thanks Gopiballavpur-II Block BMC (Topsia GP) of by Dr Anirban Roy, Research Officer, WBBB. Jhargram district, Kanthi-III Block BMC (Vajachowli GP) of Purba Medinipur district, Apart from the central programme at Bansberia Municipality of Hooghly district, Kolkata, two other programmes were also Deshpran Block BMC (Dhobaberia GP) of organised in two remote districts of the State Purba Medinipur district, Sankrail Block BMC namely Purulia and Coochbehar which were (Nolpur GP) of Howrah district, Pandua Block supported by the Board. In Purulia, the BMC (Itachuna-Khanyan GP) of Hooghly programme was organised by Dept. Botany, district, Kesiary Block BMC (Lalua GP) of Sidhu-Kanho-Birsha University, in Paschim Medinipur, Basanti Block (entire collaboration with the BMCs. On the other block) of South 24 Parganas district and hand, an NGO -- Coochbehar Anasristi – Bhatar Block BMC (Bamunpara GP) of Purba organised the programme in collaboration Bardhaman district. with Coochbehar II Block BMC. In both the programme, students from school/ colleges/ The Session ended for lunch. university were the major participants. In the post-lunch session an inter-

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19

Glimpses of IBD Celebration

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Living things face a constant barrage of impacted life on earth, we can take steps to external stresses or threats that challenge reverse past damages and prevent future their ability to survive and reproduce. In damage. Thus the Board supported various recent evolutionary history, threats facing schools and institutions to organise Bio Tour many animals, plants and other organisms or Jeevan Safar for school students to have been driven primarily by the effects of a recognise common plants, animals and other single species humans. The extent to which organisms in their native environment; to humans have altered this planet has affected promote awareness and sensibility in countless species and has initiated extinctions individuals toward environment and on such a vast scale that many scientists biodiversity, as well as to become familiar believe we are now experiencing a mass with their environmental requirements; and extinction (the sixth mass extinction in the to encourage students to value the Universe). Unlike other natural threats, man- environment and to inspire participation in made threats like habitat destruction and the process of improving and protecting the fragmentation, over-exploitation of resources, environment/biodiversity for the betterment environmental pollution leading to climate of their own livelihoods. During 2018-19 change, introduction of exotic alien species, several schools and institution had organised poaching, etc. are threats that we can prevent this educational tour programme. Details are by changing our behaviour. By examining as follows: how human activities have adversely

Name of the School / Sl. No. District Venue of the Tour Organisation

1 Alipurduar Birpara High School Jaldapara forest 2 Alipurduar Madarihat Girl’s High School Jaldapara forest 3 Hooghly Khalisani Vidyamandir Chilkigarh forest 4 Howrah Kulitapara No. 1 Primary School Alipore Zoological Garden 5 Howrah Raghunathpur Nafar Academy Botanic Garden 6 Jhargram Gopiballavpur I Govt. Model School Chilkigarh forest 7 Jhargram Netai Jr. High School Digha Coatal Area 8 Kolkata Lighthouse for the Blind Botanic Garden 9 Kolkata East Calcutta Girl’s College Alipore Zoological Garden

Maharaja Cossimbazar Sabitri 10 Kolkata Mudially Nature Park Sikshalaya

Jangalpara B.C. Kundu Memorial 11 Kolkata Ayodhya Hills Sikshalaya

12 Paschim Medinipur Arjuni Deshbandhu Vidyapith Chilkigarh forest

13 Paschim Medinipur Sundarar High School Jhargram Zoo

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Name of the School / Sl. No. District Venue of the Tour Organisation

14 Purba Medinipur Haldia Municipality BMC Digha Coastal Area 15 Purba Medinipur Bidyanidhi Academy Gopalpur Coastal Area 16 Purba Medinipur Hirapur Dasagram High School Khejuri 17 South 24 Pgs. Kalash High School Botanic Garden

Sajnekhali + Sudhanyakhali 18 South 24 Pgs. Rangabelia High School Mangrove forest

Sajnekhali + Sudhanyakhali 19 South 24 Pgs. Rajat Jubilee High School Mangrove forest

Sajnekhali + Sudhanyakhali 20 South 24 Pgs. Manmathanagar High School Mangrove forest

Sajnekhali + Sudhanyakhali 21 South 24 Pgs. Masjidbati Parbati High School Mangrove forest

22 South 24 Pgs. Majilpur J.M. Training School Botanic Garden

Sajnekhali + Sudhanyakhali 23 South 24 Pgs. Pakhirala High School Mangrove forest

Sajnekhali + Sudhanyakhali 24 South 24 Pgs. Jaynagar P.C. Paul Institute Mangrove forest

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ne of the popular means of programmes for students, academicians, generating awareness is seminar / general public and for policy makers too. workshop. The Board, since its Capacity building of the functionaries of the O inception, has been providing local bodies and the BMC members has also support for organising such programmes to been done at regular intervals. During 2018- make people aware of the various aspects of 19, the Board had received several proposals Biodiversity and its importance. People of all on diverse topics of biodiversity and sphere, particularly the students, are the supported it for the successful achievement of targets of these programmes. The Board of its the objective widely. own also has been organising such

Disbursed District Name of the Institution Approval Date Amount

Bankura Bankura Sammilani College 28.08.2018 20,000.00

Singur Development Society Hooghly 09.11.2018 15,000.00 Welfare Committee

Jhargram Lalgarh Govt. College 07.03.2019 13,000.00

Kolkata The Zoological Society Kolkata 28.08.2018 15,000.00

Livelihood Initiatives For Kolkata 28.08.2018 18,000.00 Empowerment

Kolkata Science Communicators'Forum 09.11.2018 23,000.00

Association for Science & Kolkata Environmental Development, 09.11.2018 50,000.00 Kolkata

Department of Zoology, Kolkata 07.03.2019 20,000.00 Vidyasagar University

North 24 Faculty of Science, Kalyani 28.08.2018 30,000.00 Parganas University

Paschim Sabang Sajanikanta Mahavidyalaya 28.08.2018 20,000.00 Medinipur

Purba Medinipur Ramnagar College 07.12.2018 30,000.00

South 24 Mukundapur Junior High School 09.11.2018 22,000.00 Parganas

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ABS received for the ABS Name of the Form-I Applicant F.Y. amount

The Himalaya Drug Company, Makali, Bangalore, 2016-17 8,455 562 162, India

Chyavan Ayurvedic Research Laboratories, 5A, 2016-17 1,710 Khalishakota Pally, Birati, Kolkata - 700 051

Parampara Ayurved, 234, M.G. Road, Thakurpukur, 2013-14, 14-15, 15-16, 7,81,635 Kolkata - 700063 16-17, 17-18

Bhabani Ausadhalaya-Dacca, Head Office and Factory - 2014-15, 15-16, 16-17, 70, Arabinda Road, Naihati, 24 Pgs. (N), W.B., PIN- 22,118 17-18 743165

Jupiter Pharmaceuticals Limited, Behal Industrial Estate, 2017-18 5,52,928 Shed No. 7/3 & 7/5. 620 D.H. Road, Kolkata - 700 034

Chemico Laboratory, Bidhanpally, P.O.-Madhyamgram, 2014-15, 15-16, 16-17 8,283 Dist.-North 24 Pgs., W.B. - 700 129

Total 13,75,129

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oard has commissioned a number Women's College of research activities in accordance OBJECTIVES: with Rule 13(2f) of the West Bengal Biological Diversity Rules, • Documentation and quantification of B2005 which states to commission studies and ornamental fish species from the markets sponsor investigations and research and other sources of Paschim Medinipur, concerning conservation and sustainable use Purba Medinipur and Jhargram district. of biological diversity, biosurvey and bio- • Documentation of indigenous fishes with utilization and other relevant subjects. The potential of use as ornamental fish and Department of Environment, Government of livelihood concerned. Awareness West Bengal has sanctioned a number of such regarding importance of indigenous research projects through the Board to ornamental fishes. different agencies for undertaking such research activities in the state. The projects being implemented during the period under PROJECT TITLE: Sacred groves of West report include: Bengal (Howrah Purba Medinipur, Burdwan, North 24 Parganas, Malda, Cooch Behar, Uttar Projects Ongoing Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar) PROJECT TITLE: Documentation of fresh water fishes in the Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar PROJECT COORDINATORS: Dr. Anirban Roy districts of West Bengal & Dr. S. N. Ghosh PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Debashis INVESTIGATORS: Dr. Suman Dutta & Dr. Das Subnaaeep Sarkar for Howrah district. Dr. Sumit Manna for East Midnapore district, Dr. IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: Dept. of Soumyendranath Chatterjee for East & West Zoology, Tufangunj Mahavidyalaya, Burdwan district, Shri Dibyendu Mohanty for Coochbehar North 24 Parganas, Dr. Sudipta Sil for Malda OBJECTIVES: district, Dr. Tanmoy Datta & Dr. Debashis Das • Document fish species richness and for Cooch Behar district, Dr. Palas Mondal & distribution of different fish species of Shri Tilak Saha for North & South Dinajpur Himalayan region. district, Dr. Subhasis Panda for Jalpaiguri & Alipurduar district • Presence-Absence data from communication with local fishermen. IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: WB Biodiversity Board • Identification of important wetland for conservation of important species and also OBJECTIVES: to develop strategy to do the same. • Identification of sacred groves with geographical location and to prepare district wise distribution map. PROJECT TITLE: Indigenous freshwater ornamental fish faunal diversity of Paschim • To identify major trees, climbers, lianas, Medinipur, their rearing, breeding and associated flora, larger fauna inhabited marketing of selective species for better inside the groves. livelihood of rural people • To document taboos and belief associated PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Angsuman for traditional management of the groves. Chanda • To document threats associated with IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: Raja N L Khan individual sacred groves.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19

• To identify the potential groves for PROJECT TITLE: A systematic study on designating as Biodiversity Heritage Sites freshwater prawn diversity of Purba and as per the BD Act. Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Priti Ranjan Pahari PROJECT TITLE: Fish diversity of North and South 24 Parganas: a study from the niche, IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: Tamralipta habitat and livelihood perspectives Mahavidyalaya PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Prof. Silanjan OBJECTIVES: Bhattacharyya • To document and status survey of the CO-INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Samir Kumar Saha diversity of freshwater prawn in Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur and IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: Department of Jhargram district. Zoology, WB State University • To assess abundance, exploitation and OBJECTIVES: proper management strategies for • To prepare district wise exhaustive conservation of prawn. To identify checklist of fish fauna of North and South potential species for commercial culture. 24 Parganas.

• To prepare presence absence data, PROJECT TITLE: Status survey of Fishing cat abundance data of each species. with special reference to their distribution • To prepare guideline on restoration and and abundance in West Bengal, India conservation of fish diversity and also to PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Prof. Goutam prepare guideline for developing Kumar Saha sustainable livelihood activities based on these resources. CO-INVESTIGATORS: Dr. C. Venkatraman, Dr. Koushik Deuti, Dr. Subhendu Mazumder, Smt.

Ajanta Dey PROJECT TITLE: Ant Diversity as indicator of IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: Dept. of different habitats in West Bengal Zoology, CU, ZSI, Kolkata and NEWS, Kolkata PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Sheela, S. OBJECTIVES: IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: Zoological • To compile distribution map of fishing cat Survey of India in West Bengal. OBJECTIVES: • To identify possible habitat requirement • To document the diversity of ants. and their relative abundance.

• To explore habitats for ant community and • To identify reasons and areas of human- diversity in all agro-ecological region of fishing cat conflict. West Bengal. • To facilitate conservation measure for • To identify generalist and special niche fishing cat in West Bengal. occupancies in different communities of

ant. PROJECT TITLE: Investigation on the algal • To find out spatial/geographical biodiversity of Himalayan West Bengal distribution patterns of ant species, if any. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Prof. Jai

Prakash Keshri

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19

IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: Dept. of • To identify leading 5 medicinal plants with Botany, University of Burdwan high commercial usage in West Bengal which are not/scarcely sourced from the OBJECTIVES: State. • To investigate the distribution and habitat

preferences of algae and their role as indicators. PROJECT TITLE Conservation and Promotion of TRVs with Participation of Biodiversity • To understand co-relation between Management Committees physicochemical parameters and their occurrence and sexual reproduction. PROJECT COORDINATORS: Dr. S. N. Ghosh & Dr. Prakash Pradhan • Quantification of species concerned and threats on those. IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: West Bengal Biodiversity Board

OBJECTIVES: PROJECT TITLE: Effects of Urbanisation and Anthropogenic disturbance on nesting • To document traditional rice varieties Biology and population of Neighbouring (TRVs) being cultivated in five agro- avifauna climatic regions of West Bengal.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Supriti • To promote cultivation of TRVs with Sarkar participation of 5 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs), one IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: City College, from each zone. Kolkata • To ensure farmer's rights over their crop OBJECTIVES: by registering those under the Protection • To record diversity and population census of Plant Varieties and Farmer's Rights of avian fauna in North 24 Parganas. Authority. • To study nesting biology, influence of urbanization on activities of birds. PROJECT TITLE: Diversity, Distribution and • To develop future conservation strategy Status of Freshwater Fishes of Jaldhaka River, from statistical analysis. West Bengal, India PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. L. Kosygin PROJECT TITLE: A market research study on Singh, Scientist D, Shri K.C. Gopi, Scientist E identification and end-to-end profiling of IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: Zoological medicinal plants with high commercial usage Survey of India in West Bengal OBJECTIVES: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Shri • To study diversity of freshwater fishes Parthapratim Das from Jaldhaka river and its tributaries. IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: PGI Associates • To study the taxonomic status of the fishes India Focused Marketing Consultants of the river. OBJECTIVES: • To study seasonal variation of species • To profile leading 10 medicinal plants with composition. high commercial usage in West Bengal • To study the altitude distribution pattern which are primarily sourced from the state of fishes in the highland, middle and itself.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19

lowland zones of the river.

• To identify the endemic and threatened PROJECT TITLE: Studies on Diversity and species by studying the mode of Ecology of Macro-Fungi in Terai and Dooars distribution and comparison with past Regions of West Bengal records. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Anirban • To identify the cryptic species using Roy, Research Officer, WB Biodiversity Board molecular taxonomic techniques. CO-INVESTIGATOR: Prof. Krishnendu • To prepare a check-list of freshwater Acharya, Professor, Dept. of Botany, fishes of Jaldhaka river of West Bengal, University of Calcutta India. IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: WB Biodiversity Board PROJECT TITLE: Macro-Invertebrate as OBJECTIVES: Bioresource and Bioindicator of Ecosystem • Inventorization of macro-fungi diversity in Stability in the Longitudinal Templates of the Terai and Doors region of West Bengal. Murti river in Dooras, North Bengal • Identification of habitat/ microhabitat for PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Prof. (Dr.) the macro-fungal population. Sumit Homechaudhuri • Estimation of degree of species richness IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: University of and diversity of macrofungi. Calcutta • Preparation of fungal distribution map. OBJECTIVES: Compilation of the ethno-botanical values • Determination of taxonomic and species of macrofungi from the ethnic people of diversity of macro-invertebrates (aquatic this area. insects) in Murti river, Jalpaiguri district,

West Bengal. PROJECT TITLE: Documentation and • Analysis of the interrelationship of Conservation of Medicinal and Aromatic macroinvertebrate diversity and physic- Plants in the Darjeeling Himalaya and Dooars chemical parameters. Region of North Bengal and Utilization in • Correlation between functional diversity of Human and Veterinary Healthcare Systems macro-invertebrates and environmental PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Swami gradients. Viswamayananda, Secretary, Ramkrishna • Evaluation of seasonal dynamics of Mission Ashrama, Sargachi macroinvertebrate population to CO-INVESTIGATOR: Prof. Gour Gopal Maiti, understand their response to seasonal Dept. of Botany, Kalyani University cycle and their availability as bioresource. IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: Ramakrishna • Determination of traits of different species Mission Ashrama, Sargachi. Murshidabad of faunal abundance to assess their potentiality as bio-indicator species. OBJECTIVES:

• Recognition of multi-scale functional traits • To document the medicinal and aromatic of the macro-invertebrate assemblages to plant of Darjeeling Himalayas and Dooars select different candidate metrics towards region of North Bengal. construction of index of biological integrity • To document the traditional pharmacology for evaluation of the freshwater riverine in respect of those MAP having uses in ecosystem health.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19

human and veterinary healthcare system. juveniles of biting midges and to find out association (larvapupa-adult) through • To initiate conservation and multiplication rearing. of those in and around Ashram area with special emphasis of those having high • Enumeration of taxonomic significance of commercial values and usefulness among midges including hematophagous ones the local people. having medicoveterinary significance.

• Correlation of abundance of the midges with meteorological data. Projects Completed Key findings:

 28 species documented from the genus PROJECT TITLE: Faunistic Diversity and Culicoides, out of reach 6 pieces have been Ecology of Culicoidini Midges (Diptera: published as new to science and four Ceratopogonidae) from the Lower Gangetic species have been recorded first time from Deltaic Plains of West Bengal, India India. Key for identification of species of PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Niladri Culicoides have also been prepared. Hazra, Associate Professor, Dept. of Zoology,  Immature stages of seven species were Burdwan University collected and reared. IMPLEMENTING INSTITUTE: Burdwan  Eight species were found which were University established as vector of pathogenic OBJECTIVES: organisms only for veterinary diseases in • Collection of adult midges in different many countries. places of the study area using suitable light  Discussion related to controlling methods traps and other devices. of these biting midges have also been done. • Exploration of different habitats for

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19

Inflow Outflow Indirect incomes 8,18,918.00 Fixed asset 14,278.00 Grant 4,69,65,285.00 Algal biodiversity 2,07,000.00 Other income 74,485.00 Ant project 4,00,000.00 Awareness campaign for biodiversity 1,00,000.00 conservation Awareness generation programme 9,85,755.00 Baseline data for air quality 47,500.00 Butterfly conservation 3,00,000.00 Butterfly garden 1,15,542.00 Car hiring and fuel charges 16,99,628.00 Conservation and promotion of TRVs 6,15,776.00 Consolidation of BMC activities 3,97,880.00 District coordinators 24,07,277.00 Diversity of ornamental fish 2,25,000.00 Documentation & conservation of 22,000.00 biodiversity Documentation of database of indigenous 50,000.00 mango Faunistic diversity (Deltaic region) 2,62,883.00 Fishing cat 10,00,000.00 FM radio & tv channel broadcasting 60,71,410.00 Fresh Water Fish (2nd Phase) 4,10,000.00 Fresh water Jaldhaka river 1,83,000.00 Infrastructural facilities 14,44,350.00 Jiban safar 4,23,529.00 Macrofungi in Terai Dooars 6,48,178.00 Macro invertebrate 2,00,000.00 Manpower outsourcing (NBA) 1,38,000.00 Market research study 95,000.00 Migratory birds 2,70,000.00 Monitoring of migratory birds 4,782.00 NBA fund for capacity building & training 9,710.00 programme NBA fund for PBR 9,75,000.00 Outstanding liabilities 18,70,216.00 Pay & allowances to staff 31,43,940.00 PBR monitoring 3,38,132.00 Population of neighbouring avifauna 1,40,000.00 Post PBR & other conservation activities 1,20,000.00 Post PBR (restoration & conservation) 1,93,000.00 Prawn diversity 1,00,000.00 Sacred Grooves (2nd Phase) 5,40,000.00 Security charges 2,84,935.00 Seminar symposium workshop 4,15,000.00 Setting up fungarium 50,000.00 State action plan on climate changes 4,41,325.00 Telephone and mobile charges 17,967.00 4,78,58,688.00 2,73,77,993.00

ANNUAL REPORT 2018-19