Chapter-I INTRODUCTION 1. INTRODUCTION The flora of this country is more varied than that of any other country of an equal area in Eastern Hemisphere, if not in the globe (Hooker 1907). Darjeeling Himalaya is an integral part of the Eastern Himalaya, located in the northern side of Eastern India.The tertiary and quaternary have affected the Himalayan region and brought about many climatic changes and geographical variations. Many ancient elements have survived while some have differentiated to different races (Hara 1966). Darjeeling Himalaya is well known for its diverse range of vegetation and so is one of the richest in India (Yonzon 1976; Bhujel 1984; Das 1986, 1995). The hilly regions of the State of West Bengal in the Federal Republic of India form an important part of Eastern Himalaya, which is recognised as a Biodiversity Hot-spot in recent times. Darjeeling is the northernmost district of the State. Excepting some parts of Siliguri Sub-Division, the entire district of Darjeeling is situated on the spurs of Singalila range of Eastern Himalaya and represents a great range of altitudinal varitions, from 200m or less at Siliguri to 3660m at Phalut. The hills of Darjeeling serve as one of the richest and interesting botanical regions in the whole of Indian sub-continent, and thus, have been a central point of natural and floristic attraction for tourists and nature-lovers. It is especially famous for three 'T's, i.e. Tea, Timber and Tourism. More specifically, it is well known as ideal place for health, and nature bestowed pristine beauty on the unique background of the world's third highest snow peak Mt. Kanchanjungha (8580m). For the nature lovers and botanists, hills of the Darjeeling district are of paramount significance by virtue of the rich flora and fauna (including a number of endemics). The beautiful landscape in its domain attracted the eminent researchers like Buchanan-Hamilton (1820), Roxburgh (1820-1824, 1832), Wallich (1820-1832), Griffith (1848), Clarke (1876, 1885), Hooker (1872-97), Hara(1966, 1971), Hara e?a/(1978, 1979, 1982), Ohasi (1975), Das et al (1985), Das and Chanda (1986, 1987, 1990), Das and Lama (1992), Samanta and Das (1995), Das (1995, 1998), Das and Panda (1997) Polunin and Stainton (1987), Pradhan and Rai (1983-1985), Sharma and Ghosh (1970), Grierson and Long (1983, 1984, 1987), Noltie (1994, 2000) are among others who have made a lot of contributions to the fiora of this hill station. However, a comprehensive flora is far ahead to come out in this line. After the rise of the Himalayas, dense vegetation developed there almost in an undisturbed condition for hundreds of millions of years. Specially, the climate of Eastern Himalayas favors such development in a great way, which lead to the development of this richest floristic zone in the country. In the long drawn out process of migration of alien flora, their mixing, mutation, selection against different sets of climatic conditions, thousands of unique plant species evolved there, many of which, in turn, again migrated back to other floristic zones. Even today, the Eastern Himalayas sustaining over 30 % endemic higher plant species, is much-focussed region of plant diversity in the world. After the Rio de Genero Convention (1992), lUCN has identified very few Biodiversity Hot Spot Zones in the world. Western Ghat and Eastern Himalayas are such Hot Spots in the Indian sub-continent. Darjeeling district of West Bengal having an area of !3254, sq km and the State of Sikkim with its total area of 7299 sq km are the integral parts of this Biodiversity Hot Spot (Eastern Himalaya). The hills of Darjeeling are comparatively rich in biodiversity composition and thus, are the storehouse of rich biomass. Darjeeling, more popularly known as Queen of the Hills as crowned by British during their 200 years rule in India, has presently four reserved areas i.e., two National Parks and two Wildlife sancturies. Neora Valley National Park is one of these, which is absolutely distinct and unique by its geographical features, virginity and species richness. 1.1 LOCATION OF THE PARK Darjeeling distirct in the State of West Bengal has four sub-divisions, viz, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Kurseong and Siliguri with its district administrative Headquarter at Darjeeling. Neora Valley National Park is located in the Kalimpong sub-division of the Darjeeling district, and lies in the eastern side of the town of Kalimpong (Fig. 1.1). The geographical orientation of the Neora Valley falls between 26° 52' 3" - 27° 7' 3" North latitude and between 88° 45' - 88° 50' East longitude. The valley encompasses a total surface area of 88 sq km with many hill spurs, ridges and peaks ranging from 300m to 3100m. Neora Valley National Park is situated on the flanks of Eastern Himalayas and has got common international boundary at one point, at an elevation of 2900m at Tinsimana. On the frontal North-Eastern side, it joins with the kingdom of Bhutan. The valley further stretches downward to join with the Doars area of West Bengal in the terai region in the foothills, and it also shares common boundary with the State of Sikkim in the Northern direction (Fig. 1.1). There is a common point where the parts of State of Sikkim, Darjeeling district of West Bengal and the Kingdom of Bhutan meet at a historical place called Tinsimana (meaning tri-junction, 2900m) where the stone pillars are raised demarcating the international boundaries (Fig. 1.1 «& Fig. 1.2). 1.2. LEGISLATION Neora Valley National Park with its total surface area of about 88 sq km was declared as National Park by the Government of West Bengal in the year 1986 vide Govt. Notification No. 1818 Forest, dated 17.4.1986. This was done in realization of the Govt, to protect the rich biotic zones by establishing the natural reserve. This legislation added one more such reserve area to the already existing two Wildlife Sanctuaries and one National Park within the district of Darjeeling. The Government of West Bengal took the decision to declare the entire area of the Neora Valley as National Park in view of its biodiversity richness, remoteness, virginity, diverse topography and varied climatic, edaphic, altitudinal and biotic conditions along with their complex inter-relationship and species composition. 1.3. IMPORTANCE OF THE PARK The Neora Valley National Park is one of the most important biosphere reserves in India. The Valley has its unique distinction because its dense primeval forest cover and difficult LOCATION MAP OF THE STUDY AREA ^-^ Fig. No. I.I NEORA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK Boundary of NVNP Beat/Range Office ^^^ Human Habitation Road ^^'^^ River Inter-NationcI Boundary State Boundary Fig. Nol.2 terrain have kept explorers away from traversing it. It is a compact patch of 8,800 hectares with an altitudinal range varying from 300 m (amsl) to 3100 m (amsl). The rich floristic and faunistic diversity is one of the salient features of this reserve area. The Park is of great ecological interest when about 60 % of its total area is being estimated to be primeval forest area making this valley one of the best preserved biomes in India (Guha, 1982-83). The park has been a crucial piece of landmass providing ideal habitats for a wide range of microbes, flora and fauna, and has formed a core part of Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hot Spot. Besides, Neora Valley also acts as the repository of economic plant wealth, mainly medicinal and other various ethnobotanically valued plant species. The Valley also represents diversity of habitats, and sets an excellent account of majestic Himalayan wild flowers. The economic value of non-timber forest products of the Neora Valley such as medicinal plants, dyes and resin producing plants and bamboos are in fact very high. The pristine natural forest, dense bamboo breaks. Rhododendrons with brightly colored flowers in full bloom, green valley, meandering rivers and streams altogether form the breathtaking vast picturesque landscape of Neora Valley National Park against the background of beautiful snow-capped Mount Kanchanjungha. Postmonsoon greenery enhances the beauty of the misty Neora Valley for very humankind to feast their eyes open. The beautiful pictures of the deep blue sky during autumn, partially covered with patches of cottony clouds seem to be enticing everyone. From the top of the valley, one can have a glimpse of swift-flowing Teesta River crawling like a snake towards the plain. The beautiful waterfalls trickling down the valley with a musical sound of endless tune add excitement to the park visitor. The flowers in myriad of colors in the Valley with magnificent backdrop of Mount Kanchanjungha's picture bedazzle nature-lovers visiting the Neora Valley National Park. During winter, the snow-covered cap of the valley enhances a serene picture of the Neora Valley. The Park also acts as a source of water and provides a wide range of shelter for the flora and fauna. It has an unpredictable unique landscape for both flora and fauna serving to conserve the valuable natural resources like plants, animals and water bodies. The steep himalayan slopes, abundant rainfalls, fog-hazed weather and high humidity are some features of its significance. The views of sunrise from Rechila Peak (3100m) would always leave visitors bewitched. The lush landscape of pristine forest of Rhododendrons, Oaks, Hemlock, Silver-fir, Pine, valleys of colorfiil flowers and rich faunal species, mainly avi-fauna have made Neora Valley National Park a veritable paradise for nature lovers beyond doubt. The intact vegetation cover and its rich forest composition ensure a secure habitat for a plethora of Himalayan Flora and Fauna. Huge colourful flowers adorned the top of trees in the vicinity creating a sharp contrast in the pre-dawn haze.