© 2017-18 ENVIS CENTRE SIKKIM Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim Any part of the publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, provided that the same is duly cited. All efforts have been made to make the PANDA information shown as accurate as possible. ENVIS SIKKIM Newsletter Editorial Board Volume No 10 Issue No. 4 [2017-18] Registration No. 61685/93 Dr. Thomas Chandy, IFS ISSN 2320-3943 Principal Secretary –cum- PCCF

PANDA is a newsletter published by Mr. C. S. Rao, IFS Sikkim State ENVIS Hub (formerly ENVIS Addl. PCCF Center), Forests, Environment & Wildlife Mr. B. B. Gurung, Management Department, Government Addl. Director (Planning/ Env. & SC) 2017-18 Publication of Sikkim. This newsletter is aimed at Published by: disseminating environment, forest and wildlife information among the public at large Compilation & Design: Sikkim State ENVIS Hub and is also envisaged to serve as a medium Mr. Rajen Pradhan, Forests, Environment & Wildlife to communication among foresters and Sr. Programme Officer (ENVIS) Management Department others engaged in nature conservation in Government of Sikkim the State. Free and voluntary contributions ENVIS team sincerely thanks the resource persons for publication in the newsletter may be sent and well wishers for their contribution in this Electronic version available online to ENVIS. issue. in ENVIS Sikkim website Photographs courtesy: SIKKIM STATE ENVIS HUB http://www.sikenvis.nic.in Bhawesh Pradhan, Dazom Creations On Status of Environment & its Related Issues [email protected] Forest Secretariat B - Block, Room No.B-101, Ground Floor Print @ CONCEPT, [email protected] Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim, Deorali -737102, Gangtok Quarterly Newsletters of 2017-18

Email us at: [email protected] Visit us at :www.sikenvis.nic.in

Tel (O) : 03592-280381 Fax: 03592-281778 / 280381

ENVIS TEAM Coordinator Mr. B. B. Gurung, Addl. Director of Forests (Planning/ Environment & Soil Conservation)

Sr. Programme Officer Mr. Rajen Pradhan Apr-Jun Vol. 10, Issue 1 Jul-Sep Vol. 10, Issue 2 Oct-Dec Vol. 10, Issue 3 Information Officer Mr. Laxuman Darnal Sikkim State ENVIS Hub On Status of Environment IT Officer Ms.Renu Gurung publishes newsletter on quarterly basis with the support from the Ministry of Environment, Forests& Data Entry Operator Ms. Tulsha Gurung Climate Change, Government of India. The fourth quarter publication is a special annual edition titled “PANDA” which is published with the extended support from the Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim.

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Cover photo: The Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pawan ENVIS PUBLICATION 2017-18 Chamling in solemn bond ‘mithini’ with Rhododendron tree EDITORIAL MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

The tiny State of Sikkim stands tall among have interesting stories to tell and a few of them the states of the country in implementing are carried by this edition to motivate others. The environmental initiatives which have a far State organized an International Conference on reaching impact on the preservation of forests, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Goals biodiversity and the other natural resources of on 4th May 2018 with the objective of extending the State. Over the record-breaking twenty-four Sikkim’s example to the rest of the Himalayas. A years of his stewardship of the State, Hon’ble brief write-up of this is included in this volume. Chief Minister has initiated many conservation Finally, policies and rules alone do not lead to programs which are either not known in other action, especially when it comes to a sector such parts of the country or are only now being realized as environmental conservation of which each one and taken up. Some of the major initiatives have of us is a stakeholder. Voluntary action is more been described in this special edition of Panda, important. Hence it enjoins upon each one of our quarterly journal on forestry, biodiversity us stakeholders to act out our part to convert the and conservation. initiatives taken into environment-friendly results. The focus of this year’s World Environment Day was on plastic pollution (with the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’). The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) hosted an article Dr. Thomas Chandy, IFS on its website to showcase Sikkim as a leader in Principal Secretary -cum- PCCF environmental action. This is a matter of pride Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department Government of Sikkim for the State. This edition also carries scholarly articles based on research conducted by ardent Send your comments and suggestions to [email protected] researchers mainly focusing on some of the [email protected] State’s rich biodiversity and its traditional use by local people. Forest department field officers

Manju lake, East Sikkim

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 1 PANDA V o l . 1 0 I s s u e 4 2 0 1 7 - 1 8 I S S N 2 3 2 0 - 3 9 4 3 R e g i s t r a ti o n N o . 6 1 6 8 5 / 9 3 An ENVIS SIKKIM Publication On Status of Environment & Related Issues Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim

C O V E R P A G E W H A T ’ S M O R E ….. page-wise

 Shri Pawan Chamling -an 4 environmentalist par excellence

Shri Pawan Chamling -an environmentalist  UN Environment News -How the Indian 12 par excellence state of Sikkim is working to end plastic pollution

4  Mohit Chauhan is Sikkim’s Green 14 Ambassador

UN Environment News  Sikkim hosted International Conference 17 How the Indian state of Sikkim is on Biodiversity and SDGs working to end plastic pollution 12  Riverfront Cleaning Programme 20 #BeatPlasticPollution

 Celebration of Mini Marathon #BeatPlasticPollution 22 World Environment Day 2018 Run to Beat Plastic Pollution held at #BeatPlasticPollution Gangtok on June 3, 2018 20  WED Exhibition #BeatPlasticPollution 23 Sikkim Forest Department exhibits environment initiatives of the State Climate Action Government at Vigyan Bhawan premises, – It has to start right now, right here and right from us New Delhi

30  State-wide celebration of 24 World Environment Day 2018 June 5, 2018 | Sikkim Bird and Butterfly diversity in #BeatPlasticPollution Eastern Himalaya: A case study in Barapathing, East Sikkim, India  6th successive fortnightly SIKKIM 24 41 PARYAVARAN MAHOTSAV celebrated

 The Honorable Chief Minister’s Green 25 First instance of of Bird- window collisions in Sikkim! Has School Rolling Trophy and State Green urbanization stared to effect the Schools Award 2018 bird populations? 67  Hariyo Makha (Sikkim Against Air 26 Pollution)

Inventory of Orchid species found  Climate Action It Has To Start Right Now, 30 in some of the Reserve Forest in Right Here, And Right From Us Sikkim Himalayan Region, India 70  Snowflakes 36

Visit our Website for the electronic [PDF] copy:  Yangchen Tso (Lake) 39 www.sikenvis.nic.in

2 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 An ENVIS SIKKIM Publication On Status of Environment & Related Issues Forests, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim

W H A T ’ S M O R E ….. page-wise

 Bird and Butterfly diversity 41 in Eastern Himalaya :A case study in Barapathing, East Sikkim, India

 Psychophily and prey-predator 52 interactions in Parijat Nyctanthes arbor- tristis - A cultural keystone species

 Traditional practices of extraction of 60 medicinal chuk from Rhus chinensis, Docynia indica, and Hippophae salicifolia in the Sikkim Himalaya

 First instance of Bird-window collisions 67 in Sikkim! Has urbanization started to affect the bird populations?

 Inventory of Orchid species found in 70 some of the Reserve Forest in Sikkim Himalayan Region, India

 Remote Sensing and GIS in Forest 78 Department Use of Remote Sensing and GIS for Bamboo Mapping in Sikkim

 National Carbon Project- 81 “Vegetation Carbon Pool Assessment”

 Perseverance Rightly Defined A Forester 82 is never OFF Duty!

 Feral Dog Management in Shingba 85 Rhododendron Sanctuary

 Green Skill Development Programme 86 (Gsdp)

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 3 Shri Pawan Chamling -an environmentalist par excellence Since 1994….

Shri Pawan Chamling Dr. Thomas Chandy,IFS Longest serving and visionary Principal Secretary-cum-Principal CCF Chief Minister of Sikkim

hri Pawan Chamling has recently set a record One of the latest unique initiatives that aims at of being the longest serving Chief Minister preserving the forest and tree cover of the State of any State of India. During the twenty-four is associated with the cultural practice that exists plus years that he has been at the helm of in Sikkim, especially in the rural areas, of people Saffairs in the Eastern Himalayan State of Sikkim, Chief forging life-long relationships with other people who Minister Shri Chamling has conceived and initiated are not their blood relatives which is called mith or several path-breaking measures, some of which are brotherhood ties. This cultural practice extends to not populist in the strict sense as most politicians trees as well so that people can forge the same kind of would shy away from implementing them. However, life-long relationship with trees as they do with other these steps are greatly beneficial to environmental people. However, the practice is not well known, conservation and we now see the benefits flow out of especially to the younger generation who have spent them and in recognition of this the Chief Minister has their childhood in urban locales. Chief Minister Shri received world-wide acclaim such as the One World Pawan Chamling conceived that people will protect Award, the Sustainable Development Leadership trees that they have made mith all their lives and in Award apart from being adjudged the Greenest Chief turn this will be a novel way to conserve trees in the Minister of the country. State. The practice will help to preserve the State’s

4 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 biodiversity which is very rich and exquisite. When trees and ecosystems are preserved then fauna will also flourish. The ultimate goal is to add to Sikkim’s greenery through people’s action. It is with this in mind that directions were given to institutionalize the concept of Mith tree in the State so that the practice can be revived with the dual purpose of preserving a cultural practice known hitherto only to rural-oriented people and also to enable conservation of trees both inside and outside forests. Accordingly, the Sikkim Forest Trees (Amity and Reverence) Rules, 2017 was notified. The rules provide for three ways to forge links with particular trees. First, a person can enter into a mith or mitini relationship with a tree which is a brotherhood relationship; second, a person can adopt a tree as if it were his or her own child; and third, a person can preserve a tree in memory of a departed relation in which case the tree would become a ‘smriti tree’. The concept of mith tree aims to inculcate compassion towards trees, forests and mother nature generally which is one form of spiritual upliftment mentioned in the holy scriptures and has been an age-old tradition in India. Organic farming has several environmental benefits including the mitigation of climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on became the first and only fully organic farming State Climate Change 10-12% of the greenhouse gases that of the country in the beginning of 2016. While this escape into the atmosphere are of agriculture origin. achievement took more than five years of persistent Green house gases like carbon-di-oxide get released hard work to fructify, the conviction that the Chief into the atmosphere and nitrogen - a source of air, Minister had about the health and environmental water and soil pollution - get released from nitrogen- benefits of organic farming (not to take away from based chemical fertilizers. Similarly, leaching out the economic benefits that would accrue to farmers) of residual chemicals from chemical fertilizers and was so great that the work on making the State fully pesticides leads to pollution of water bodies, so organic continued against all odds. important to the various ecosystems that are found in Over the last two decades several steps have been Sikkim. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides obliterate taken by the Government to improve the forest cover soil micro-biota as well as insects and other fauna and biodiversity of the State including prohibition of hence negatively impact on biodiversity. Conversion grazing in reserved forests, stopping of logging in of agri-wastes into compost instead of slash burning reserved forests, prohibition of culling of wildlife and of farmland prevents respirable particulate matter commercial collection of non-timber forest produce. escaping into the air and causing pollution. Sikkim These steps along with novel plantation schemes

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 5 such as “ ten minutes to earth” and “state green mission” have resulted in about 4% increase of forest cover over the last two decades. Several measures have been taken in the past to curb pollution - some of these are finding expression in state and national policies only now. For instance, Chief Minister Shri Chamling got the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers banned in Sikkim in 2014 due to the detrimental impact it has on human and animal health through air and sound pollution. Ban on the use of plastic bags being implemented in several States now was enforced way back in 1998 in Sikkim. Prohibition on burning of agricultural wastes, so much in the news last autumn due to the unprecedented air pollution this caused in North India, was also put in place in Sikkim in 2015. All these steps are not to the exclusion of development which has also progressed side by side. The vision of the Chief Minister to provide universal access to education and health has borne fruit with Sikkim getting rated high on the human development index. Poverty alleviation and access to housing, clean energy and safe drinking water have received a lot of importance and the coverage will be cent percent shortly. Sikkim therefore presents itself as an island in the country which is well on its way to fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals at its own level under the stewardship of Shri Pawan Chamling. It is not uncommon to hear Sikkim’s efforts in sustainable development being lauded in Delhi by various ministries and by no less an authority than the Prime Minister himself on several occasions. 6 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 KEY ENVIORNMENTAL INITIATIVES AND ACHIVEMENTS OF SHRI PAWAN CHAMLING AT A GLANCE FROM 1995 TO 2018

1995: 2001:  Government declared 1995-96 as “Harit Kranti” year for  Sacred peaks, caves, rocks, lakes, ‘chhorten’ & hot greening Sikkim through people’s participation and also springs notified; scaling of important peaks including Mt. adopted the ten- year period from 2000-2010 as “Harit Kranti Khangchendzonga (8598m) for mountaineering expeditions Dashak”. banned.  Felling of Trees in Reserve Forests and export of timber outside  State Biodiversity Park at Tendong, South Sikkim established. the State banned. 2002: 1996:  Environmental Education introduced in Schools from Nursery  Incentives for eco-friendly, pollution- free and green industries to Class-VIII; under State Industrial Policy 1996  The Sikkim Forest (Detection, Enquiry and Disposal of Forest 1997: Offences) Rules, 2002 framed for systematic detection and  Use of non-biodegradable materials like plastics, poly-bags, and disposal of forest offences. biomedical / chemical wastes banned through legislation.  Abandoned and closed Rathang Chhu HEP in West Sikkim and  Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) extended from 850 to Firing Range ‘G’ in North. 1784 sq. km.  State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB) set up to concretize 1998: action plan on medicinal plants in the State with Hon’ble Chief  Age-old practice of cattle grazing in Reserve Forests that led to Minister as Chairman. depletion of forest wealth banned in 1998.  Herbal Gardens created in different Panchayat wards;  State award “Rajya Van Samrakshan Evam Paryavaran  Ban on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to save our fields Puraskar” instituted. from environmental pollution. Ban on Vulture killer NSAID  Sikkim Forests (Compounding of Offences) Rules, 1998 framed Diclofenac through government notification. for speedy disposal of forest offences and minimize forest  Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim declared. offences. 2003:  Sikkim Forest Department Reward Rules, 1998 framed to  The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Pawan Chamling provide incentive to forest law enforcement officials. made a historic declaration in State Legislative Assembly to  Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, West Sikkim notified. transform Sikkim in to a totally Organic State. This was the first  Participatory forest management involving active peoples’ key policy endeavour towards organic state. participation through Joint Forest Management Committees  Eleven Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sikkim identified and (JFMCs) introduced. Subsequent notification issued for Eco- recognized by government, the first-of-its-kind in the country. Development Committees (EDCs).  State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SBSAP) prepared 1999: after detailed consultations. Sikkim State Biodiversity Board  The Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling evolved the (SSBB) constituted. concept of Smritivan in year 1999 with a noble idea of planting 2004: trees in memory of near and dear ones. Smritivan is a mass  Project on ‘Treatment of Landslides & Erosion Control in West voluntary effort to generate active involvement of the people in Sikkim launched. planting trees in the drive for Green Sikkim. The objective of 2005: this scheme is to create Smritivan in every gram panchayat unit.  Sikkim Ecology Fund and Environment Cess Act, 2005 framed.  Sikkim Transit of Timber and other Forest Produce Rules, One of the very unique Act providing for levy of cess on 1999 framed to regulate the transit of timber and to curb illegal industries, traders and consumers for using non-biodegradable transportation of timber. materials. 2000: 2006:  Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve with area 2619.92 sq.  E-governance strengthening by establishment of ENVIS km. declared. Total wildlife protected area reached 30.77% of (Environmental Information System) Centre. Website (www. total geographical area - one of the highest in the country. sikenvis.nic.in) launched to disseminate information on status  State Forest, Environment and Land Use Policy 2000 formulated of environment and related issues. and adopted in view of growing concern for protection of forests,  Regulation of Trekking Rules, 2006 notified. environment and wildlife vis-à-vis increased developmental  Kitam Bird Sanctuary, South Sikkim declared. tempo.  “State Green Mission”, a unique programme, launched with the  Lopping of Dhupi trees (Cryptomeria japonica) and collection view to raise avenue plantation along the roads and beautification of Nagbeli (Lycopodium) and Mosses banned. of all vacant and waste lands through voluntary involvement of  Sikkim Forests Cattle Tress Pass Rules, 2000 framed to control the public. grazing.  Wetland Conservation Programme formulated and six wetland  Eco Clubs and Green fund instituted for Schools and Colleges. complexes included in National Wetland Conservation Programme.

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 7  State Environment Agency constituted to coordinate and  The 13th Finance Commission recommended “Green Bonus” implement activities relating to environment awareness, with regard to the need to manage ecology, environment and education and information in the state. climate change impacts consistent with sustainable development.  The Sikkim Private and Other Non-Forest Lands .Tree Felling  Remote Sensing and GIS cell in the Working Plan Circle created Rules, 2006 framed to regulate felling of trees. a huge digital database on various aspects of forestry. The  The Sikkim Forest (Allotment of Areas for Quarrying of Sand Department intends to use remote sensing and GIS aspects on and Stone) Rules, 2006 framed to regulate quarrying. day to day aspects basis. 2007:  Sacred groves of Sikkim along with its vegetation documented  Sikkim became one of the first States of India to constitute a for the first time to record the rich biodiversity which the sacred State Council for Climate Change. groves of Sikkim harbor.  National Bamboo Mission launched.  With the objective of converting the State into fully organic within the targeted period as per Human Resource Development  M.G Marg, Gangtok declared spit free zone. Plan, Sikkim Organic Mission was launched in 15th August  Sikkim became the first State in the country to constitute a high 2010 and notified vide a notification no. 21/Home/2010 dated level team for the study of glaciers and alpine ecosystems. 26/10/2010 to implement the programmes of organic farming 2008: and certification in a mission mode.  Shri Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim participated in  MOU signed with the Government of Japan through Japan the Governor’s Global Climate Summit at California on invitation International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for providing of the California Governor, Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger. financial assistance of Rs 330.57 Crores for 10 years duration  Sikkim hosted the International Flower Festival at Saramsa for Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Garden from 14th -16th March. Project (SBFP)  State of Environment (SoE) Report, the first of its kind in the 2011: state prepared and published.  Sikkim State marks increase in forest cover from the year 2005  Eco-Tourism Directorate created. (45.97%) to 2011 (47.69%) as shown by the satellite based forest cover assessment by Forest Survey of India in spite of  Hamro Van media venture on local cable TV launched for sustained demand of forest land for non-forestry purposes. awareness.  Chief Minister’s Green School Rolling Trophy and State-Level 2009: Green School Award constituted to reward the best performing  Sikkim Government under the guidance of the Chief Minister of schools of the state in their green initiatives. Sikkim launched the “Ten Minutes to Earth” programme on 15th  Permanent preservation plots laid out for benchmarking July 2009 with wide public participation on an unprecedented biodiversity and ecological observations in various altitudes scale. The event is observed every year on 25th June. and biogeographic zones. This has set the stage for long term  Green School Programme (GSP) of Center for Science and monitoring of biodiversity in Sikkim. Environment (A Delhi Based NGO) in co-ordination with the  Identification of Critical Wildlife Habitat for creating inviolate ENVIS center of the Department launched at the state level in areas for propagation of Wildlife around protected areas initiated. Sikkim in all schools, the first of its kind in the country.  Process of rationalization of boundaries of Protected Areas  Sling Dong Tinkitam Fairrieanum Conservation Reserve, South initiated. Sikkim for the protection of orchid Paphiopedilum fairrieanum and its environment, declared.  Collaborative study with Indian Institute of Forest Management on Analyzing Forest Carbon Accounts for Sustainable Policy  Sidkeong Tulku Bird Park at Rabdentse, West Sikkim declared. options with reference to Livelihood Issues’ started under India Rangrang Butterfly Park under creation in North Sikkim. IISA programme of Technology Information, Forecasting and  In order to protect and preserve the very old trees of Sikkim, a Assessment Council (TIFAC). concept of identification and declaration of Heritage trees was  Dossiers for three Wetlands Complexes (Tsomgmo-Bedang started with active participation of the local people. Tso Wetland, Khacheodpalri-Khangchendzonga-Lhonak,, and  For preparing working plans and forest inventory, sample plots TsoLhamo plateau-Lashar-Yumesamdong-Tambao) Submitted laid throughout the forests. Meetings held in different district to Ministry of Environment and Forest in November, 2011 for headquarters to incorporate views of line departments. registration on the RAMSAR “List of Wetlands of International  The Reserve forests divided into compartments for the first time Importance”. for easy and scientific management of forests. GIS based Maps  Proposal for inclusion of Khanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve have prepared for Division, Range and Block levels. in the World Network of Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO-  Under National Vegetation Carbon Pool assessment sample Man and Biosphere Program submitted to MoEF on 17 August plots laid in East, West and South Sikkim for assessment of total 2011. carbon in Sikkim forests. 2012:  Climate Change Cell which will act as a one stop centre for all  Another historical milestone achieved with the approval of climate change related issues in the Department notified. Working plan of North Sikkim after gap of decades. 2010:  International Conference on Rhododendrons organized and  Sikkim Ecotourism Policy launched to establish Sikkim as an hosted with eminent Scientists from Germany, Netherlands, ultimate and unique ecotourism destination offering memorable Bhutan, Belgium and India. and high quality learning experiences to visitors, and to contribute to poverty alleviation as well as to promote nature  Declared Rabong Bazar, South Sikkim as Rhododendron conservation. arboratum town.  Launching of environment friendly Eco-Highways, Green  To showcase the biodiversity and wildlife of the state Roads. at International forum draft proposal for inscription of Khangchendzonga National Park on the World Heritage List  Started collaborative research work on Tree- Ring sample and of UNESCO sent to MoEF, GoI and Wildlife Institute of India, pollen sample from surface and sub-surface sediments around Dehradun for review and recommendations for improvement in Zemu glacier in Khanchendzonga National Park & Biosphere April 2012. Reserve in North Sikkim. 8 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 2013:  Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Pawan Chamling declared June 15-30 as Paryavaran Mahotsav in Sikkim. The declaration came during his public address on the occasion of launching 8th phase of State Green Mission on the 15th day of June, 2013 at the divine venue Tathagata Tsal, Rabongla in South Sikkim. (Notification No. 40/Home dated 21/06/2013) 2014:  The State Government through Gazette Notification No 544 dated 19th December 2014 imposed prohibition on the manufacture, sale and use or bursting of all types of firecracker including any sound emitting or illuminating type of firecrackers within the State of Sikkim 2015:  The State Government through Gazette Notification No. 13 dated 27th January 2015 imposed prohibition on the burning of agricultural waste, leaves, litter, paper wastes and garbage within the State of Sikkim. The prohibition shall however, not cover the use of processed agricultural wastes, leaf litter and garbage as fuel and controlled burning of forest litter for the purpose of scientific management of forest fires.  International Conference to discuss, deliberate and have discourse on Conservation of Natural and Cultural values of Khangchendzonga National Park (proposed World Heritage site) was organized at Gangtok in presence of renowned individuals both national and international in the field of biodiversity, culture and ecology.  State Government through gazette notification no. 467 dated 18/12/2015 notified e-waste collection centre at Gangtok Municipal Corporation. 2016:  Sikkim becomes the first state in the country to be declared as full-fledged Organic State. This historic declaration was made by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during Sustainable Agriculture Conference on January 18, 2016 at Gangtok.  Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Pawan Chamling declared January 18th as the Organic Day in Sikkim.  State Government through Notification No.25/Home/2016 dated 19/05/2016 has imposed ban on use of packaged drinking water bottles in any government functions and meetings to reduce the creation of garbage. Use of filtered water or large reusable water dispensers or reusable water bottles during government functions encouraged.  State Government through Notification No.26/Home/2016 dated 19/05/2016 has imposed ban on sale and use of disposable items such as cups, plates, spoons, containers etc made from Styrofoam throughout the State with immediate effect.  Recognizing the silvicultural importance and ecosystem values of the historically significant trees found all over the state, State Government vide Notification No. 83/GoS/FEWMD/Pr.Secy- PCCF dated 04/06/2016 notified 21 number of trees under forest land as “Heritage Trees” of the state. 2017:  In order to promote and revive the age-old tradition of forging brotherhood relationship with trees, the State Government has notified Sikkim Forest Trees (Amity and Reverence) Rules, 2017 that allows any person to associate with trees standing on his or her private land or on any public land by entering into a Mith/Mit or Mitini relationship with a tree or trees, in which case, the tree shall be called a ‘Mith/Mit tree’; or by adopting a tree as if it was his or her own child in which case the tree shall be called an ‘Adopted tree’; or by preserving a tree in remembrance of a departed relative in which case the tree shall be called a ‘Smriti tree’.

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 9 Some of the Major Awards and Recognition in Forestry, Environment and Wildlife Sector by Sikkim (1995-2017)

SN Year Awards and Recognition

1 1999 Shri Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim was adjudged the “Greenest” Chief Minister of India by Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). 2 2006 India Today ranked Sikkim as 1st amongst twelve eastern states of India in overall performance during the 4th State of States Conclave at New Delhi. 3 2008 Environmentally Sustainability Index (ESI) 2008 prepared by Chennai-based Centre for Development Finance (CDF) adjudged Sikkim as - 1st Rank/ BEST in Natural Resource Management - 1st Rank/ BEST in Reducing Pressure on Environment 4 2008 Rashtirya Nirmal Gram Puraskar for Sikkim: In a glittering award giving ceremony, Sikkim earned the distinction of being the first State in the country to achieve 100 percent sanitation. The award including citation and a gold medal was given away by the president of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Pawan Chamling. 5 2009 ESI 2009 rated Sikkim as - 1st Rank/ BEST in Reducing Pressure on Environment - 1st Rank/ BEST in State’s Response to Maintain Environment 6 2011 Organic Certification accredited by the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), India for wild harvest of products (Aconitum heterophyllum - tuber/root, Chiretta - whole plant, Seabuckthron - berries fruits, Seabuckthron - juice fruits) by Sikkim State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd. 7 2012 ESI 2011 released by CDF on June 5, 2012 rated Sikkim as - Environmentally most sustainable States of India - Best in State’s Policy Response 8 2014 Khangchendzonga National Park declared as one of the top 100 global green destinations by a consortium of top global agencies working on environment and sustainable tourism. 9 2015 Gangtok ranked among the top 10 cleanest cities in India and third among the State capitals according to the Swachh Bharat ranking done by the Union Urban development Ministry during August 2015. 10 2015 Gangtok awarded as Cleanest Hill Station of the country by India Today Group at the Safaigiri Awards 2015. 11 2016 Sikkim declared as the first full-fledged Organic State of the country. 12 2016 ENVIS (Environmental Information System) Centre at Forest, Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim was awarded the Best State ENVIS Centre by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of India. The certificate has handed over by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment, Forest and Climate Change during the inaugural function of National Evaluation workshop of ENVIS Centres held on 17th February 2016 at New Delhi.

13 2016 West District of Sikkim bagged the ‘Cleanest District of India’ award on the occasion of the 10th Civil Service Day awards ceremony in New Delhi held in April 2016. 14 2016 Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Pawan Chamling received ‘Certificate of Recognition’ along with a cash prize of Rs. 5.0 lakh for making Gangtok the cleanest city in the North-East India from the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi at Shillong during May 2016. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Pawan Chamling also received ‘Certificate of Recognition’ for making Sikkim being recognized as the first open defecation free State in the North-East India.

10 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 SN Year Awards and Recognition

15 2016 The 40th World Heritage Committee on 17th July 2016 at Istanbul, Turkey inscribed Khangchendzonga National Park of Sikkim, India as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site on ‘Mixed’ criteria recognizing the outstanding universal values for its both natural and cultural significance. 16 2016 Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim listed amongst top 100 global sustainable destinations of 2016 by a consortium of top global agencies working on environment and sustainable tourism. 17 2016 Gangtok, the capital town of Sikkim declared as the Cleanest Tourist Destination of the country by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India 18 2016 Shri Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim was conferred the prestigious Sustainable Development Leadership Award by TERI, New Delhi on 6th of October, 2016 at New Delhi. 19 2017 The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Pawan Chamling was conferred with the First Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Lifetime Achievement Honour in Public Service by the Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee in Jaipur, Rajasthan on 15th of May, 2017 20 2017 The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Pawan Chamling was feted with a yet another global recognition as one of the winners of the 5th One World Grand Prix Award September 8, 2017 at Rapunzel Naturkost in Legau, Germany on occasion of the One World Festival for his pioneering work to transform Sikkim into an Organic State.

One World Award to the Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim was conferred the Shri Pawan Chamling on September 8, 2017 prestigious Sustainable Development Leadership Award by TERI, at Rapunzel Naturkost in Legau, Germany New Delhi on 6th of October, 2016 at New Delhi.

Shri Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim was conferred with Shri Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister of Sikkim was conferred with the First Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Lifetime Achievement Honour ‘Certificate of Recognition’ for making Gangtok the cleanest city in in Public Service on 15th of May, 2017 at Jaipur, Rajasthan. the North-East India during May 2016.

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 11 NEWS AND STORIES | APRIL 26, 2018

How the Indian state of Sikkim is working to end plastic pollution

he tiny state of Sikkim nestled in the The state government took up these drastic initiatives Himalayas in northeastern India has been on the grounds that disposable products which leading a green revolution of its own kind. were in vogue in both rural and urban areas were Despite being small and isolated, and with environmentally hazardous, generated a huge quantity Tits people leading their lives in extremely tough of municipal waste and were claiming a lot of space in mountainous terrain, Sikkim has emerged as one of landfills. And on plastic water bottles, the government held the view that that the rampant usage of packaged India’s environmental leaders. drinking water in departmental meetings and functions Sikkim, which in 1998 became the first Indian state to was adding an unnecessary burden on the dump yards ban disposable plastic bags, is also among the first to so it banned their use in official functions. target single-use plastic bottles. In 2016, Sikkim took two major decisions. It banned the use of packaged Sikkim is a small and biodiversity-rich area and hence drinking water in government offices and government has limited space for garbage dumps. It has already events. Second, it banned the use of Styrofoam and stretched its limit and opting for new landfill sites thermocol disposable plates and cutlery in the entire is neither an easy option nor permissible as it would state in a move to cut down toxic plastic pollution and mean taking over forest land that’s home to endangered tackle its ever-increasing garbage problem. wildlife.

12 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 It is estimated that with the growing population Sikkim is a state with many firsts when it comes to and rising consumerism, the world’s plastic bottle green policies. consumption will increase to half a trillion annually by 2021. Studies have also suggested that some According to Gurung, even though municipal staff is compounds in plastics may threaten human health. doing multiple rounds of garbage collection daily in the morning, only 20 per cent to 30 per cent of waste With massive awareness drives and penalties, this ban gets recycled. More needs to be done to make Sikkim has been impactful. Sikkim’s residents are now opting truly plastic free. for plates made of paper, leaf, bagasse and even areca nut. Government offices have switched to alternatives like filtered water, large reusable dispensers and “Instead of plastic bags, people are opting for non- reusable water bottles for functions and meetings. woven polypropylene bags which have a texture of cloth but are actually plastic. People are using it However, with the large number of tourists visiting thinking it is eco-friendly. So government needs Sikkim, it is challenging to control the use of plastic to strengthen implementation more seriously and water bottles. The government is considering banning promote alternative options,” said Gurung. “Also plastic bottles in the entire state, meaning that tourists multi-layered plastics like tetrapacks, chips packets would be need to get their drinking water from filters in are a problem. People eat lot of instant noodles here, hotels, restaurants and public spaces. so that is also adding to non-biodegradable waste,” he added. Sikkim is a state with many firsts when it comes to green policies. It is the first Indian state to aim to be fully organic, which means all the food produced in Shakti Singh Choudhury, Mayor of Gangtok Sikkim should soon be free of pesticides. It is also Municipal Corporation acknowledged the problem of India’s first state to ban open defecation. Urinating polypropylene bags. “They are being used on a small in public can cost Rs 500 ($7.50). The government scale. They feel like cloth so people think it is not made it mandatory to have a sanitary toilet at home to bad for environment. But we are working towards be eligible for any benefits from the government or to gradually phasing it out too. We are asking people contest in village-level elections. This has resulted in to carry their own cloth bags when they go out for the success of the programme which was envisaged shopping,” Choudhury said. years before Swachch Bharat Campaign (Clean India Campaign) was even conceptualized. The state even Studies by Delhi-based Toxics Link and Pune- banned firecrackers in 2014 to contain noise and air based eCoexist NGOs conducted in 2014 and 2018, pollution. respectively, showed that, despite the continued use of plastic bags, Sikkim has fared quite well in the “What happened was that in one episode in the 1990s, implementation of its green policies. eCoexist’s study plastic carry bags got washed down due to heavy found that around 66 per cent of shops in Sikkim used rainstorm. Drains got blocked, which resulted in huge paper bags or newspapers and around 34 per cent used landslide. Some people died too. This triggered the plastic bags, which includes non-woven bags. state government to ban plastic bags,” said Rajendra P Gurung, CEO, Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Sikkim (ECOSS), a local NGO that works in Sikkim. Through penalties, state-level policies and a mass awareness programme, this tiny state is well on its way Gangtok-based ECOSS is working with other to becoming free of the scourge of plastic pollution. organizations like WWF, Swachch Bharat Campaign on the Zero Waste Himalaya project, which is aiming Source: https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/ to tackle garbage in the Himalayan regions of Bhutan, how-indian-state-sikkim-working-end-plastic-pollution India and Nepal. The project has been actively campaigning and lobbying with the state government India is the host of World Environment Day 2018. for effective implementation of the ban in Sikkim. The theme this year is #BeatPlasticPollution.

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 13 Mohit Chauhan is Sikkim’s Green Ambassador

he State Government through a gazette notification no. GOS/FEWMD/PR.SECY- cum-PCCF/27 dated 10th May, 2018 has ...... the work nominated Shri Mohit Chauhan, a famous TBollywood playback singer and the founding Sikkim has done member of the Indi-pop band ‘Silk Route’ as the in the field of Green Ambassador for promoting Sikkim as a environment green destination, internationally and nationally on voluntary basis. Shri Mohit Chauhan was presented needs to be the ‘Green Ambassador’ certificate during the awards adopted by all and felicitation cum Mithini reverence programme organized by the State Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department on June 21, 2018 at Golitar, Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary.

14 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Shri Mohit Chauhan and his wife Smt Prarthana Gohilote with the event organizing team of the Forest department

Shri Mohit Chauhan during his second visit to Sikkim also tied a knot of eternal friendship with a rhododendron plant at an event to celebrate the age- old tradition of human-nature connect. He had earlier visited Sikkim during the last winter’s Red Panda Festival held at Gangtok. Born and brought up at Himachal Pradesh, Shri Chuahan during his address said that Sikkim feels like a home for him. “My wife, Prarthana Gahilote, is accompanying me this time and she wants us to make this our second home. I have travelled the world, but the work Sikkim has Shri Mohit Chauhan being presented the ‘Green Ambassador Certificate’ done in the field of environment needs by political dignitaries of Sikkim at Golitar to be adopted by all”, he said.

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 15 Shri Chauhan said he will visit Sikkim often and sing songs for his ‘rhododendron friend’. He appealed to the people to adopt a plant as a friend either for him or herself or in memory of departed family friends. “It was during my formative years that I came to realize that the source of water is the trees and forests. It is really important to protect and safeguard the forests. I would like to laud the initiative of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in this regard”, he added. He also expressed a desire to work with local folk musicians and shoot music videos in Sikkim.

On being presented the ‘Green Ambassador Certificate’, the singer affirmed his love for the place and said such a pristine, holy land should be well protected and that it was a privilege and an honour to be bestowed with such recognition. He said that Sikkim is well known for its rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources which have been preserved due to the environment friendly policies being followed for more than two decades. He assured to promote the green image of Sikkim across the country and the Shri Mohit Chauhan and his wife Smt Prarthana Gohilote tying a knot of eternal friendship with a rhododendron plant at Golitar world.

16 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 STANDING LEFT TO RIGHT Ms. Maya Goburdhan, Ms. Neha Raj Singh, Ms. Anugrah Bhatt, Mr. Drona Chettri, Ms. Neha Upadhyaya, Dr. Saamdu Chettri, Dr. H. K. Badola, Vaidya G. G. Gangadharan, Dr. Mira Shiva, Dr. Biju Kumar, Dr. Vinod Bhatt SITTING LEFT TO RIGHT Dr. Thomas Chandy (Pr. Secretary –cum- PCCF), Shri Tshering Wangdi Lepcha (Minister Forest), Shri Somnath Poudyal (Minister Agriculture), Shri Pawan Chamling (Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim), Dr. Vandana Shiva, Mr. Bernward Geier, Mr. Andre Leu Sikkim hosted International Conference on Biodiversity and SDGs May 4, 2018 | Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok

The Department of Forests, Environment & Wildlife granary of the entire country” said the Chief Minister in Management, Government of Sikkim organized a One his address while touching on the subject of biodiversity Day International Conference on Biodiversity and and how fragile the environment has become in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Sustainable recent years due constant human activities. He said in Livelihood and Protecting the Planet on 4th of May, the area of biodiversity management, increasing the 2018 at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok. The international green cover has been the State’s greatest effort which conference was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble incidentally conferred on Sikkim as the Greenest State Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling. Accompanying in 1998 and as the first Organic State in the country in him on the dais were Agriculture Minister Shri Somnath 2016 which is an achievement to be proud of. Poudyal, Forest Minister Shri Tshering Wangdi Lepcha, environmentalist-social activist Dr. Vandana Shiva, Reflecting back to the past, the Chief Minister stated: Bernward Geier (founder, COLABORA Germany) “Twenty three years ago when we took over the reign of and Andre Leu, International Director, Regeneration governance, we took upon ourselves the task of defining International and Ambassador IFOAM - Organics both short-term and long term sustainable development International. The conference had the distinguished programs for our State. We started to take bold initiatives presence and participation of national and international in wide ranging sectors like education, health, social luminaries from the field of biodiversity conservation justice, environment, poverty alleviation etc. I realize and Sustainable Development Goals. there are many commonalities between our initiatives and the Sustainable Development Goals set-up by the “The Himalayas have been our life givers in terms of United Nations for 2015-2030”. giving water resources to the people living not only in the Himalayan region but also in the plains which act as the In his address, he also touched upon the various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which Sikkim

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 17 has been able to follow. He specifically targeted that explored to address the SDG GOAL 2: Zero Hunger, the SDG agenda 14 and 15 reflected the importance of achieve food security and improved nutrition and biodiversity and ecosystems. He then briefly touched promote sustainable agriculture and GOAL 3: Good upon some of the Sustainable Development Goals 2015- Health and Well-being were explored. It was well 2030, specifically related to the initiatives undertaken in established that by producing poison-free food through Sikkim so far relating to ending poverty in all its forms, biodiverse organic farming is capable to addressing to end hunger, health initiatives through Chief Minister’s these goals. Comprehensive Annual and Total Check-Up for Healthy Sikkim (CATCH) programme, equitable quality Biodiversity and Women: Redefining work for education and life-long learning opportunities for all and creating real wealth and protecting the Earth: This ultimate goal of making Sikkim as the 100 % literate session was planned to address the SDG GOAL 5: State by the end of 2018, gender equality and other goals Gender Equality, achieve gender equality and empower etched down by the UN. He expressed his gratitude all women; SDG GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic towards the initiative take by them in organizing these Growth, and SDG GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality, within global initiatives with this international conference on and among countries. It was well established that the ‘Biodiversity and SDGs-sustainable livelihood and biodiverse organic farming not only produces more but protecting the planet’. also provides people with work and helps in reducing the gender inequality. Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Vandana Shiva applauded the State of Sikkim and the Chief Minister’s Biodiversity and Climate Change: The session covered initiatives for leading Sikkim towards sustainable the SDG GOAL 13: Climate Action, SDG GOAL 14: development for the past 25 years. She also applauded Life Below Water, and SDG GOAL 15: Life on Land. Sikkim for leading role in organic farming amongst the Careful management for this essential global resource is Himalayan States and also helping them in their vision of a key feature of a sustainable future. making the entire Himalayan Region Organic by 2022. Education for Sustainable Living: The conference During the programme, a book titled “Rapid Biodiversity also focused in addressing the SDG GOAL 4: Quality Survey Vol. 3&4’ was released by the Chief Minister and Education, ensure inclusive and quality education for other dignitaries present in the dais. all and promote lifelong learning and the SDG GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, ensure Earlier, Forest principal secretary Dr. Thomas Chandy, sustainable consumption and production patterns. in his welcome address, said the world is at a critical The UN General Assembly declared the period 2011-2020 juncture and that it is a concern of all to be vigilant as «United Nations Decade on Biodiversity» to promote towards the environment and its pattern of behaviour. ‘Sustainable development is the only model that can the implementation of a strategic plan on biodiversity help the world’ which the State of Sikkim has been doing and its overall vision of living in harmony with nature. for the past years, he said. It is also a period in which the governments have to take concerted efforts to achieve «Aichi Target» or the 2011- The one-day conference was divided into following five 2020 Strategic Plan of the Convention on Biological technical sessions with specific themes. It was attended Diversity (CBD) for addressing the underlying causes of by cabinet ministers, senior state government officers, biodiversity loss, reduce the pressures on biodiversity, dignitaries from India and abroad, researchers and safeguard biodiversity at all levels, enhance the benefits scientists, and students. provided by biodiversity. The importance of biodiversity and ecosystems is therefore reflected in many of the Biodiversity for removing poverty and doubling rural incomes: In this session SDG GOAL 1: No United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) Poverty in all its form everywhere were addressed by and targets. focusing on how biodiversity reduces poverty in all its In this context, the Government of Sikkim conceived in form and doubles the income of the rural communities organizing this International Conference on Biodiversity and making efforts to calculate the true cost accounting. and SDG›s: Sustainable Livelihood and Protecting the Planet in Gangtok, Sikkim. Biodiversity for improving nutrition and health: Role of biodiversity in improving health and nutrition was Source: FEWMD and IPR 18 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 19 #BeatPlasticPollution

ikkim State Nodal Agency and Sikkim State Organized by ENVIS Hub on Status of Environment and its FOREST, ENVIRONMENT & WIDLIFE MANGEMENT DEPARTMENT Government of Sikkim Related Issues hosted by Department of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management LOCATION: RIVER RANI CHU AND ITS TRIBUTARIES IN AND SDepartment with the support of Ministry of AROUND GANGTOK AND RANIPOOL, EAST SIKKIM Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government DATES: 15th MAY, 2018 TO 2nd JUNE, 2018 of India conducted 16 days riverfront cleaning programme at river Rani chu and its tributaries from 15th May to 2nd June, 2018 at different venues in and around Gangtok and Ranipool.With active participation

20 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 of 17 school eco-clubs, Sikkim Government College of India closely followed up the pre-event, during the Burtuk, ICFAI University, Sikkim University, Gangtok event and post event activities. The monitoring officials Municipal Corporation, State Pollution Control Board also actively took part in the cleanup drive. Almost 200 and Environment & Soil Conservation wing, Indo kg to 300 kg of plastic waste mostly packaged water Tibetan Border Police Force (Sikkim Unit), CISF of bottle, soft drink bottles, chips wrappers, cement bags, TLDP-III, NHIDCL and local people, the event was plastic cans etc were collected on a daily basis of the successfully organized thorough active coordination cleanup drive and were safely disposed to the landfill and support from DFO (Env. & SC), DFO (RVP), DFO site at Marchak, East Sikkim. (Social Forestry) and DFO (T) of East division. Along with the cleanup drive, the event also witnessed The Honourable Deputy Mayor, Gangtok Municipal sensitization drives through mass rally, distribution Corporation flagged off the riverfront cleanup drive of green and blue bins to local tourism stakeholders, at river Rani Chu, Ranipool in presence of Councillor one to one interaction for wider awareness and for up Ranipool and Addl PCCF on 15th May, 2018 at 11 AM. keep of cleanliness at the premises. As a follow of the The riverfront cleanup drive was undertaken as a part riverfront cleanup exercise the participating school of World Environment Day activity on the theme “Beat eco-clubs and ICFAI University assured to take up the Plastic Pollution” and was supported by the Ministry of cleanup drive of their nearby streams and jhoras on Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government regular basis. of India and India being the host country for the global The 17 eco-club schools and colleges/ universities event culminating on 5th June 2018. were later presented ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ and The 16 days riverfront cleanup of Rani chu and its cash incentive of Rs 5000/- each on the Awards and adjoining tributaries was implemented and monitored Felicitation function organized by the department on by the State Nodal Agency and also by officials from the June 21, 2018 at Golitar, East Sikkim. The programme central government. Shri A. K. Das, Deputy Secretary was graced by the Hon’ble Culture Minister Shri G. and Shri A. N Singh, Joint Director from Ministry of M. Gurung, Hon’ble Forest Minister Shri T. W. Lepcha Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Government and Sikkim’s Green Ambassador Shri Mohit Chauhan.

Watch the Video Clip on YouTube https://youtu.be/JzG_ur8VyqE

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 21 Mini Marathon #BeatPlasticPollution Run to Beat Plastic Pollution held at Gangtok on June 3, 2018

n the run up to World Environment Day 2018 celebration on the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution,’ Ia mini marathon on the theme ‘run to beat plastic pollution’ was organized by the State Forest department in the capital on 3rd June 2018. Honorable Forest Minister Shri Tshering Wangdi Lepcha flagged off the mini-marathon from Titanic Park in the presence of Honorable Mayor Gangtok Shri rd Shakti Singh Chaudhary, Forest Additional PCCFs The marathon held on 3 June 2018 was of 3.5 km held M.L. Srivastava and C.S. Rao and other officials from for two categories - boys and girls. In men’s category Sports and Forest departments. Uttam Bhujel stood first position and Ram Bahadur Neopany and Ganga Hang Subba were adjudged second The participants were from the 31 schools students and and third positions respectively. Anjali Subba won the Indo Tibetian Border Police Force, Sikkim Unit and women’s category marathon. Ranjana Tamang and members of NHIDCL. A total of 418 runners including 291 men and 127 women took part in the marathon Eaksu Hangma bagged the second and third positions covering Zero Point, TNA Gate, Palace Gate, Kazi Road, respectively. Five runners winning the consolation State Legislative Assembly, Namnang and culminated at prizes were Allen Targain, Kunga Nima Kazi, Babita MG Marg. Adelen, Pratshta Rai and B.S.Siktel. The winners of the The host country of this year WED is India and as part run were presented certificate, trophy and cash award of the series of activities, the State Forest department of Rs. 20,000, Rs. 15000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively has been organising river front cleanup campaign to the first three position baggers of both the categories programme from May 15 to June 2, 2018 including the along with five consolation prizes amounting Rs. 5,000 mini marathon held on 3rd June 2018. each. 22 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Sikkim Forest Department exhibits environment initiatives of the State Government at Vigyan Bhawan premises, New Delhi June 2-5, 2018 | New Delhi

contingent of Sikkim Forest Department led by efforts of the State Government for its clean, green and the Pr. Secretary cum PCCF Dr. Thomas Chandy organic image. The exhibits featured eco-policies and and participated by Pr. Scientist (SPCB) Dr. green achievements through video walls, posters, kiosk, A models and publications in a 57 sq meter stall allotted to Gopal Pradhan, Additional Director Shri B B Gurung in a company of State ENVIS and State Medicinal Plants Sikkim. Board team exhibited the environmental initiatives of The exhibition was hosted on an international platform the State Government in the World Environment Day for India being the host country for World Environment #Beat Plastic Pollution exhibition at Vigyan Bhawan Day 2018 celebration and Sikkim was the only other premises, New Delhi from June 2 to June 5, 2018. state besides Assam from the Northeast India to be given Visitors in numbers to the Sikkim stall appreciated the the opportunity on this international forum.

57 sq mtr Sikkim Stall at the exhibition Hon’ble Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan at the stall

MoEFCC officers visiting the stall

Visitors trolling the stall NMBP CEO and Dy CEO at Sikkim SMPB stall

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 23 State-wide celebration of World Environment Day 2018 June 5, 2018 | Sikkim #BeatPlasticPollution

Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling planting on the occasion of Ten Minutes to Earth programme on 25th June 2018 at Bulbulley, East Sikkim 6th successive fortnightly SIKKIM PARYAVARAN World Environment Day 2018 with the UNEP theme MAHOTSAVcelebrated “Beat Plastic Pollution” was celebrated in grandeur throughout the State of Sikkim on Tuesday the 5th June 15-30, 2018: Sikkim Celebrated the sixth successive of June hugely participated by students and teachers, environmental festival “The Paryavaran Mahotsav panchayats, municipalities, NGOs, JFMCs, EDCs, 2018” from 15th of June to 30th of June with great zeal in urban and local bodies, private companies, political resorting to eco-friendly lifestyles and realizing the noble dignitaries and public at large. The entire State was mission of creating a clean, green and visitors’ friendly engrossed with the Mother Nature taking up plantation, State. Main events during the fortnight included: weeding, cleanliness drives and other environment well-being actions for spreading awareness highly • Massive plantation and conservation drives under maintaining the consciousness stature of the State. At the State’s flagship programmes viz. Mith Trees, the schools, World Environment day was celebrated Heritage Trees, Smritivans, State Green Mission (13th with the events such as plantation drives, cleanliness Phase) and Ten Minutes to Earth (10th phase) on June drives, and competitions on essay writing, painting, 25 slogan, debates, and skits suitably highlighting the natural and cultural. • Cleanliness drives at major towns to contemplate Swachh Bharat Abhiyan The state level event was organized by the Forest department at Biraspati Parsai Government senior • Green walk, rally, banner campaign, street plays Secondary School Ranipool East Sikkim. While the • Signature campaigns. district level events were organised at Kabi North Sikkim, Tashiding West Sikkim and Nadugaon South • Eco-competitions at schools, Sikkim. The district level programmes were graced by • Release of Publications local political dignitaries and participated in numbers • Awards and Felicitations by students, teachers, panchayats, local NGOs, private companies, government officers and general public. • Awareness campaigns, Environment lectures etc. 24 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 The Honorable Chief Minister’s Green School Rolling Trophy and State Green Schools Award 2018 June 21, 2018 | Golitar, East Sikkim

Government Secondary School, Singhik from North Sikkim wins the CM Green School Rolling Trophy 2018 with the cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh

The 8th edition of the most prestigious Bollywood singer and Sikkim’s and St. Josheph’s School Kingston, award scheme “The Honorable Green Ambassador Shri Mohit Rhenock were awarded cash prize Chief Minister’s Green School Chauhan and his wife, MLAs of Rs. 50,000 each. Rolling Trophy and State Green and Officials. The award scheme Schools Award” was presented to was conceptualized by the Chief nine schools of the State for their Minister Shri Pawn Chamling green initiatives on the occasion of himself during 2011 and is being Mithini Reverence cum Awards and presented every year in a grandeur Felicitation Programme organized function. by the Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department This year, 9 schools were selected on June 21, 2018 at Golitar, East for the State Green School Awards. Sikkim. The winning school were- Singhik SS with cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh; Road and Bridges Minister G.M. Pelling SSS, Dikchu SSS, Chuba Gurung was the chief guest of SS and Phodong SSS received cash the event, also attended by Forest prize of Rs. 1 lakh and Pakyong Minister Tshering Wangdi Lepcha, JHS, Bakchu PS, Singpheng PS

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 25 o much are we nourished and cared by nature that we can aptly use the term “Mother” when we talk about it. With the modern definition of Hariyo Makha “development” we have created a world full (SIKKIM AGAINST AIR POLLUTION) Sof non-biodegradable wastes that ultimately give birth to serious problems like pollution, global warming, diseases and many more. Thus there always exists a ( A part of SWACCHA BHARAT ABHIYAN crisis in newer ideas on waste disposal. that works on generating innovative ideas on ZERO WASTE MANAGEMENT, Not just humans, this pollution factor even disturbs PROPER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT and the natural saprophytic relationship between micro- SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT) organisms and plants leading to “micro-level pollution”. This directly affects production and crop yield. The air pollution alone accounts for 2 lakh deaths annually and LOMAS DHUNGEL, around 8.5% loss in our GDP. FOUNDER CUM DEVELOPER, HARIYO MAKHA EARLY DAYS OF INSPIRATION (SIKKIM AGAINST AIR POLLUTION) Long back in 2001, after completing Class 10 from E- mail: [email protected] Govt SSS, Singtam, my schooling brought me to Sir Tashi Namgayl Senior Secondary School at Gangtok wherein I came to know for the first time that polythene had been banned in Sikkim. My tender mind began 26 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 speculating so as why such a handy and potable thing was chosen to be banned. Moving out of the comfort zone the idea adopted by our state was something very peculiar in comparison with the other states. This was the beginning of a life-long inspiration for me. The result that I got out of my research forever infused in me an inclination towards Mother Nature and its beautiful diversity.

CRISIS TRIGGERS INNOVATION A lot of plastic scrap is generated from the eatables like Lays, Kurkure, etc. Due to “zero resale value”, they do not contribute to financial profit of scrap vendors. Without a proper disposal idea and tremendous waste generation every day, the scraps ultimately get piled up thereby increasing landfill problems and even giving rise to soil and water pollution. The main challenge was to devise a mechanism for its reuse. Following a series of several unsuccessful experiments in 2013-14, a new idea was born in 2015. The idea was to use it for book covers after adopting a healthy and hygienic mechanism for its cleaning. The idea adopted by us was clean and convenient to carry out and completely “pollution free”. Thus with “green” or “Hariyo” (in vernacular) representing the colour of nature a new mission was initiated by the name “HARIYO MAKHA—SIKKIM AGAINST AIR POLLUTION” from within the premises of the government school of Makha SSS. Being a part of the Eco-Club, it was aimed for the protection of Mother Nature.

UNIQUE SOCIAL EXPERIMENT AND CHARITY Followed by a meeting with SMCs and Panchayats on 17.02.2017 a group of interested students were chosen for a “Unique Social Experiment”. A group of 36 students from class X helped in covering all the books and copies of a nearby school at their homes. Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 27 This resulted in a small amount of revenue that was VIRTUAL MUNICIPALITY AND “GOLDEN utilised in helping one of our students BIR BAHADUR RUPEE” INITIATIVE RAI for getting admission to BA course under IGNOU. Since January 2013, I had been working on the idea of This was perhaps the most “emotional success” that our segregation of Solid and Dry Waste. I would segregate students achieved. In addition to pollution control, they and organise around 18 kg of paper and 5 kg of plastic also learned the meaning of “generosity” and “charity”. waste per month from my home and some families in my locality. Working for 65 months, I could thus collect RISE IN PUBLIC CONCIOUSNESS & “REVERSE- around 1170 kg of Paper items and 325 kg Plastic items ENTROPY MECHANISM” so far to be given to a local scrap vendor for free. With The mission gained tremendous momentum with the this experience a new initiative called “Golden Rupee” active participation of SMCs, Panchayats, NGOs and was initiated at school level. The idea was to conduct local intellectuals of Makha and the surrounding areas. monthly cleanliness campaign at Makha and segregate With a population of around 2000, we could spread our solid waste. In the first phase we could collect 61.49 awareness among 80% of local people. Adarsh Vidhya kg of Paper items, 31.98 kg of Plastic items and 10.95 Mandir, Singbel became the first school participant in kg of Tin items, i.e., a total of 104.42 kg of scrap was our mission followed by Govt. JHS Singbel, Govt. SS given to a local scrap vendor for “Value price” of just Ralap and Govt. SSS Singtam. one rupee.

Since 2015 we have collected more than 50,000 scrap “CLEAN PAPER” INITIATIVE & VOLUNTEER plastics and reused them for covering more than 3000 PAPER WORKSHOP books and copies. This year we are all set to work for The common trend of using only one-side of A4 papers our new target of collecting 50,000 more plastics so has resulted in production of tremendous paper wastes that we would then reuse around 1,00,000 pieces. If that are either burnt or given to scrap vendors without we roughly assume that one piece of plastic weighs completely being used. We started the “Clean Paper 5 gram then 1,00,000 plastics would weigh 500 kg. Initiative” wherein we reused more than 30,000 pages Burning 1 kg plastics would generate nearly 6 kg of by the end of 2017. This idea also taught students to Carbon-dioxide in addition to other poisonous gases. reuse other papers at home as well. We would thus have reused around 500 kg of plastics Overwhelmed by this small success, a meeting was

and prevented 3000 kg of Carbon-dioxide and other called for an “almost impossible” idea that had perhaps harmful gases from entering our atmosphere. We are never been experimented. The plan was to request also working on a new idea called “Reverse Entropy other schools for donating their old A4 papers that were Mechanism” where we are experimenting on reuse of then brought to Makha. Utilising the SUPW classes the small sized chocolate covers hopefully to invent similar idea of “Volunteer Paper Workshop” was started where innovative idea on their reuse. students were motivated to spare just 15 minutes every 28 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 day for segregating the papers. Around 10-20% of the papers was clean and could be used to form copies. Starting from 23rd April 2018, a group of 82 students volunteered an enormous 54,120 minutes or nearly 1000 hours for 44 days. The product so formed was launched in a program of Environment Day 2018. Later on teachers, Principal, SMC members, Panchayats and even local guardians joined the initiative as volunteers to further motivate the students.

“HARMFUL POLLUTION” TO “USEFUL EDUCATION”

While the idea provided everyone to contribute their Bir Bahadur Rai Devi Sharan Chettri free time for a noble cause ultimately leading to their Also to be noted is the fact that 4281 acres of rainforests own Skill Development, the results achieved out are destroyed every hour and that it requires 3 tons of of it was astonishing. Since 2015, total of around wood to produce 1 ton of paper. As the paper industry 1,70,000 pages have been segregated from Makha is the third largest air polluting industry, by reusing and 14 other participating schools. These include the nearly 1 ton of paper we could also save around 26,500 government schools of Singtam SSS, Ranipool SSS, litres of water for its manufacture, 572 kg of Carbon- Mamring SSS, Sang SSS, Majhitar SS, Singbel JHS dioxide emissions, 1033 kg of solid wastes, around and 2 private institutions Adarsh Vidhya Mandir and thousand units of electricity in addition to saving of Bethesda Academy from the East District. From South, time, manpower and other resources. the schools include Bermiok- Tokal SSS, Kewzing SSS, Sadam SSS, Namphing SS and Tingley SS. A small amount of revenue was also generated by selling Hee Yangthang SSS from the North Sikkim has also reused copies. With this collected amount and together participated. with the remaining fees paid by me, we again helped one more student DEVI SHARAN CHETTRI who had Very recently, District Hospital Singtam and few dropped out of Makha SSS in 2017 by supporting him other agencies have shown interests in donating their getting back to class XII under NIOS. old papers to us. Around 1,50,000 pages have been segregated for reuse. Assuming roughly 5000 pages OVERVIEW per one average tree and with a time span of 30 years We have also been called for sharing our ideas and for its growth, we could thus save around 30 trees and spreading awareness on pollution control at different recovered a life-span of 900 years. We also collected places. Working at school level the mission aims at more than 700 grams of stapler pins for recycling protection of Mother Nature in addition to funding containing more than 10,000 of very small stapler pins needy students for educational purposes out of its from those papers that would have otherwise discarded works. With two success stories the mission aims at to soil resulting in soil contamination. hitting a “hat trick” and many more.

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 29 DokyaLa, North Sikkim Climate Action It Has To Start Right Now, Right Here, And Right From Us Sikkim can show a path of light to other Himalayan states

t is well acknowledged that the invasive species causing species Himalaya would be the worst range shift, the extinction of local and affected part, as a result of climate indigenous flora and fauna, altering change which is mainly attributed of species composition, degradation Ito anthropogenic activities, and Sikkim of the forest and ecosystem health is no exception. The human population and increased incidence of forest in the Himalaya would face severe fires; and the whole agroforestry water crisis due to melting of glaciers, system would collapse due to erratic

Dr. Bharat Kumar Pradhan drying up of natural springs, less or weather conditions and so on. A Sikkim Biodiversity Board, no snowfall, reduced rainfall and study by Lappeenranta University FEWMD altered hydrological cycle; the rising of Technology revealed that climate temperature would pave a way for change would deteriorate water quality 30 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Pedestal pathway along the road in Gangtok in the Himalayas affecting 40 per plastic, etc. which is directly and air pollution; exhaustion of cent of the world’s population. contributing to climate change. fossil fuels; loss of biodiversity, The world is already at war with Out of over 50,000 registered etc. but it will also fill up the problems associated with the vehicles in Sikkim, Gangtok the social gaps being created climate change; however, the alone accounts for over 38,000 between perceived higher class biggest question that lies in front of vehicles. In addition, hundreds and the middle class. Further, us is that: what is our contribution of vehicles from other districts by doing so, we will be helping at individual level towards fighting and neighboring state of West unemployed youths in earning climate change? Bengal regularly enter Gangtok livelihood and generating which is causing severe traffic revenue for the state. As always, Sikkim is the first congestion in the capital in state in India to develop State Pedestrianization is an emerging Action Plan on Climate Change addition to air / noise pollution concept in Sikkim for which (SAPCC) 2012 – 2030 in line with and this is a serious cause of the government has made huge NAPCC with the involvement of concern. It is a common sight investment in constructing safe various stakeholders including to observe choking of road footpath in and around main towns academic institutions, Government with innumerable vehicles from throughout the State keeping departments, civil society and morning till evening in Gangtok. in view both public health and others. Concerns are mainly on On the other hand, the standard environment protection. In addition, ensuring water security; food and the beautification of the town livelihood security; and protecting of living has supposedly become area is another initiative which forest, wildlife, biodiversity and so high that people including the has helped in bringing social joy environment. Notably, the rural school students are reluctant to amongst the local people and the populace in Sikkim has already travel by public transport, shared visitors. Pedestrianization, though started taking action to fight climate taxi, pool vehicle or school bus is an appreciable concept but is change using their traditional and it is costing our environment. not being found feasible in a place knowledge and is adopting the It is high time that we inculcate like Gangtok with steep terrain; climate smart agriculture; the urban hence, the government has initiated the habit of travelling by public population is still to initiate action frequent city runner bus service towards fighting climate change. mode of transport instead of for the convenience of the people. privately owned or government Supporting this initiative of the Our State is facing numerous issued vehicles. This will not only government will not only reduce challenges such as traffic reduce traffic congestion; noise traffic congestion but it will also congestion, pollution, garbage, Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 31 save our forest and agro-forest as to Rs. 10 per inhalation (Hindustan to maintain the balance in the need will not arise to have alternate Times, 18 Dec. 2015). Now, due ecosystem. Introducing the alien road link and that will be a great to improvement in the air quality species would lead to change in contribution in fighting climate in the last four years, the selling of nutrient cycle and soil composition change at individual level. fresh mountain air has now greatly and disrupts the whole ecological reduced in China. Nevertheless, processes and also threatens the Nonetheless, huge number of if we do not change our mind-set, biodiversity of the local area in vehicles is being registered in time is not that far that people in the longer run. For example, the Sikkim annually but we do not mountainous state like Sikkim will allelopathic effect of Cryptomeria have provision or policy to scrap also have to pay for breathing fresh japonica has prevented the the old vehicles which are mostly air. understorey species to grow and responsible for causing pollution. has made the soil acidic. The Even very old (more than 20 years Forest serves as natural carbon accumulation of its needle on the old), unused and condemned sink. Currently, our forest in Sikkim surface increases the surface runoff vehicles are being auctioned stocks 48.534 Mg C (0.69% of the during erratic rainfall causing threat which are used after minor total forest carbon of the country) to human life. Similarly, the death repair and this adds on to traffic [India State of Forest Report 2017] of insects due to Paulownia sp. is congestion, pollution and ultimately but we have lost 9.0 sq. km of the a cause of concern for Sikkim as contributing to climate change. To forest cover as compared to 2015. it will have direct repercussions curb this problem, India is now This is attributed to the various on the food production as well as coming up with a policy “Voluntary developmental activities such as organic farming. An interesting Vehicle Fleet Modernisation establishment of pharmaceuticals, and commendable initiative has Programme (V-VMP) Policy” to small industries, hydro-power been started by the Bengaluru scrap the old vehicles (15 years or projects, road widening, Police recently in which the traffic over). In the proposed policy, there construction of new roads, etc. rule violators are handed over the is a provision of providing a relief of which is unavoidable for the saplings instead of imposing fine. about Rs 5.0 lakh while purchasing development of the state and various According to Bengaluru Police, a new commercial vehicle of about green initiatives of the government this approach has not only brought Rs 15.0 lakh, on surrendering will compensate this loss within no down the road accident but has their over 15-year old commercial time. However, removal of trees and also increased the greeneries in vehicles (Times of India, 15 Feb. surface concretization has resulted Bengaluru city and this is certainly 2018). Country like China had in landscape change, release a positive effort in fighting climate “declared war against pollution” of carbon into the atmosphere, change at local level. and is able to successfully cut down blanketing of the towns by the its air pollution by 32% in just pollutants, decrease in reflectivity Studies have found out that large four years by taking “aggressive of the surface and absorption of heat clouds of pollution are heating up and extraordinary” measures like energy thus leading to rise in local the lower atmosphere resulting in installation of huge machine to temperature thus increasing the rapid glacial retreat. This increases suck harmful pollutants from chances of incidence of heat wave the chances of frequent GLOF the air, shut down or curtailed in the future. Surface concretization (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) operations at dozens of steel plants is one of the major environmental incidence in the Himalayan. and impounded on old vehicles issues in urban areas around the Scientists has found out that over respectively and of course, with the world and is a key contributor of Tibet and the Himalayan regions, in support of its people. The country “Urban Heat Island”. In addition, addition to greenhouse gases, local has also allocated resources in using it emits or radiates harmful UV-B pollution caused due to release renewable sources of energy such rays, results in radioactive pollution of black carbon aerosols from as solar, wind, geothermal and the and visual pollution and causes biomass burning (Nature News, 14 use of natural gas (The Economic toxicity and health problem (www. April 2015) such as forest fires (in Times, 14 March 2018). Earlier, gktoday.in). These are avoidable most of the cases, human induced), people in China used to invest huge provided maximum greeneries are fossil fuels, bio-fuels, agricultural sum of their earnings in buying bottle maintained in and around the town residues, funeral pyres, burning of of fresh mountain air containing 160 area. During the course of action, incense, cooking stoves, bursting gm costing Rs. 1500 per bottle that preference needs to be given to the of firecrackers, etc. in addition last for 151 second, which comes area specific indigenous species to vehicles, industries, stone

32 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 crusher plants, etc. is significantly of aquatic ecosystem due than putting the garbage. Further, responsible for retreat of regional to leaching. In addition, the separate day has been designated snowpack. However, in Sikkim, chemical breakdown and the for collection of degradable and the government has taken proactive decisions towards fighting climate decomposition of the garbage non-degradable waste; even then change at local level by prohibiting in the landfill site generates the people are yet to inculcate the the burning of agricultural waste, large amount of heat which habit of waste segregation. The leaves, litter, paper wastes and influences the micro climate. In dumping of garbage on the road garbage vide Government Gazette Gangtok, a system is in place at night is a common practice, Notification No. 13 dated 15.01.2015 where the garbage is picked up to be picked up by the garbage and banning the manufacture, sale and use or bursting of all types by the municipality truck every collectors every morning that of firecracker in Sikkim vide morning for transporting it to not only deteriorates the beauty Government Gazette Notification the landfill site, and in the areas of the area but also leads to No. 544 dated 19.12.2014. The where truck cannot reach, door problems like odour, insect, policies are being effectively to door pick up system have been traffic congestion, dogs, crows, implemented in the State and efforts arranged. The local residents etc. Government has taken are underway to educate people on have been given basic trainings several initiatives and citizens the harmful effect of pollution etc. on our environment and human on the home segregation of have supported the move due to health with the involvement of degradable and non-degradable which Gangtok has been awarded school student, NGOs, Government waste, composting technique of “Cleanest Tourist Destination” agencies, etc. However, some biodegradable waste and solid by Ministry of Tourism, GoI but people believes that such ban is a waste management under Nirmal because of our own ignorance, direct suppression of their freedom Bharat Abhiyan. Furthermore, we may lose our reputation of to celebrate occasional festival but one must understand that we cannot pair of waste bins has been being the cleanest state in India. afford to pay Rs.10 per inhalation distributed to each household but Now the government is working of fresh mountain air likewise in the irony is that the waste bins towards making Gangtok a ‘Zero China. Hence, each and every one are used for storing water rather Waste City’ and various agencies should join hand in effectively implementing such ban policies, as pollution spares no one. Garbage management is another challenge faced by major cities and towns including Gangtok. Several factors such as population rise coupled with unregulated tourism, etc. leads to increase in waste generation. It is estimated that Gangtok and adjoining area generates approximately 45 metric tonnes of waste per day which goes even higher during tourist season. One cannot imagine its negative impact on the environment and human health due to release of GHGs like methane, toxic chemicals like dioxins and particulate matters and also contamination Cleanliness drive at Yumey Samdong and Yumthang Valley, North Sikkim Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 33 like ECOSS, WWF, etc. has will not only be able to achieve of plastic, several countries have lend its voluntary support to success in the mission of Swachh already taken bold initiatives. For Gangtok Municipal Corporation. Bharat Abhiyan but also, revenue example, the grocery shoppers in Even the Forests, Environment will be generated for the State. At most of the European countries are an individual level, everyone must made to pay for their plastic carry and Wildlife Management contribute in reducing waste and bags due to which its use has reduced Department organize cleanliness reuse and recycle as much as possible by 90%. Countries like Bangladesh drive in districts during the for ensuring clean environment and Taiwan were the first to take occasions like Wildlife Week for our future generation. Even the action and banned the use of celebration, World Environment government department should plastic carry bags in 2002 and 2003 Day, etc. by involving the local reduce use of papers in the era of respectively, followed by US and people and others. It is observed internet and digitalization and send UK in 2007. Following the footstep, the discarded paper for recycling. that the people residing away Sikkim Government also took some This will have multiple advantages bold decisions of banning use of from the town in the villages such as it will aid in biodiversity plastic carry bags, the sale and use of shows active participation and conservation, pollution reduction, disposable Styrofoam or Thermocol are found to be more conscious entrepreneurship opportunities and products like plates, cups, spoons, comparatively regarding the ultimately help fight climate change containers, etc. and the use of garbage management even though at regional level. packaged drinking water during government meetings or functions. they are rarely given trainings Plastic pollution is another It is worth appreciation that village etc., and the Gangtokians have contributor to the changing climate like Lachen in north Sikkim has set lot to learn from them. and is the major problem the world an example by banning the sale and is facing today. It is estimated that use of plastic bottled mineral water In regard to garbage management, approximately 30 crore tonnes way back in 2012 followed by Sweden has set an example for the of plastic waste are generated Lachung in 2016. Similarly, Labing world where less than 1 percent of annually throughout the world of Gerethang in west Sikkim is the the household waste reaches the which, only 10% is recycled. The first GPU (Gram Panchayat Unit) to landfill. Swedish people are very recycling of plastic requires 80% ban the sale and use of Styrofoam conscious about their environment more energy than creating it; that and Thermocol products in 2012 and believe in recycling, sharing is why there is only production of before it was officially banned and reusing instead of discarding. plastic but no recycling which has through notification in the state. All the garbage in Sweden is sent led to plastic pollution everywhere. However, bottled water is in high to recycling plant for the production The plastic, in any form, takes use in the state of Sikkim especially of heat which is supplied to every hundreds of years to disintegrate by the tourists and they are thrown household through national heating and during the process, it releases everywhere on the roadside, into network; further, 50% of the toxins and GHGs which is harmful the streams, rivers, jhoras, etc. thus electricity in Sweden in sourced from to the environment, biodiversity causing pollution and problems renewable sources. Sweden is out of and ultimately to the human health. garbage and imports it from other For example, the life span of like choking of jhoras and nallahs. European countries which pay them plastic water bottle is 450 years, Even after so many years of ban, for the service of taking care of their the disposable diaper is 500 years the use of plastic carry bags is still waste. This way Sweden is making and the plastic carry bag is 1000 seen in some remote corners; on a profit from taking on free fuel for years. The plastics are made from the other hand, people in towns energy. In 2014, Sweden earned fossil fuels like oil and natural gas including the educated, still prefer $100 Million revenue from the and during their extraction various plastic carry bags for their ease of import of garbage (Business Insider GHGs like carbon monoxide, work which depicts their ignorant Nordic, 14 Dec. 2016). Sikkim is a hydrogen sulphide, etc. are released behaviour towards environment. small state comparatively with very into the atmosphere. Further, during The increasing craze for online less population and we can also set the production of plastic, methane shopping is the biggest setback an example by managing our waste gas is emitted which causes even for Sikkim, the first Indian state to or reducing its generation or by worse greenhouse effect than the ban the use of plastic carry bags. recycling it. Adoption of ‘waste to carbon dioxide. Thousands of products purchased energy’ approach is another option through online shopping are being for Sikkim through which our state To minimize the production and use delivered by the courier companies 34 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 daily which has though generated taken on those people by imposing needs to be grabbed which will help employment to some extent; penalties. solve the problem as well as provide however, the amount of plastic employment opportunities. being brought into the state every Simultaneously, there is a need day is a real cause of concern. The of more stringent policies which To conclude, within short span of plastic waste being generated today will compel the plastic producing time, Sikkim is able to establish its will remain there for over thousands companies to buy-back the plastic own identity due to various pro- of years slowly disintegrating and and recycle it and also imposing environmental initiatives which is releasing the toxins and GHGs due complete ban on sale of bottled a great contribution of a small state to which our children will suffer water throughout the state. These in combating the global climate from chronic diseases and die will not only reduce plastic change. Nevertheless, actions at pollution but also the pressure on for no fault of theirs and this will individual level such as traveling by the natural resources. However, be the biggest gift of the current public mode of transport and shared this is the future perspective; the generation to our future generation; taxi; source segregation of garbage; biggest question is what to do instead of securing green and clean reducing and reusing the plastics; environment for them, we will be with the existing plastic waste? The answer is exploration of an avoiding the buying of plastic leaving behind polluted air and products, eating of packaged foods water, plastic waste, mountains with opportunity for plastic waste based entrepreneurship. For example, a and burning of garbage; controlling traces of snow, barren landscapes, urge for online shopping; wasting concrete structures, etc. Turkey based company is turning 100 percent plastic waste into yarn of papers; etc. will aid in fighting a Frequent burning of plastic waste and fibre and exporting the products global war against climate change and PVC materials in and around to more than 20 countries and they and mitigating its impact on health town area is resulting in air pollution are not able to fulfil the demand due and environment. This way, Sikkim greatly contributing to climate to limit of their production unit. can show a path of light to other change. Hence, action needs to be There are lot of opportunities that Himalayan states.

Little hands, big action!! Eco-club activity by Darapthang JHS, West Sikkim as a part of National Green Corps School Eco-Club Programe

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 35 Snowflakes

n a routine patrolling, we were trudging ahead somewhere on the highland with a rugged terrain, taking turns to halt at some points to catch a breath. The bone chilling Owinds swirled through our bare hands and faces numbing our senses. Panting, gasping, and puffing away our lungs out we decided to prolong our break at one point by the blocks of stones. The sky looked bluish with fluffy white balls of cloud hanging by it. The day looked promising but winter had matured san Salim Lepcha snowfall so far. Midway through our conversation, the Block Officer, Kyongnosla (T) once soft breeze segued into a fiery shrill. A calm blue sky took a devilish hue. Snowfall was imminent. And in no time, behold the clouds impregnated with it, let it out tenderly. 36 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 I stood there marvelling at the splendour in the sky. decode the Nature beseeching on me to sympathize The snowflakes descended from heavenly realm with it. Nature imploring me to see the magnificence it orchestrating aptly under the command of the caters for men’s aesthetic consumption that could stir Nature. The ballet forged by the flakes in a harmonic a soul. consonance with the delicate push of the breeze left me with immense delight. Witnessing the calmness of Be as it may, I was driven to ponder, as to why I it, the subtlety of it induced a gentle stupor within my delight so? What do I perceive of gaining by lapsing soul. The feeling of bond with that part of Nature was into merriment over such an event? It’s not my doing conspicuous. Finding myself imperceptibly nudged yet the whole state of my consciousness was being into a trance, I couldn’t help but let out a bellow of joy. enveloped within the surge of ecstasy, birthed in the And yes, we were with the company -Nature-walking process of beholding the pasty shower. What connected about rapt in the intimacy of it with exuberance. me to such an event that had left me with a strange bliss? As I furthered my inquiries, it dawned on me that A magnificent display weaved by descending snows this piece of Nature was in fact a part of me. That my against the backdrop of undulating hills with their whole being was inherently woven into the very fabric terrains dotted by rhododendrons and pines evoked an of Nature, so much so, that to derive satisfaction from idyllic feel. The sheer beauty of it and the elegance with it was but, natural. A symbiosis of sort existed between which some of it softly landed on my shoulder, I could us of which the falling snows were just one facet of it.

Shri C S Rao, Addl PCCF and Mrs Dechen Lachungpa, DFO (W/L) East with the field officers

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 37 Nonetheless, wryly, juxtaposing this gamut of elation As I got hold of some flakes on the palm of my hand, was a pricking guilt that unsettled me. Snowfall had those tender matters surrendered to the warmth of it delayed this time. It had occurred nearly two weeks later in a jiffy, as if to say it’s better to cease our existence than the preceding season. The quantum of the white then to live with you. The metaphor I saw struck me. precipitate had subdued presence was the resounding It immersed me in a sober judgement expending my chorus of the folks residing in the vicinity. I thought, thoughts to surmise how Nature stands vulnerable “Should it matter?” To which the inner recess of my against the vigour of avarice emanating from men. mind went into a contradiction with a mélange of joy Their laments and plaints drowned by the marauding of partaking beauty unfolding before me and a sense of wave of human profligacy. The listening ear of my self indictment. An indictment that was as instinctive mind could weakly discern the Nature bemoan. The as opposed to being manufactured. Guilt coated with insatiable greed and incredible wants of men seems a sense of regret to how far humans have tempered successful in forging ahead. Yet, what Nature could do? with the well placed symmetry spun by the nature’s Simply comply and retreat to the cavern of time from logic. I for a moment had a deep sense of yearning where to emerge again with all its (shorn-off) grandeur to the days gone by when Nature and man interacted and glory would be nay impossible. I knew I was the with an utmost harmony. Yet, I found myself hemmed culprit. My-kind was. in an uncomfortable zone seething with remorse. Pensiveness had unseated my initial joy.

38 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 YANGCHEN TSO (LAKE)

he crystal blue Yangchen Tso (Lake) is located at an altitude of 16,200 feet above mean sea level and lies above the Domang-Gorala in North Sikkim highway Tseten W. Lachungpa Assistant Conservator of Forests Twith GPS coordinates of 27º 50’49.0” North and 088º 51.59.5’’ East. The lake is surrounded by pristine snowcapped mountains with huge glaciers which feed the beautiful lake. The waters of Yangchen Tso is one of the tributaries of Lachung Chu (river). Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 39 Yangchen Tso is considered sacred by the local people, with deep sense of belief and faith, one will be able to the principle being that the lake is the dwelling places of visualize the future. The clear pristine lake is free from protective deities and therefore possessed with special dense vegetation. However, there are sparse vegetation spiritual powers. The sacred lake is also commonly like dwarf rhododendrons of different species and other known as a magical lake (Tsomjey) and is believed to be hardy alpine flowers. The area around the lake is also divinatory. Since the Lake is regarded as sacred, people home to a number of animals like blue sheep, himalayan of all faiths and communities worship and offer prayers marmot, Tibetan wild goat and snow cock. During to the guardian deities. It is believed that if one goes winter, the lake transforms itself into a large sheet of ice.

Domang Gorala Road Hot spring in Yumi samdong North Sikkim

Forest of Domang Valley Le coksi Lachung Apple

Chimal Folwer Seabuck Throne

40 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Bird and Butterfly diversity in Eastern Himalaya: A case study in Barapathing, East Sikkim, India

Abstract For long, birds and butterflies surveys have been given priority in the protected areas of the Eastern Himalayas but the diversity and status of Birds and butterflies remain opaque in the other forest types. In this regards, Prem K. Chettri the first time attempt was done in Barapathing East Forest Guard, Sikkim to understand the diversity and status of the Barapathing Range, East Sikkim birds and butterflies. The results indicated that a total of [email protected] Corresponding author 98 species of birds and 100 species of butterflies were recorded in the region. In which three bird species; Yellow-rumped Honeyguide (Indicator xanthonotus), Rufuous-throated Wren Babbler (Spelaeornis caudatus), Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan satyra) fall under IUCN Red List of Threatened Species i.e. Near Kusal Gurung Threatened (NT) and two are eastern Himalayan Revenue Officer/ Assistant Director, Sub-Division Office- Pakyong, East Sikkim endemic i.e. Hoary-throated Barwing (Actinodura [email protected] nipalensis) and Rufous-throated Wren Babbler (Spelaeornis caudatus). The main aim of the study was to provide checklist information of birds and butterflies of the region and to fulfill this disparity of the study in the eastern Himalayas for conservation perspective.

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 41 Introduction information on birds and butterflies along with their scientific studies. Therefore, the objectives of the study Over the past decade, birds and butterfly surveys were to provide the baseline information on diversity have exponentially increased throughout the Eastern and status of the birds and butterflies and to prepare a Himalayas (Acharya et al., 2010).However, the checklist of Birds and butterflies of Barapathing reserve diversity and status of birds and butterfly are only forest for their conservation perspective. Grimmett et.al known from Protective areas (PA) and remain poorly (2011) was used for common and zoological names of understood in other forest types (Hayes and Ostrom, birds and butterflies and for present ecological status of 2005). Biodiversity enumeration of such forest, especially in terms of ecological sensitive species like the species IUCN Red list status was used. birds and butterflies are important to formulate proper conservation planning and its habitat management for Materials and Method future perceptive. Although from Sikkim preliminary studies on birds were carried out in past and present Study Area decades by many researchers (Ali, 1962, Ganguli- Barapathing village was surrounded by thick forest of Lachungpa, 1990a, b, c; 1992; 1998a, b, c; Ganguli- different species of the temperate broad leaved forest Lachungpa and Lucksom, 1998; Chettri et al. 2001, at upper region whereas lower region it was dominated 2005, Acharya et. al., 2010). by tropical species which provides a home for diverse Similarly, for butterfly Haribal (1992) studied the flora and fauna in the region. In the middle portion butterflies of Sikkim Himalaya including its natural of the forest was a scattered village with the different history and reported a total of 691 species of butterflies community such as Bhutia, Rai, Gurung, Chettri, from Sikkim. Acharya and Vijayan (2011) conducted etc. The village was situated about approximately an ecological study of butterflies at various vegetation/ 30 km from the capital of the state i.e. Gangtok. The elevation zones in the Teesta Valley in Sikkim and main sources of income of the local people are totally recorded 251 species of butterflies. However, in depended on Cardamom as well as agricultural products Barapathing, East Sikkim, there is still lack of baseline like Paddy, Millet, Wheat, Maize, etc.

42 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Survey by walking on either side of 5 m along the latitudinal The study was conducted in Barapathing, East transects using the ‘Pollard walk’ method (Pollard Sikkim from October 2016- February 2018, covering 1977) for the both birds and butterflies. The digital the main four study sites Lossing (27°13’42.7”N media like binocular, camera and GPS were used during & 88°40’18.5”E), Parkha (27°14’35.3”N & the field survey for proper birds and butterflies records. 88°39’58.6”E), Latuk (27’16.54.8”N & 88°41’48.0”E) For identification of the bird species the reference and Chochen Pheri (27°16’31.3”N & 88°41’40.2”E) book Birds of Indian subcontinent by (Grimmet et.al. and the altitude gradient ranges from 800m to 2700m 2011) and similarly for butterfly the reference books asl. including Butterflies of Sikkim by Haribal 1992, and A The sites were visited once in a major season of the year Naturalist’s Guide to the Butterflies of India by (Peter and direct observation and species noting was made Smetacek 2017) were used.

Figure 01: Family wise distribution of birds’ species along the transect of the study area

Figure 02: Family wise distribution of butterflies’ species along the transect of the study area

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 43 Satyar Tragopan Red-faced Liocichla

Eurasian Woodcock Yellow-rumped Honeyguide

Common Bluebottle Common Windmill

Jezebel Palmfly Popinjay

44 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Results and Discussion Acharya, B.K and Vijayan, L. (2011) The Birds of Sikkim: an analysis of elevational distribution, endemism and threats. During the study period 98 species of birds were In: Biodiversity of Sikkim: Exploring and conserving a recorded in the area belonging to 25 families (Figure global hotspot (M L Arawatia and Sandeep Tambe eds.). IPR 01) and similarly, 100 species of butterflies were Department, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok, India. recorded belonging to 06 families (Figure 02). Out of 25 families of the birds, the most dominated family Acharya, B.K. and Vijayan, L. (2010). Status and distribution in the study area was Sylviidae (28 species) followed of endemic and threatened birds of the Eastern Himalaya in by Muscicapidae (15 species), Corvidae (10 species), Sikkim, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 2: 685-689. and so on. Similarly, out of 06 families of butterflies, Acharya, B.K., Vijayan, L. and. Chettri, B. 2010. The bird the most dominated family in the study area was community of Shingba Rhododendron wildlife sanctuary, Nymphalidae (48 species) followed by Lycaenidae (16 Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India. Tropical Ecology 51:149- species), Pieridae (12 species), and so on. 159.

Acharya and Vijayan (2011) suggested that there Ali, S. 1962. The Birds of Sikkim. Oxford University Press, is no record of Yellow-rumped Honeyguide during New Delhi. their studies period which is considered very rare to uncommon throughout its range and listed as Near Chettri, N. (2000). Impact of habitat disturbances on bird and butterfly communities along the Yuksam-Dzongri trail Threatened species as per (IUCN 2016). The study in Khanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve. Ph.D. Thesis. North provides IUCN Red List Threatened species such as Bengal University, Darjeeling, India. Yellow-rumped Honeyguide (Indicator xanthonotus), Rufuous-throated Wren Babbler (Spelaeornis Chettri, N., E. Sharma, and D.C. Deb. (2001). Bird community caudatus), and Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan satyra) structure along a trekking corridor of Sikkim Himalaya: a and two are Eastern Himalayan endemic i.e. Hoary- conservation perspective. Biological Conservation 102: 1-16. throated Barwing (Actinodura nipalensis) and Rufous- throated Wren Babbler (Spelaeornis caudatus), is the Chettri, N. R. Jackson and E. Sharma. (2005). Birds of Khecheopalri and Yuksom-Dzongri trekking corridor West most important birds species in the region for their Sikkim. Journal of Hill Research 18: 16-25. conservation perspective. During the study period observation was also made on migratory Birds such Ganguli-Lachungpa, U. (1990a). Black-winged Kite Elanus as Eurasian Woodcock and White breasted Waterhen. caeruleus vociferus (Latham) at 3650 m in Sikkim. Journal of Although, the study area is a home for many birds and Bombay Natural History Society 87: 142. butterflies species most of them have less population observed during study period along the transect. Ganguli-Lachungpa, U. (1990b). Brahminy Duck Tadorna ferruginea (Pallas) breeding in Sikkim. Journal of Bombay Therefore, the short term study shows Barapathing area Natural History Society 87: 290. still provides some potential habitats for the declining population of the threatened birds and many species Ganguli-Lachungpa, U.(1990c).Osprey Pandion haliaetus in of butterflies and authors are highly recommended Sikkim. Journal of Bombay Natural History Society 87:291. for further more research scientific study is needed to formulate an effective future conservation planning and Ganguli-Lachungpa, U. (1992). Occurrence of Black- habitat management strategies. necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis (Brehm.), Little Grebe P. ruficollis (Pallas) and Goosander Mergus merganser (Linn.) Acknowledgement in West Sikkim. Journal of Bombay Natural History Society 88:280. We are grateful to the Forest Environment and Wildlife Department, Sikkim and Barapathing Rage (T) staff and Ganguli-Lachungpa, U. (1998a). Attempted breeding of the Range officer Shri. Anuj Gurung for encouraging and Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis (Przevalski) in north guidance for the field study. Lastly field suggestion and Sikkim. Journal of Bombay Natural History Society 95: 341. encouragement by friends will be highly appreciated. Ganguli-Lachungpa, U. (1998b). Western Grey-headed References Thrush Turdus rubrocanus rubrocanus (G. R. Gray) in Sikkim. Journal of Bombay Natural History Society 95: 508. Acharya, B.K. and Vijayan, L. (2011) Butterflies of Sikkim with reference to elevational gradient in species,abundance, Ganguli-Lachungpa, U. (1998c). Faunal diversity in composition, similarity and range size distribution. In: Sikkim: an overview. In: Sikkim Perspectives for planning Biodiversity of Sikkim: Exploring and conserving a global and development (Eds, S. C. Rai, R. C. Sundriyal and E. hotspot (M L Arawatia and Sandeep Tambe eds.). IPR Sharma). Bishen Singh and Mahendrapal Singh, Dehradun, Department, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok, India. India. Pp.241-251.

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 45 Ganguli-Lachungpa, U. and S. Lucksom. (1998). Sighting of Grimmet, R. Inskipp,C. Inskipp, T. (2011). Birds of the Hodgson’s Frogmouth Batrachostomus hodgsoni hodgsoni Indian Subcontinent. Christopher Helm, London. (G. R. Gray) from Sikkim. Journal of Bombay Natural History Society 95: 505. IUCN. 2016. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2016-3.Available at: www.iucnredlist.org. Ganguli-Lachungpa, U., M.Z. Islam and A.R. Rahmani. (Accessed: 07 December 2016). (2007). Important Bird Areas of Sikkim: priority sites for conservation. Department of Forest, Environment and Chettri, N. Deb, D.C. Sharma, E. and Jackson, R. (2005). Wildlife Management, Government of Sikkim, India. The Relationship Between Birds Communities and Habitat. Hayes T. and Ostrom E. (2005). Conserving the World’s A study along a trekking corridor in the Himalayas. Journal Forests: Are Protected Area the Only Way? Symposium. Vol of Moutain Research and Development Vol 2 No. 3 38 No 3. Pollard, E. (1977). A method for assessing changes in the Haribal, M. 1992. The butterflies of Sikkim Himalaya. abundance of butterflies.Biological Conservation 12:116- Sikkim Nature Conservation Foundation, Gangtok, India. 134;http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0006-3207(77)90065-9

46 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Appendix Appendix-01: Checklist of Birds of Barapathing, East Sikkim Sl. IUCN Family Common Name Scientific Name No. status 1 Zosteropidae Rufous-vented Yuhina Yuhina occipitalis LC 2 Columbidae Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon Treron sphenura LC 3 Columbidae Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis LC 4 Columbidae Barred Cuckoo Dove Macropygia unchall LC 5 Nectariniidae Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis LC 6 Nectariniidae Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus LC 7 Nectariniidae Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna LC 8 Nectariniidae Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda LC 9 Irenidae Orange-bellied Leafbird Chloropsis hardwickii LC 10 Pycnonotidae Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus LC 11 Pycnonotidae Mountain Bulbul Hypsipetes mcclellandii LC 12 Pycnonotidae Striated Bulbul Pycnonotus striatus LC 13 Pycnonotidae Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys LC 14 Indicatoridae Yellow-rumped Honeyguide Indicator xanthonotus NT 15 Cisticolidae Hill Prinia Prinia atrogularis LC 16 Megalaimidae Great Barbet Megalaima virens LC 17 Megalaimidae Blue-throated Barbet Megalaima asiatica LC 18 Paridae Yellow-cheeked Tit Parus spilonotus LC 19 Paridae Yellow-browed Tit Sylviparus modestus LC 20 Paridae Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus LC 21 Picidae Bay Woodpecker Blythipicus pyrrhotis LC 22 Picidae Darjeeling Woodpecker Dendrocopos darjellensis LC 23 Picidae Greater Yellownape Picus flavinucha LC 24 Picidae Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus LC 25 Muscicapidae Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus LC 26 Muscicapidae Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus LC 27 Muscicapidae Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush Monticola rufiventris LC 28 Muscicapidae White-gorgeted Flycatcher Ficedula monileger LC 29 Muscicapidae Golden Bush Robin Tarsiger chrysaeus LC 30 Muscicapidae White-capped Water Redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus LC 31 Muscicapidae Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosus LC 32 Muscicapidae Slaty-blue Flycatcher Ficedula tricolor LC 33 Muscicapidae Himalayan bluetail Tarsiger rufilatus LC 34 Muscicapidae Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis LC 35 Muscicapidae Large Niltava Niltava grandis LC 36 Muscicapidae Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma LC 37 Muscicapidae Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus LC 38 Muscicapidae Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis LC 39 Muscicapidae Grey-winged Blackbird Turdus boulboul LC 40 Sittidae White-tailed Nuthatch Sitta himalayensis LC 41 Sittidae Velvet -fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis LC 42 Sittidae Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch Sitta castanea L C

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 47 Sl. IUCN Family Common Name Scientific Name No. status 43 Strigidae Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides LC 44 Strigidae Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei LC 45 Strigidae Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus LC 46 Aegithalidae Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus LC 47 Accipitridae Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis LC 48 Accipitridae Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius LC 49 Leiothrichidae Bar-throated Siva Siva strigula LC 50 Sylviidae Chestnut-crowned Warbler Seicercus castaniceps LC 51 Sylviidae Rufous Sibia Heterophasia capistrata LC 52 Sylviidae Red-faced Liocichla Liocichla phoenicea LC 53 Sylviidae Hoary-throated Barwing Actinodura nipalensis LC 54 Sylviidae Rusty-fronted Barwing Actinodura egertoni LC 55 Sylviidae Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Garrulax erythrocephalus LC 56 Sylviidae Grey-throated Babbler Stachyris nigriceps LC 57 Sylviidae Grey-hooded Warbler Seicercus xanthoschistos LC 58 Sylviidae Stripe-throated Yuhina Yuhina gularis LC 59 Sylviidae Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps LC

60 Sylviidae Bar-throated Minla Chrysominla strigula LC 61 Sylviidae Scaly Laughingthrush Garrulax subunicolor LC 62 Sylviidae Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush Garrulax erythrocephalus LC 63 Sylviidae Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea LC 64 Sylviidae Fire-tailed Myzornis Myzornis pyrrhoura LC 65 Black faced Laughingthrush Garrulax affinis LC 66 Sylviidae Grey-sided Laughingthrush Garrulax caerulatus LC 67 Sylviidae Grey-bellied Tesia Tesia cyaniventer LC 68 Sylviidae Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler Pnoepyga albiventer LC 69 Sylviidae Pygmy Wren Babbler Pnoepyga pusilla LC 70 Sylviidae Golden Babbler Stachyris chrysaea LC 71 Sylviidae Striated Laughingthrush Garrulax striatus LC 72 Sylviidae Black-throated Parrotbill Paradoxornis nipalensis LC 73 Sylviidae Whiskered Yuhina Yuhina flavicollis LC 74 Sylviidae Black-chinned Yuhina Yuhina nigrimenta LC 75 Sylviidae Rufuous-throatedWren Babbler Spelaeornis caudatus NT 76 Sylviidae Red-tailed Minla Minla ignotincta LC 77 Sylviidae Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps LC 78 Certhiidae Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris LC 79 Corvidae Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus LC 80 Corvidae Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus remifer LC 81 Corvidae Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae LC 82 Corvidae White-throated Fantail Rhipidura albicollis LC 83 Corvidae Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus LC 84 Corvidae Common Green Magpie Cissa chinensis LC 85 Corvidae Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Urocissa flavirostris LC 86 Corvidae Maroon Oriole Oriolus traillii LC

48 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Sl. IUCN Family Common Name Scientific Name No. status 87 Corvidae Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus LC 88 Corvidae Yellow-bellied Fantail Chelidorhynx hypoxantha LC 89 Phasianidae Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra NT 90 Rallidae Whit-breasted waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus LC 91 Passeridae Maroon-backed Accentor Prunella immaculata LC 92 Phasianidae Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos LC 93 Phasianidae Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola LC 94 Fringillidae Scarlet Finch Haematospiza sipahi LC 95 Passeriformes Himalayan Cutia Cutia nipalensis LC 96 Fringillidae Brown Bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis LC 97 Fringillidae Plain Mountain Finch Leucosticte nemoricola LC 98 Scolopacidae Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola LC

*Least Concern *Near Threatened

Appendix-02: Checklist of Butterflies of Barapathing, East Sikkim Sl. Availability Family Common Name Scientific Name No. in study transect 1 Nymphalidae Himalayan Fivering Ypthima sacra Common 2 Nymphalidae Indian Tortoiseshell Aglais cashmirensis Common 3 Nymphalidae Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus Common 4 Nymphalidae Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Common 5 Nymphalidae Himalayan jester Symbrenthia hypselis Common 6 Nymphalidae Large Yeoman Cirrochroa aoris Common 7 Nymphalidae Bluetail Jester Symbrenthia niphanda Uncommon 8 Nymphalidae Common Evening Brown Melanitis leda Common 9 Nymphalidae Great Evening Brown Melantis zitenius Uncommon 10 Nymphalidae Jezabel Palmfly Elymnias vasudeva Uncommon 11 Nymphalidae Common Woodbrown Lethe sidonis Common 12 Nymphalidae Angle red forester Lethe chandica Uncommon 13 Nymphalidae Common forester Lethe isana Common 14 Nymphalidae Tail red forester Lethe sinorix Uncommon 15 Nymphalidae Banded Treebrown Lethe confuse Common 16 Nymphalidae Straight-banded Treebrown Lethe confuse Common 17 Nymphalidae Common Bushbrown Mycalesis perseus Common 18 Nymphalidae Tabby Pseudergolis wedah Uncommon 19 Nymphalidae Angled castor Ariadne ariadne Uncommon 20 Nymphalidae Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia Common 21 Nymphalidae Indian fritillary Issoria lathonia Common 22 Nymphalidae Large Silverstripe Argynnis children Common 23 Nymphalidae Common Sergeant Athyma perius Common 24 Nymphalidae Chocolate Pansy Junonia iphita Common 25 Nymphalidae Indian Red Admiral Vanessa indica Common 26 Nymphalidae Autumn Leaf Doleschallia bisaltide Uncommon 27 Nymphalidae Orange Oakleaf Khallima inachus Common 28 Nymphalidae Common map Cyrestis thydomas Common

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 49 Sl. Availability Family Common Name Scientific Name No. in study transect 29 Nymphalidae Common Sailer Neptis hylas Common 30 Nymphalidae Red Lacewing Cethosia biblis Common 31 Nymphalidae Yellow Coster Acraea vesta Common 32 Nymphalidae Glassy Tiger Parantica aglea Common 33 Nymphalidae Long brand brushbrown Mycalesis visala Common 34 Nymphalidae Himalayan Purple Emperor Mimathyma ambica Uncommon 35 Nymphalidae Common Nawab Polyura athamas Common 36 Nymphalidae Blue Pansy Junonia orithya Uncommon 37 Nymphalidae Grey Pansy Junonia atlites Common 38 Nymphalidae Lemon Pansy Junonia lemonias Common 39 Nymphalidae Chestnut Tiger Parantica sita Common 40 Nymphalidae Striped Blue Crow Euploea mulciber Common 41 Nymphalidae Common Earl Tanaecia julii Common 42 Nymphalidae Bamboo Treebrown Lethe europa Uncommon 43 Nymphalidae Blue Tiger Tirumala limniace Common 44 Nymphalidae Common Tiger Danaus genutia Common 45 Nymphalidae Nigger Orsotrioena medus Common 46 Nymphalidae Common Maplet Chersonesia risa Uncommon 47 Nymphalidae Popinjay Stibochiona nicea Uncommon 48 Nymphalidae Common jester Symbrenthia hippoclus Common 49 Papilionidae Red Helen Papilio dravidarum Common 50 Papilionidae Lime Papilio demoleus Uncommon 51 Papilionidae Paris Peacock Papilio paris Common 52 Papilionidae Common Windmill Byasa polyeuctes Common 53 Papilionidae Spangle Papilio protenor Uncommon 54 Papilionidae Common Peacock Papilio bianor Common 55 Papilionidae Common Jay Graphium doson Uncommon 56 Papilionidae Glassy Bluebottle Graphium cloanthus Common 57 Papilionidae Common Bluebottle Graphium sarpedon Common 58 Lycaenidae Forest Pierrot Taraka Hamada Common 59 Lycaenidae Dark pierrot Tarucus ananda Uncommon 60 Lycaenidae Orchid Tit Chliaria othona Uncommon 61 Lycaenidae Azure Sapphire Heliophorus androcles Common 62 Lycaenidae Golden Sapphire Heliophorus brahma Common 63 Lycaenidae Common Cerulean Jamides celeno Common 64 Lycaenidae Dark Cerulean Jamides bochus Uncommon 65 Lycaenidae Metallic Cerulean Jamides alecto Common 66 Lycaenidae Forgetmenot Catochrysops Strabo Uncommon 67 Lycaenidae Pea Blue Lampides boeticus Common 68 Lycaenidae Malayan Megisba malaya Common 69 Lycaenidae Slate Flash Rapala maena Uncommon 70 Lycaenidae Common Hedge Blue Acytolepis puspa Common 71 Lycaenidae Albocerulean Celastrina albocoeruleus Common 72 Lycaenidae Blue Tit Chliaria kina Uncommon 73 Lycaenidae Fluffy Tit Zeltus amasa Uncommon

50 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Sl. Availability Family Common Name Scientific Name No. in study transect 74 Riodinidae Punchinello Zemeros flegyas Common 75 Riodinidae Orange Punch Dodona egeon Common 76 Riodinidae Dark Judy Abisara fylla Common 77 Riodinidae Common punch Dodona durga Common 78 Riodinidae Tail punch Dodona eugenes Uncommon 79 Riodinidae Mixed Punch Dodona ouida Uncommon 80 Pieridae Psyche Leptosia nina Common 81 Pieridae Common Emigrant Catopsilia Pomona Common 82 Pieridae Three-spot Grass Yellow Eurema blanda Common 83 Pieridae White Orange Tip Ixias Marianne Common 84 Pieridae Common Jezabel Delias eucharis Common 85 Pieridae Hill Jezabel Delias belladonna Uncommon 86 Pieridae Great Orangetip Hebomoia glaucippe Common 87 Pieridae Plain Puffin Appias indra Uncommon 88 Pieridae Indian Cabbage White Pieris brassicae Common 89 Pieridae Plain sulphur Dercas lycorias Common 90 Pieridae Common Grass Yellow Eurema hecabe Common 91 Pieridae Dark Clouded Yellow Colias fieldii Common 92 Hesperiidae Fulvous Pied Flat Pseudocoladenia dan Uncommon 93 Hesperiidae Chestnut Bob Iambrix salsala Common 94 Hesperiidae Small Branded Swift Pelopidas mathias Uncommon 95 Hesperiidae Spotted Snow Flat Tagiades litigiosa Common 96 Hesperiidae Common Dartlet Oriens gola Common 97 Hesperiidae Yellow banded flat Celaenorrhinus dhanada Uncommon 98 Hesperiidae Sikkim Pied Flat Pseudocoladenia fatua Uncommon 99 Hesperiidae Water Snow Flat Tagiades litigiosa Common 100 Hesperiidae Grass demon Udaspes folus Common

Common* Observed throughout the study area with good numbers. Uncommon* Observed throughout the study area with less numbers

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 51 Psychophily and prey-predator interactions in Parijat Nyctanthes arbor-tristis - A cultural keystone species

KISHOR SHARMA1, BHOJ KUMAR ACHARYA2, GHANASHYAM SHARMA3

1,2 Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Sikkim University, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102, India 3 The Mountain Institute-India, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102, India 1 [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Butterfly pollination Parijat (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis)

Almost 87.5% species of the world’s estimated flowering Parijat (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) belonging to Oleaceae plants and more than three-fourth of the global food crops family is an important and sacred plant of India with great depends on animal pollination (Zoophily) (Klein et al. values in local tradition, culture, traditional medicine systems, and religious practices. It is believed that the 2007; Ollerton et al. 2011). Wild pollinators other than plant relieves tiredness and the fairy (apsara) from honey bees have recently been recognized for their role heaven used to touch the plants to get relief from stress in increasing and stabilizing crop-pollination services and tiredness. It is also called as night jasmine or flower against land use change (Rader et al. 2016). Pollination of sorrow. The meaning of the scientific name itself is by butterflies (Psychophily) has been reported to be ‘sad tree’. The sadness is mostly because the flowers important in both natural forests and human-modified develop during night and falls down before sunrise and ecosystems, because of their strong flying capacity go away from the plants or flowers lose their brightness and ability to move pollens to long distances (Schmitt during day time. 1980; Andersson et al. 2002; Donoso et al. 2016; Jain There are many legends associated with this tree and et al. 2016). Butterflies usually depends on olfactory/ flowers. According to Hindu mythology parijat flower is chemical signal to pollinate plants having white/dull associated with love story of Lord Krishna and his wife coloured, strongly scented flowers (Balasubramanian Rukmini, and the jealousy of another wife Satyabhama. 1990; Andersson et al. 2002), whereas they depend on The story goes like this- The Narada Rishi (sage) visual signal to pollinate plants with brightly coloured, brought some flowers of parijat from Indralok (land of faintly scented flowers (Borges et al. 2003). Most of the the king of gods) and went to meet Lord Krishna. Lord Lepidopterans depend on angiosperms for host plants, Krishna presented those flowers to Rukmini but Narada and for floral nectar (source of sugars and amino acids) immediately went to meet Satyabhama and told her that at larval and adult stages, respectively (Corlett 2004). all the beautiful flowers were given to Rukmini alone and no more left for her. Satyabhama was so jealous, hence, she asked Lord Krishna to bring entire tree with flowers Spider predation on butterflies for her. Since the Parijat was available only in heaven, lord Krishna along with Satyabhama went to Indralok Spider predation on butterflies is a common phenomenon and requested Indra (king of gods) for the same. While in nature. However, some butterflies have developed King Indra refused to give it because Narada had already defense mechanism to successfully escape predation by alerted him, lord Krishna took entire tree with flowers to spiders through both chemical defense as in Danainae earth as he defeated Indra in confrontation. Conceding and Ithomiinae butterflies (Nymphalidae family) by defeat Indra said- anyway take the tree but you will not acquiring/sequestering Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAS) be able to see the flowers during the day. In order to through pharmacophagy of plants of Apocynaceae and satisfy both of his wives, tree was cleverly planted by Solanaceae families (Sourakovet al. 1996) and also by Lord Krishna in Satyabhama’s garden in such a manner mimicry through false heads as in hairstreak butterfly that all the flowers fell in Rukmini’s garden, with whom (Lycaenidae family) (Sourakov 2013). he loved much. 52 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 There is one more interesting story associated with the health. The flower of Parijat is also used in traditional tree. Once upon a time a princess named Parijat fell in fabric dying (Rani et al. 2012). love with Lord Surya (The Sun). Despite her constant The plant also has Cultural services, with respect to use effort Surya did not accept the love. Due to frustration in local religious and cultural activities and has also and anger she killed herself one day. Tree called Parijat been mentioned in religious texts of Hindus, the Matsya was grown in the place of her cremation. Since Surya Purana and the Vishnu Purana (Gupta 2001; Acharya et betrayed her, the flower does not remain in the tree al. 2011; Sapkota 2014). The socio-cultural and socio- during day time. The story of Parijat is also depicted religious importance of Parijat has also been described in Mahabharata, the longest Hindu epic. The scientific in Shrimad-Bhagawata Purana and Skanda Purana, basis of such phenomenon is not established yet and the offering of flowers to the lord will ensure fulfillment awaits further research. of wishes of the devotee (pers. Communication with Habit, habitat and distribution: Nyctanthes arbor- Pandit Narayana Khatiwada). Prior to dussshera tristis is a long lived (15-20 years) large shrub or small festival (September-October), Nepali community tree up to 10 m tall and is native of India (sub-Himalayan (mainly Brahmin and Chettri), perform Shora saraddha regions, Central India up to Godavari in south), but also (religious ceremony to remember and pray for their past distributed in tropical and subtropical South and South- ancestors for 16 days), in which flowers of Nyctanthes east Asia, and is widely cultivated (Rani et al. 2012). arbo-trtritis is important offering (Sapkota 2014). Onset of flowering takes place between first week of Similarly, traditional knowledge of flowering phenology September - middle of December and starts from tip of this plant for weather and rainfall pattern prediction of the branch and progresses in basipetal manner, with for agroforestry planning and disaster prevention has opening of the flowers (between 06:00 - 06:30 PM) and also been emphasized (Acharya 2011; Rani et al. 2012). abscission (between 5:30 - 06:30 AM) getting delayed Because of its high importance in local culture and by about 3-4 hours, and intact flowers are still present religion in India, the tree has also been commemorated till 11:30 AM during later stage of the flowering period by the postal department of India through depiction in (Raizada and Nangia 1989). The flower is bisexual and postal stamp. It is also recognized as the state flower of typically insect-pollinated with white sweet scented West Bengal state of India. flowers usually offering nectar as a pollination reward The plant also provides Regulating services, with respect (Wallander 2001). to biocontrol roles as larvicidal agent against mosquitoes Role in ecosystem services: The ecosystem services (Mathew et al. 2009), and Habitat and supporting services encompasses four broad categories, i.e., (a) Provisioning to thrips (Raizada and Nangia 1989). services, (b) Regulating services, (c) Habitat and supporting services, and (d) Cultural services (TEEB Field based observation and some insights 2010). The previous studies and critical reviews for During our studies on butterflies, we observed the Nyctanthes arbor-tristis has focused on the Provisioning role of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis with respect to the services, with respect of ethnopharmacological/ understudied components of ecosystem services, i.e., medicinal values of its leaves, flowers, bark, stems, etc. Habitat and supporting services to butterflies, spiders (Saxena et al. 1984; Das et al. 2012; Rani et al. 2012; and birds, and Regulating services specifically as nectar Agrawal and Pal 2013; O’Neill et al. 2017). Rani et source to butterflies, its possible pollinators. We made al. (2012) reported the chemical constituents and the an opportunistic observation during 28-30 September biological activity of the different parts of the plant, 2014 from 5:00 – 11:30 AM on a single individual leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, stems, flower oil for their tree of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis from a vintage point to pharmacological role and also their uses in Ayurveda document the butterfly species foraging on its nectar and medicine systems. Agrawal and Pal (2013) found anti- the spider species present in the tree (which predated allergic, anticancer, anti-leishmania, anti-inflammatory, on the butterflies) in the farm-based agroecosystems antiviral, immunomodulatory properties of crude at Bering (700 m, 27° 42’ 36’’ N, 88° 39’ 34’’ E), East extracts and different isolated compounds of the plants. Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India (Figure 1. a-c).Based Similarly, in a review on the ethnobiological knowledge on our observations and available literatures, we also from Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, O’Neill et al. (2017) evaluated the potential role of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis has reported Ethnobiological uses of Nyctanthes arbor- as cultural keystone species (see Garibaldi and Turner tristis in antidote, circulatory health, dermatological 2004) in the human-modified landscapes of Eastern health, gastro-intestinal health, endocrine and metabolic Himalaya. Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 53 (a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

Figure 1: (a) Habitat and (b-c) habit of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis; and three spider species depended on the tree, (d) Argiope sp., (e) Nephila kuhli, and (f) Nephila pilipes in farm-based agroecosystems of East Sikkim, India.

54 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 i) Butterfly community pollinatingNyctanthes arbor- including Redbreast Jezebel, which was observed tristis: During the course of the present observation, a only in the predated form) (Figure 1-2). The predation total of 20 butterfly species belonging to four families intensity was very high for butterflies from Pieridae were observed foraging on nectar from the flower and family. However, we did not observe spiders predating possibly pollinating the Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. The on the butterflies belonging to Lycaenidae, Riodinidae most dominant family was Pieridae with seven species, and Nymphalidae families which could be because of followed by Hesperiidae and Papilionidae with five their better adaptation in defense mechanism, especially species each and three species from Nymphalidae. though false head (Sourakov 2013) or through chemical Role of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis as nectar source to defense mechanism (Trigo et al. 1996). Very often the butterflies has not been reported till date including different bird species such as Common Tailorbird the most comprehensive source for Indian butterflies (Orthotomus sutorius), Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus (Kunte et al. 2018). The butterfly communities were cafer), were seen visiting this tree and predating on well represented by the specialists both in terms of the spider species. Recent studies have reported risk habitat and larval host specificity (Table 1, Figure of spider predation as a selective force on foraging 2). Past studies has reported thrips as pollinators of behavior of butterflies (Trigo et al. 1996; Sourakov Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Raizada and Nangia 1989; 2013). However, strong selective pressure from risk Corlett 2004) but has not reported foraging and possible of bird predation on the foraging behavior of spiders pollination by other taxa including butterflies. The three in forest canopy systems, especially in winter, has also species of thrips (Haplothrips ceylonica Schmutz, 1913; been reported (Gunnarsson and Wiklander 2015). Haplothrips gowdeyi Franklin 1908; Thrips florum iii) Role of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis in ecosystem Schmutz 1913) are attracted to and pollinate the flowers services: The present observation demonstrates the role which depend on the combined effect of scent and of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis in Regulating services, and colour of the flowers (Raizada and Nangia 1989). The Habitat and supporting services. Its role in Provisioning Psychophily might be involved in Nyctanthes arbor- services (Saxena et al. 1984; Das et al. 2012; Rani et al. tristis because of the following four reasons. Firstly, it 2012; Agrawal and Pal 2013; O’Neill et al. 2017) and has small clustered flowers which occur terminally or Cultural services (Gupta 2001; Acharya at al. 2011; Rani in the axils of leaves, which is a characteristic criterion et al. 2012; Sapkota 2014; O’Neill et al. 2017) have been of Psychophily plants (Armstrong 1979). Secondly, well reported. Thus we are certain that this species plays butterflies might follow olfactory/chemical signal to significant role in all the four components of ecosystem pollinate this plant with white/dull coloured, strongly services. scented flowers (Balasubramanian 1990; Andersson Since 2000, farmers in Sikkim have been noticing et al. 2002). Thirdly, contrary to general perception, decline in pollinator population in their farmlands all flowers do not fall before sunrise and considerable every passing year (Partap et al 2014; Sharma et al part of the plant still hold intact flowers till 11:30 AM 2016). Based on the extensive field observation in especially during later part of the flowering period different parts of Sikkim during this study, we found as observed in the present study and also previously that the honey bees have been dying at an alarming reported by Raizada and Nangia (1989). Fourthly, rate after foraging in the Chinese Teak (Paulownia Nyctanthes arbor-tristis provides foraging ground fortunii, P. elongata) flowers that appear during winter for the diverse visiting butterflies which are possible seasons. Chinese Teak has been introduced to Sikkim pollinators of the plant in addition to thrips. since 2006 and are the recommended species for Green Mission in Sikkim (FEWMD 2016). Since then ii) Habitat and hunting ground of spiders: The single mountain farmers have perceived evidences of negative individual tree of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis harbored at ecological impacts in the traditional farming systems and least three species of spiders with >20 web throughout its biodiversity. In this front, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is the foliage of the tree, both high in the canopy and one of such pollinator friendly species which flowers understory. These species are: Argiope sp., Nephila during September - middle of December and contribute kuhli, and Nephila pilipes (Figure 1. d-f). The spider to foraging by diversity of pollinator species, as the species were seen predating on the different butterfly availability of flowers of other species during winters species (visiting the flowers of this tree for pollination are comparatively less. Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 55 Figure 2: Butterfly species observed visiting flowers of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis in farm-based agroecosystems of East Sikkim, India.(a) Red-base Jezebel, (b) Painted Jezebel, (c) Red-spot Jezebel, (d) Yellow Jezebel, (e) Great Mormon, (f) Tailed Jay, (g) Commander, (h) Common Lascar, (i) Spotted Snow Flat, (j) Yellow-spot Swift, (k) Redbreast Jezebel.

56 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 iv) Nyctanthes arbor-tristis as a cultural keystone species need special conservation measures with the species: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis may be classified involvement of science, policy and practice. as a cultural keystone species as it fulfils quantitative index of all the five elements of indicators of cultural Acknowledgements influence given by Garibaldi and Turner (2004): (a) We thank TMI India and Sikkim University for intensity, type, and multiplicity of use (Saxena et al. facilities, the Science and Engineering Research Board, 1984; Mathew et al. 2009; Das et al. 2012; Rani et Department of Science and Technology, Government al. 2012; Agrawal and Pal 2013; O’Neill et al. 2017); of India for funding (Grant no. SR/SO/AS-11/2011) (b) naming and terminology in a language, including and Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management use as a seasonal or phenological indicator (Gupta Department, Government of Sikkim for research permit. 2001; Acharya et al. 2011; Rani et al. 2012); (c) role KS was supported by Junior Research Fellowship from in narratives, ceremonies, or symbolism (Gupta 2001; University Grants Commission, Government of India Rani et al. 2012; Sapkota 2014; O’Neill et al. 2017); during the article preparation. (d) persistence and memory of use in relationship to cultural change (Gupta 2001; Sapkota 2014); and (e) References extent to which its role can be replaced or substituted Acharya S (2011) Prediction of rainfall variation through (Gupta 2001; Rani et al. 2012; Sapkota 2014). flowering variation of night flowering jasmine (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L.) in Tripura. Indian Journal of Traditional Conclusions Knowledge 10(1): 96-101.

Thus, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis provided an excellent Agrawal J, Pal A (2013) Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn- foraging ground for many butterfly species, which A critical ethnopharmacological review. Journal of possibly reciprocates back by pollination activity. Ethnopharmacology146 (3): 645-658. However, for the butterfly communities, it also acted as a death trap as it is very often predated on by the Armstrong JA (1979) Biotic pollination mechanisms in the different species of spiders, for which this tree provides Australian flora - a review.New Zealand Journal of Botany 17:4: 467-508. important habitat. The spiders are in turn predated on by some of the birds visiting the tree. Andersson S, Nilsson LA, Groth I, Bergstrom G (2002) The different sets of ecological interaction are present Floral scents in butterfly-pollinated plants: possible convergence in chemical composition. Botanical Journal of in the tree, i.e., (a) plant-herbivores interaction between the Linnean Society 140(2): 129-153. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and butterflies; (b) prey- predator interaction between butterflies and spiders, Balasubramanian MV (1990) Studies on the ecology of and (c) prey-predator interaction of spiders and birds. butterfly pollination in South India. Part II. Pollination of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis can be considered as a cultural Pavetta indica Linn. (Rubiaceae). Annals of Entomology keystone species in addition to its role in all the four 8: 71-78. categories of ecosystem services. This short term observation points a way forward for a well-planned Borges RM, Gowda V, Zacharias M (2003) Butterfly pollination and high-contrast visual signals in a low-density study designed to understand the foraging activity of distylous plant. Oecologia 136(4): 571-573. butterfly on Parijat tree and prey-predator interaction of butterfly-spider with respect to seasonal dynamics Corlett RT (2004) Flower visitors and pollination in the in phenology of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. There is also Oriental (Indomalayan) Region. Biological Reviews 79: need to evaluate the potentiality of other culturally 497-532. important tree species, e.g. Ficus benghalensis, Ficus religiosa as cultural keystone species in the Himalayas. Das T, Mishra SB, Saha D, Agarwal S (2012) Ethnobotanical Nyctanthes arbor-tristis has been found to be supporting Survey of Medicinal Plants Used by Ethnic and Rural People in Eastern Sikkim Himalayan Region. African Journal of and attracting a diverse group of pollinators, and thus Basic & Applied Sciences 4 (1): 16-20. we recommend this species to be managed for long- term sustainability of pollination services in organic Donoso I, Stefanescu C, Martínez-Abraín A, Travese agroecosystems and urban areas of Sikkim. Such A (2016) Phenological asynchrony in plant–butterfly

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 57 interactions associated with climate: a community-wide and socioeconomic conditions in the Sikkim Himalayas. perspective. Oikos 125: 1435-1444. ICIMOD Working Paper 2014/2. Kathmandu: ICIMOD.

FEWMD (2016) Environmental Initiatives of the State Rader R, Bartomeus I, Garibaldi LA (2016) Non-bee insects Government (2016). Forests, Wildlife and Environment are important contributors to global crop pollination. Management Department, Government of Sikkim. PNAS 113 (1): 146-151.

Garibaldi A, Turner N (2004) Cultural keystone species: Raizada U, Nangia A (1989) Cyclic nocturnal opening and implications for ecological conservation and restoration. abscission of Nyctanthes flowers with a note on visiting Ecology and Society 9(3): 1. [online] URL: http://www. thrips species. Current Science 58: 93-96. ecologyandsociety.org/vol9/iss3/art1 Rani C, Chawla S, Mangal M, Mangal AK, Kajla S, Dhawan Gunnarsson B, Wiklander K (2015) Foraging mode of AK (2012) Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. (Night Jasmine): spiders affects risk of predation by birds.Biological Journal A sacred ornamental plant with immense medicinal of the Linnean Society 115(1): 58-68. potential. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 11 (3): 427-435. Gupta SM (2001) Plant Myths and Traditions in India. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi-55, 112 pp. Sapkota PP (2014) Religious culture and medicinal plants: an anthropological study. Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology Jain A, Kunte K, Webb EL (2016) Flower specialization and Anthropology 7: 197-224. of butterflies and impacts of non-native flower use ina transformed tropical landscape. Biological Conservation Saxena RS, Gupta B, Saxena KK, Singh RC, Prasad DM 201: 184-191. (1984) Study of anti-inflammatory activity in the leaves of Nyctanthes arbor tristis Linn. - an Indian medicinal Klein A-M, Vaissiere BE, Cane JH, Steffan-Dewenter plant. Journal of Ethnopharmacology11(3): 319-330. I, Cunningham SA, Kremen C, Tscharntke T (2007) Importance of pollinators in changing landscapes for world Schmitt J (1980) Pollinator foraging behavior and gene crops. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, Biological dispersal in Senecio (Compositae). Evolution 34(5): 934- Sciences 274(1608): 303-313. 943.

Kehimkar I (2008) The Book of Indian Butterflies. Sharma G, Partap U, Sharma E, Rasul G, Awasthe RK (2016) Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford University Press, Agrobiodiversity in the Sikkim Himalaya: Sociocultural Mumbai, pp 497 pp. significance, status, practices, and challenges. ICIMOD Working Paper 2016/5 Kathmandu: ICIMOD. Kunte K, Sondhi S, Roy P (Chief Editors) 2018. Butterflies of India, v. 2.39. Indian Foundation for Butterflies. Sourakov A (2013) Two heads are better than one: false head allows Calycopis cecrops (Lycaenidae) to escape predation Mathew N, Anitha MG, Bala TSL, Sivakumar SM, by a Jumping Spider, Phidippus pulcherrimus (Salticidae). Narmadha R, Kalyanasundaram M (2009). Larvicidal Journal of Natural History 47: 15-16. activity of Saraca indica, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, and Clitoria ternatea extracts against three mosquito vector species. Parasitology Research 104 (5): 1017-1025. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) (2010) The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Ecological and Economic Foundations. London: Earthscan. Ollerton J, Winfree R, Tarrant S (2011) How many flowering plants are pollinated by animals? Oikos 120:321–326 Trigo JR, Brown KS, Witte L, Hartma T, Ernst L, Barata LES O’Neill AR, Badola HK, Dhyani P, Rana SK (2017) (1996) Pyrrolizidine alkaloids: different acquisition and use Integrating ethnobiological knowledge into biodiversity patterns in Apocynaceae and Solanaceae feeding ithomiine conservation in the Eastern Himalayas. Journal of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae).Biological Journal Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine13:21. https://doi. of the Linnean Society 58: 99-123. org/10.1186/s13002-017-0148-9 Wallander E (2001) Evolution of wind-pollination in Partap U, Sharma G, Gurung MB, Chettri N, Sharma E Fraxinus (Oleaceae) - an ecophylogenetic approach. PhD (2014) Large cardamom farming in changing climatic thesis, Göteborg University, Sweden. ISBN 91-88896-37-4.

58 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Table 1: Butterfly species observed foraging on floral nectar of Parijat plant in East Sikkim. Habitat specialization: Forest specialist (FS), Non forest (NF); Larval host specificity: Monophagous (M), Polyphagous (P). Information on Habitat specialization and Larval host specificity were based on Kehimkar (2008); Kunte et al. (2018), and field observations.

Sl. Habitat Larval host Common name Scientific name No. specialization specificity

Hesperiidae

1 Common Small Flat Sarangesa dasahara Moore, 1866 NF P

2 Contiguous Swift Polytremis lubricans lubricans Herrich-Schäffer, 1869 FS P

3 Spotted Snow Flat Tagiades menaka menaka Moore, 1865 FS M

4 Water Snow Flat Tagiades litigiosa litigiosa Möschler, 1878 FS M

5 Yellow- spot swift Polytremis eltola eltola Hewitson, 1869 FS M

Nymphalidae

6 Commander Moduza procris procris Cramer, 1777 NF P

7 Common Lascar Pantoporia hordonia hordonia Stoll, 1790 FS P

8 Common Jester Symbrenthia lilaea khasiana Moore, 1874 FS M

Papilionidae

9 Common Peacock Papilio bianor ganesa Doubleday, 1842 FS P

10 Common Mormon Papilio polytes romulus Cramer, 1775 NF P

11 Great Mormon Papilio memnon agenor Linnaeus, 1758 NF M

12 Red Helen Papilio helenus helenus Linnaeus, 1758 FS P

13 Tailed Jay Graphium agamemnon agamemnon Linnaeus, 1758 NF P

Pieridae

14 Great Orange-tip Hebomoia glaucippe glaucippe Linnaeus, 1758 FS M

15 Painted Jezebel Delias hyparete indica Wallace, 1867 FS M

16 Red-base Jezebel Delias pasithoe pasithoe Linnaeus, 1767 FS M

17 Redbreast Jezebel Delias acalis pyramus Wallace, 1867 FS -

18 Red-spot Jezebel Delias descombesi descombesi Boisduval, 1836 FS M

19 Three-spot Grass Yellow Eurema blanda silhetana Wallace, 1867 FS P

20 Yellow Jezebel Delias agostina agostina Hewitson, 1852 FS M

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 59 Traditional practices of extraction of medicinal chuk from Rhus chinensis, Docynia indica, and Hippophae salicifolia in the Sikkim Himalaya

1GHANASHYAM SHARMA, 1SANTOSH K. CHETTRI, 2BHARAT K. PRADHAN, 2BINDHYA SUBBA

1 The Mountain Institute India Daragaon, Tadong 737102, Gangtok, East Sikkim Email: [email protected] 2 Sikkim Biodiversity Board Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management Department Government of Sikkim

Introduction of harvesting and processing technology and facilities, lack of awareness and language barriers and most Sikkim Himalayan mountains are source of importantly, lack of recognition and incentives to the underutilized and lesser known plant species which TK holders. Though different systems ofUnani, Siddha are used by indigenous communities for food, fruits, and Ayurvedic (Eastern medicines), and indigenous medicines and for a variety of uses (Sharma et al 2016). system of Medicine are largely based on the medicinal They are often essential to the efficacy of medicines, properties of these plants, yet the precious wealth of TK which should not be seen as ‘miracle’ cures based on is at risk of being lost, major reason of use of plants as chemical compounds, but due to curative energy that medicines is that medicinal plants contain synergistic draws its medicinal qualities founded on a relationship and/or side-effects neutralizing combinations. between the plants and the people. Interestingly they contribute in major food security, nutrition, health, economy and environmental services (Bidyalakshmi et Bhakmilo (Rhus chinensis) al 2016). Some of the important plants are commercially Bhakmilo (family Anacardiaceae) is native to the harvested for extraction of various types of active Himalaya and is distributed between 300–1800 m ingredients. The application of (TK) in plant usage also (Table 1). It is very good moisture and shed efficient reflects the values embedded in the customs, rituals tree and flourishes well in rocky and sandy hill slopes. and traditions, especially with regard to medicine. The Morphologically, it is a deciduous tree and has soft TK associated with plant processing for various uses stem, simple or compound leaf and small brown is increasingly recognized as key element of the future coloured flower. Its fruits are categorised as berries due well-being and sustainable development; on the other to their assemblage in one bunch, size of individual hand, it is also economic asset as it is creation and fruit is smaller (0.1 cm); seed is ex-albuminous and is innovation that can, if so wished, be traded or licensed very small in size (0.08 cm). for income-generation and economic development (Rao 2007). For instance, use of wild Hippophae salicifolia, Bhakmilo has long been used by folk medicine Rhus chinensis, and Docynia indica qualify as a unique practitioners in the Sikkim Himalaya. Stem and branch option for the simultaneous management of several is considered to be a good fuelwood supplement in problems emanating from the fragility, marginality, mountain households. The whole plant and particularly inaccessibility and diversity characterising mountain the galls are recognized to have preventative and areas. But the TK is also at the risk of becoming extinct therapeutic effects on different ailments (such as because of the rapidly changing natural environment, diarrhoea, dysentery, rectal and intestinal cancer, fast-paced urbanization, invasion of technology, lack diabetes mellitus, sepsis, oral disease and inflammation) 60 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 and possesses strong antiviral, antibacterial, storage in dry place. Individual fruits are separated anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiarrhoeal and from their pedicels manually. Fruits are then soaked in antioxidant properties (Fang et al 2009 a, b; Zhang lukewarm water for around half an hour. Then it is hand et al 2009). However, it is critical to separate evidence rubbed and squeezed to separate extract; the process from anecdote. Bhakmilo gall is rich in hydrolysable is repeated for 3 - 4 times. The extract is then filtered tannins called gallotannins, used in Chinese medicine and the filtrate is boiled for 6 hours in a Khadkulo (a to treat coughs, diarrhoea, night sweats, dysentery and traditional copper vessel) and is stirred continuously to stop intestinal and uterine bleeding (Djakpo et (Figure 1). A piece of iron is put in the boiling filtrate to al 2010). Gallic acid (3, 4, 5-trihydroxybenzoic avoid oxide formation. Boiling completes when thick acid), isolated from bhakmilo induces apoptosis in dark-black colour bhakmilo juice (chuk) is developed; human monocytic lymphoma cell line and may be a final chuk obtained is allowed to cool completely. It is potential chemotherapeutic agent against lymphoma stored in bottles or airtight containers for several years (Kim et al. 2011). The gall inhibits alpha- and is used as and when required. The residual fruit glucosidase activity (Young et al 2003). peel is also stored for making pickles. Around 4 litres of Bhakmilo-ko-chuk extract can be obtained from 20 kg of Fruits of Bhakmilo are collected during November until fresh berries of bhakmilo. Apart from the use of chuk as the first week of January. Harvesting is done through medicine for humans, it can also be used as veterinary hand picking or by cutting of branches mainly from medicine for livestock. Nanglo, khurpi, chalni etc. are private agroforests or sometimes from nearby forests. different traditional tools used for processingBhakmilo The harvesting method involves drying, cleaning and in homes.

Fruits are soaked in lukewarm water, for half Hand squeezed to dissolve extract in water for Harvested fruits are sundried, cleaned an hour 3-4 times

Extract filtered through a sieve, boiled for 6 Final Chuk obtained is allowed to cool down Boiling continued till a thick dark-black colour hours in a Khadkudo (a traditional copper pot) completely, stored in airlight bottles Bhakmilo juice (chuk) is developed

Figure 1. Traditional process of making Bhakmilo chuk

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 61 Mel (Docynia indica) valued in villages and is used as home remedy for treating diarrhoea, dysentery, stomach disorder, etc. Mel (family Rosaceae) is a native to Eastern Himalaya Sour fruits are known to be highly medicinal for gastric and is generally found growing along 1300– 2000 m and dysentery problems. The nutritional value content (Table 1). It is a very good moisture and shed efficient (% of dry matter basis) is moisture (85.1%), ash (4.0%), tree and grows well in sandy-loam to clay soils with fat (6.7%), protein (32.2%), carbohydrate (57.1 g), well drainage system. It is an evergreen tree, growing sodium (15.3 mg/l00 g), potassium (202.8 mg/l00 g) up to 4 m (13 ft.) tall and the young plant sometimes and calcium (200.5 mg/l00 g) (Cuizhim et al 2014). The bears spines. The wood is hard, lamina is simple or fruits are harvested in the month of October-November. compound, elongated, firmly papery. Flowers white in Under traditional practice, the harvested fruits are colour, blossom during August-September. Fruit is 05 cleaned and are crushed into small pieces in wooden cm; ovate shape, yellow in colour, edible but sour in dheki/okhli (traditional wooden crusher). Dekhi is taste, slightly pubescent when young. Fruiting occurs manually operated by 2/3 people, whereas as okhli is during October. Though fruit is popularly called as apple operated singly. The crushed pieces are then put into but it seems like quince (Cydonia oblonga) than apple, a bamboo pecha (small woven bamboo basket). The so, are called drupes which are slightly compressed, pecha containing source material is then compressed converts to red at maturity. Seed is albuminous and very to release extract which is collected in a bowl drained small in size (0.08 cm). through a wooden flat collector called kol. The extract is immediately boiled along with small iron piece for Wood from mel is used for making drum, walking long in ‘khadkulo’. A thick reddish-dark coloured chuk stick, tool handles; or used as fuelwood. Fruits have is obtained after rigorous boiling for 5 hours (Figure 2). an acidic taste when eaten fresh. The peeled fruits are The ‘chuk’ is allowed to cool and is stored in an airtight often used for salad with salt and chilly but excellent container. We were able to get 4.5 kg of Mel-ko-chuk source for making pickles and jelly. Chuk is highly from 70 kg of Docynia fresh fruit.

Pecha containing source material is Fruits are crushed in wooden The crused pieces are then put into compressed to release extract, drained dhiki/okhli (traditional wooden crusher) a bamboo pecha, a woven bamboo pot through a wooden flat container called col

Fresh extract is immediately boiled in ‘khadkudo’ (a copper vessel); a small Juice extract boiled for 5 hours Finally, thick reddish-dark coloured chuk is piece of iron_nail is boiled with the juice until it becomes thick obtained, it is stored in air tight containers Figure 2. Traditional process of making Mel-ko-chuk

62 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Beating brances_twigs bearing berries, Crushing the fruits with hand in pot for extract, Harvesting of seabuckthorn berries barriers collected on a cleaned plastic extract sieved again to obtained thick juice

Boiled extract mixed with sugar concentrate (chasni) (1.3:1.75 water:sugar Yellow coloured juice concentrate Juice concentrate is mixed with pure water ratio) and boiled until it comes thick is prepared, Boiling of extract at 100O C (1:3 ratio) This is the final juice for

Figure 3. Traditional process of making Tarubo juice

Achuk (Hippophae salicifolia) known source of vitamin C, E, A and flavonoids. Leaf, bark, pulp and seed are known to possess antioxidants, Achuk (family Elaeagnaceae) commonly known antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties (Gupta as Seabuckthorn (vernacular-Chuk-Achook, Lhala, et al 2011; Kaushal and Sharma 2011). Due to high Tarobo) is distributed in high-altitude areas of Jammu nutritional as well as economic value, it is currently and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and domesticated in several parts of the world. Sikkim (Rajchal 2009). In Sikkim, it is confined to Lachung and Lachen in North Sikkim along 2300 to Fruits of Achuk are very soft and delicate, needs careful 3900 m (Table 1). Achuk is also a very good moisture collection, since it contains numerous piercing spines and shed efficient tree. It grows vigorously on vertical on its branches. Traditionally it is collected by cutting hill slopes and riverine areas. This plant is tolerant to branches/twigs in early morning hours before sunrise extreme freezing temperature of up to -43°C (Chhetri when the temperature is very low. In low temperature, and Lepcha 2015) and adapts well to soil acidity and the fruits become harder and can be plucked easily. alkalinity (Lu 1992). It is a large shrub growing up to Fruits are separated from the harvested twigs by beating 6-10 metres; however, it is also observed growing as with a stick over a piece of plastic sheet. Then the fruits tree up to a height of 17m in Sikkim. It bears small are squeezed in a bowl / bucket and the extract is filtered white flower; fruit is mostly ovate and very small (0.5 through a sieve (Figure 3). One litre raw extract is cm). Seeds albuminous and very small (0.05 cm). boiled in 100° C and is allowed to cool. Simultaneously, Wood is hard and is used in making household tools a sugar syrup (chasni) is prepared (1.3 lit water : 1.7 or used for a minor construction material. Achuk kg sugar ratio). Then the raw extract is mixed with is important medicinal plant and is effective in the sugar syrup which will give 2 litre of concentrated ameliorating lung problems, respiratory infections, juice. For use, 4 litre juice can be obtained from 1 litre high blood pressure, heart disorders, gastric ulcer, concentrated juice. The juice prepared without adding digestive disorders and memory loss. Jam and juice preservative can be stored for 18 days. During the are other fruit products. Leaves are used in making tea practical demonstration, we extracted around 35 kg of adding with perfumed ingredients. It is one of the best concentrated juice from 40 kg of Achuk. Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 63 Table 1. Physiographic detail of Rhus chinensis, Docynia indica and Hippophae salicifolia.

No. of Distribution Native Species Habit species Country range Habitat (m) species available

Rhus chinenesis 300-1800 Tree 600 South East Asia Rocky/sandy/slopes Himalaya

Docynia indica 1300-2000 Tree 200 E. Asia-China to Slopes, stream sides & Eastern the Himalayas thickets at elevations Himalaya

Hippophae salicifolia 2300-3900 Tree/shrub 03 South East Asia Riverine/slopes Europe & Asia

Promotion of value added products and trade as salad with salt and chilly and is an excellent source potential for making value added marketable products viz., pickles and jelly. Bhakmilo, Mel and Achuk are Socio-ecologically and socio-economically potential plants. The tradable Similarly, the local communities in Ladakh and Himachal products developed from Bhakmilo and Mel are jam, Pradesh have been making lucrative earning from Achuk jelly, chuk, powder and pickle; while, Hippophae berries by developing products like juice and jam. They are are processed as wine, squash, fenugreek pickle, juice able to do so due to fair policy and the support from the and powder. The leaves of Hippophae are also processed local government and also due to scientific interventions. as green tea. Nevertheless, in Sikkim, these products are Research institutions such as Defence Institute of High prepared for household consumption and in rare cases, Altitude Research, Defence Research Development sold at village or local market. For example, Bhakmilo Organization (DIHAR-DRDO) are fully committed to chuk is traditionally used for treating blood stool, help the local communities earn sustainable livelihood indigestion and for ethno-veterinary use for treating from the locally available bio-resource vis-à-vis taking namle (worm infestation) in cattle. Further, the fruit into account meeting the food demand of the defence peels are grounded into powder and is used as dry pickle.. personal in the high altitude. Recently, DRDO has tied Traditionally, only fruit is used; however, the most up with commercial company such as Patanjali for wide important part i.e. gallnut, which has wide applicability marketing of Achuk products from Ladakh. On the other in tannin, dye, ink industry and also in pharmaceutical hand, commercial exploitation of Achuk has been tried hold promise for its use in human health in the future, as in Sikkim by Organic Sikkim and Government Food a food supplement or as a medicine. Preservation Factory; however, somehow, it could not be taken further, perhaps due to technical reasons. In Vietnam, having recognized the livelihood potential Nevertheless, keeping aside the existing limitations, some of Mel, it has been promoted widely for large scale local people in Lachung, North Sikkim is still engaged in cultivation. Various products such as jam, jellies, making juice from Achuk following traditional method. candies, juice, wines, pickles, etc. are being developed They also hold technical knowledge on tea making from and marketed which has significantly improved the the Achuk leaves. livelihood of the marginal farmers. However, in Sikkim, product development is restricted to chuk which is used This indicates towards high potential of these Bhakmilo, traditionally for treating diarrhoea, dysentery, stomach Mel and Achuk for improving the livelihood of the local disorder, etc.; some villagers make pickle from fruit communities in Sikkim; however, it requires support in for household consumption. Nevertheless, the market terms of value addition, promotion and marketing of potential for Mel products, particularly wine and the products from the concerned government and non- beverage is vast. The peeled fruits are often consumed government agencies.

64 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Knowledge loss and conservation need perceived that the knowledge loss will directly impact the associated species availability as evident from Disappearance of TK is a global concern, and Sikkim the declining population of Bhakmilo and Mel from Himalaya is not an exception, as it has direct impact the agroecosystem in most of the areas. Surprisingly, on the conservation of these species. Convention on Bhakmilo has managed to survive compared to Mel but Biological Diversity mandated each signatories to frame there is significant decline in the female population, country specific law focussing on benefit sharing from the which actually bear fruit that is used for making chuk. commercialization of genetic resources and the associated Local communities reflected that fruiting has declined in TK. India is the first country to enact Biological Diversity Mel in past few years which may be associated with the Act 2002 which focusses on providing incentives to the declining population of the pollinators owing to changing local communities or TK holders, the real conserver of climate. In respect to Achuk, the species is growing the biodiversity and the bio-resources. gregariously in its natural habitat in Lachung and Lachen In a Himalayan state like Sikkim, which is known globally valleys; however, the juice making is restricted to as the first organic state of India, the disappearance of Lachung only and the technique to develop value added the TK is rapid due to external influence. Therefore, products is yet to be developed. Further, very few people Sikkim Biodiversity Board, The Mountain Institute India knows about the traditional technique of making juice and the Botany Department of Sikkim University have from Achuk, which is a great cause of concern. jointly taken up a collaborative project to popularize Conclusion sustainable use of Sikkim Himalayan Biodiversity for socioeconomic development of mountain villages with For promotion of livelihood, enterprise based special reference to Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Hippophae cultivation, agro-technique development, value addition salicifolia, Docynia indica and Rhus chinensis and establishment of forward and backward linkage for with respect to technology development, alternative Bhakmilo, Mel and Achuk are important approaches. livelihood and conservation funded under National Accurate nutritional analysis and standardization of Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) of the Ministry protocol for value added product development will of Environment, Forest and Climate Change through create specified knowledge. Apart from this, relevant GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment collaborative programme involving the local community and Sustainable Development. It has been observed will be a most crucial step towards sustainable future. that younger generations are moving to towns and cities in search of better opportunities, educations, etc. Plant based traditional knowledge has potential to thereby abandoning their village vis-à-vis long practiced provide sustainable livelihood; however, the traditional traditional farming system. The older generations who technique is not feasible as admitted by the local are left behind in the villages are also compelled to communities. Development of suitable modern disown their knowledge, though there are some people technique for processing for product, value addition, who are still hopeful that their knowledge would be promotion and marketing as well as designing of suitable recognized and will benefit their future generations. legal framework for their management and trade would definitely help revive the disappearing long conserved During our study and interaction with the local TK as well as aid in conservation of these important bio- communities across Sikkim, it was revealed that over resources. Bhakmilo, Mel and Achuk are multipurpose 90% of the people have stopped chuk making from species and can be used in reforestation programmes Bhakmilo and Mel as they feel that the process is very that will aid in soil and moisture conservation and bring time consuming and labour intensive in addition to economic and social benefit, thereby improving eco- non-availability of the market for their product. They environment. revealed that Bhakmilo and Mel were in constant use till few years back which has gradually slowed down Bhakmilo, Mel and Achuk are highly useful in terms of due to advancement of technology, etc. According to edibles and medicinal value but due to its underutilization the local communities, there is no existing policy on its and lack of suitable processing techniques for development popularization and marketing in Sikkim and the TK on of value added product, it is drawing lower income at its processing is restricted to very few individuals. It is homes. Hence, integration of TK with modern science Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 65 can effectively increase the values of underutilized crop Extract and Seed Oil of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae like Bhakmilo, Mel and Achuk and can bring economic salicifolia D. Don) Plant. J Plant Pathol Microbiol 2:105. prosperity to the local communities and the TK holders doi:10.4172/2157- 7471.1000105 and help conservation of these important bioresources. Kaushal M, Sharma PC (2011) Nutritional and Acknowledgements antimicrobial property of seabuckthorn (Hippophae sp.) This work was supported by National Mission on seed oil. Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research Himalayan Studies (NMHS) of the Ministry of Vol. 70, December 2011, pp. 1033-1036 Environment, Forest and Climate Change through GB Kim, N.S., Jeong, S.I., Hwang, B.S., Lee, Y.E., Kang, Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and S.H., Lee, H.C., and Oh, C.H. (2011) Gallic acid inhibits Sustainable Development. We sincerely acknowledge cell viability and induces apoptosis in human monocytic the knowledge of the traditional practitioners, and elderly people. Authors are also thankful to the representatives cell line U937.” J Med Food. 14(3):240-6. of Dzumsha of Lachen and Lachung and Panchayats for Rajchal, R. (2009) Seabuckthorn (Hippophae salicifolia) their kind support in carrying out the study. Management Guide. A Report Rufford Small Grants for References Natural Conservation, pp. 45.

Bidyalakshmi, L., Anathan, R., and Longvah, T. (2016) Rao, S.R. (2007) The relationship between intellectual Nutrient Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Rhus property and the protection of traditional knowledge semialata, an underutilized fruit of north east India. 14th and cultural expressions. Traditional knowledge Food Engineering Conference. Melbourne, Australia. and indigenous peoples. World Intellectual Property Journal of Nutrition Food Science. Organisation (WIPO) publications: Edited: Ulia Popova- Chhetri, D.R. and Lepcha, D.L. (2015) Simulated osmotic Cosart.No. E/R.ISBN 978-92-805-1841-2. stress induces metabolic effects in Rhododendron Sharma G, Partap U, Sharma E, Rasul G,Awasthe arboreum Smith. Indian Journal of Plant Sciences. 4 (2): RK (2016) Agrobiodiversity in the Sikkim Himalaya: 67-70. Sociocultural significance, status, practices, and Cuizhim, G. and Stephen, A.S.(2014) Malus doumeri. challenges. ICIMOD Working Paper 2016/5 Kathmandu: Flora of China. Decaisne, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat. ICIMOD. 10: 125, 131. 1874. Shenga, N.C. 1994. Status paper on biodiversity in Djakpo, O. and Yao, W. (2010) Rhus chinensis and Galla Sikkim.Panda.1: 5-10. chinensis-folklore to modern evidence: review. Phytother Res. 24(12):1739-47. Loan, N.T.T, Tan, H.T.M., Tam, V.T.H., Luan, C.L.L., Huong, L.M.H., and Lien, D.N. (2011) VNU Journal of Fang, T., Bo, L., Baoping, J., Guizhi, Z. and Yangchao, L. Sciences, Natural Sciences and Technology 27 (2011): (2009a) Identification and structure–activity relationship 125-133. of gallotannins separated from Galla chinensis . LWT - Food Science and Technology, Vol. 42, Issue 7, pp. 1289- Young, J. S., Ho Kyung, D., Se Young, A., Yong,S. 1295, doi:10.1016/j.lwt.2009.03.004. K., Je Kyung, S., In Sun, P., and Bon Hong, M. (2003) Inhibitory effect of aqueous extract from the gall ofRhus Fang, T., Bo, L., Baoping, Ji., Jinhua, Y., Guizhi, Z., chinensis on alpha-glucosidase activity and postprandial Yang, C. and Yangchao, L. (2009b) Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of consecutive extracts from Galla blood glucose. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Vol 85, chinensis: The polarity affects the bioactivities. Food Issues 2-3, 283-287. Chemistry, Vol. 113, Issue 1, pp. 173-179, doi:10.1016/j. Zhang, J., Li, L., Kim, S.H., Hagerman, A.E., and foodchem.2008.07.062. Lü, J. (2009). Anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and other Gupta SM, Gupta AK, Ahmed Z, Kumar A (2011) pharmacologic and biological activities of penta-galloyl- Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity in Leaf, Seed glucose. Pharm Res 26: 2066–2080. 66 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 First instance of Bird-window collisions in Sikkim! Has urbanization started to affect the bird populations? *Santosh Sharma1 and Dinesh Bhatt2

A very rare and unfortunate incident was reported by wildlife field officers at Kitam, South Sikkim in the morning of November 11, 2017. Seven numbers of long-tailed broadbill had died on their flight striking directly to the glass panel on one the private building.

Reported in Sikkim State ENVIS Quarterly Newsletter 2017-18, Vol. 10, Issue 3 (Oct-Dec)

Urbanization is an important factor reducing local vegetation and increasing habitat fragmentation and ultimately leads to environmental problems, including loss of biodiversity. In addition, it not only reduces natural vegetation but also degrades the structure and composition of remaining vegetation. It is to be noted that birds are suitable to carry out studies on the impact of urbanization on biodiversity as they are highly sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances. For birds, in general urban development has been linked to a decline Dr. Santosh Sharma in species richness and an increase in the abundance of urban-associated species (Cam et al. 2000; Crooks Department of Zoology and Environmental Science Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar-249404, Uttarakhand, India et al. 2004). For example, we find no/less individuals of forest dependent bird species viz., Yellow-billed *Corresponding author: [email protected] [+91 9593789102 (M)] Blue Magpie, Grey Treepie, Cinnamon Tree Sparrow 2Co author: [email protected] [+91 9927922335 (M)] etc and more number of urban associated bird species such as Common Pigeon, Common Myna, House 1 and 2 Avian Biodiversity and Bioacoustics Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Crow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow etc. in the urban habitat Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar-249404, Uttarakhand, India of Gangtok. In contrast to that, we find less number of urban associated bird species and more number

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 67 of forest dependent bird species in the forest habitat such incidents could become frequent in the coming of Pangthang/Fambhonglho wildlife sanctuary, East years. Table 1 shows the details of the various aspects Sikkim. of long-tailed broadbill.

In the context to our state of Sikkim, urbanization is Why do birds collide with windows? attributable to industrialization (small scale), expansion Windows allow us an opening into the natural world of town areas and development of transport and outside. Unfortunately, the glass which is a portal for communication facilities. A pertinent question to ponder us is actually a barrier to birds. Factors that affect the over at this juncture is “Has urbanization started to occurrence and frequency of avian collisions with affect the bird populations in Sikkim”? windows include weather, type of glass, orientation of Collisions with man-made structures are the greatest glass, time of day, time of year and proximity of bird source of human-caused bird mortality worldwide feeders to windows (Klem, 1989). (Klem-Jr. 2008). Such incidents have been documented Birds collide into windows for a number of reasons. globally (Avery et al. 1978; Avery 1979; Klem-Jr. First, birds see differently than most mammals. Bird’s 1990a; Morrison 1998; Erickson et al. 2001, 2005; Veltri eyes are on either side of their head; this is for a wide & Klem –Jr. 2005; Hager et al. 2008) and represent an field of vision giving an overhead look of the world important source of negative anthropic influence on below them. Typically birds collide with windows nature (Banks, 1979; Drewitt & Langson, 2006). when attempting to fly through them, or to reach habitat First instance of Bird-window collisions in Sikkim reflected by the glass (Klem, 2006). Territorial bird also may collide with windows because they mistake their In the morning of 11th November 2017, death of seven reflected image for an intruding bird. Birds that attack individuals (out of 8) of long-tailed broadbill Psarisomus their reflection usually collide with the glass at lower dalhousiae was reported on their flight striking directly velocities than birds that try to fly through the glass to the glass panel on one of the private building located and are less likely to suffer fatal injuries (Klem, 2006). near the Kitam Bird Sanctuary (included in the protected Glass is invisible to birds, and if it reflects the images area network of the state of Sikkim in 2005), South of trees, bushes, the sky or other natural habitat, a bird Sikkim. A lone bird had escaped the death leaving may fly directly into it causing a collision. seven on the ground. It seems to be the first instance/ report of such bird-window collision and consequent Migrating birds collide into windows on tall, bird mortality in Sikkim. However, with the hectic pace commercial buildings at a greater frequency than of urbanization taking place, it could be assumed that resident birds (O’Connell, 2001; Gelb and Delacretaz,

Table 1: Habit, habitats, distribution and status of long-tailed broadbill

Aspects Detais

Arboreal; keeps in the forest canopy or middle Habits storey in flocks of up to 20 birds

Tropical and subtropical broadleaved evergreen Habitat and semi-evergreen forest; also secondary growth dominated by bamboo

Breeding April-June

Resident subject to local and altitudinal Distribution and Status movements (Plains and hills upto 2000 m)

Global Population Trend Decreasing

Source: Grimmet et al., 1998 and IUCN Red List 2017-3

68 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 2006), whereas resident birds collide into windows on Relative species richness and community completeness: birds and residential houses with greater frequency than migrating urbanization in the Mid-Atlantic States. Ecological Applications 10: 1196- birds (Klem, 1990; Dunn, 1993). 1210. Crooks, K.R., Suarez, A.V. and Bolger, D.T. 2004. Avian assemblage of Reducing Bird Collisions with Windows urbanization in a highly fragmented landscape. Biological Conservation 115: 451–462 As urbanized areas continue to expand, two major Drewitt A.L. & Langston R.H.W. 2006. Assessing the impacts of wind farms threats to birds are artificial light and glass (Parkins, on birds. Ibis 148: 29–42. 2015). In Sikkim, 11 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) Dunn, E.H. 1993. Bird mortality from striking residential windows in winter. have been identified out of a total of 12,000 IBAs Journal of Field Ornithology 64: 302-309. worldwide. Nevertheless, several environmental Erickson W.P., Johnson G.D., Strickland M.D., Young-Jr. D.P., Sernka problems particularly urbanization have been reported K.J. & Good R.E. 2001. Avian collisions with wind turbines: a summary in and around the IBAs as well as Protected Areas of existing studies and comparisons to other sources of avian collision (PAs). Therefore, bird species of Sikkim which have mortality in the United States. Washington: National Wind Coordinating a declining population trend globally and are highly Committee (NWCC) Resource Document. vulnerable to building collisions needs to be identified Erickson W.P., Johnson G.D. & Young-Jr. D.P. 2005. A summary and as has been done in USA (Loss et al., 2014). Designing comparison of bird mortality from anthropogenic causes with an emphasis of well-articulated buildings where structures are on collisions. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report PSW- easily distinguishable from the natural environment, GTR-191: 1029–1042. incorporating features that reduce or break-up Gelb, Y., and N. Delacretaz. 2006. Avian window strike mortality at an urban reflections or transparency of glass, angling glass to office building. The Kindbird 56: 190-198. 20-40 degrees versus the common 90 degrees, Planting Grimmet, R., Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. 1998. Birds of the Indian lush landscape immediately adjacent to windows are Subcontinent. Oxford University Press. Delhi. some of the measures for reducing bird-collision with Hager S.B., Trudell H., McKay K.J., Crandall S.M. & Mayer L. 2008. Bird windows. density and mortality at windows. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 120: 550– 564. The present article highlights/explores the reason behind The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2017-3. www.iucnredlist. such incidents and also suggests some management org. Downloaded on 16th April 2018 measures in this regard so that adverse impact of rampant Klem-Jr. D. 1989. Bird- window collisions. Wilson Bulletin 101: 606-620. urbanization on bird diversity of Sikkim could be averted for our own sustenance as they provide us with so many Klem-Jr. D. 1990a. Bird injuries, cause of death, and recuperation from collisions with windows. Journal of Field Ornithology 61: 115–119. ecosystem services such as provisioning (guano for fertilizer), regulating (pest control, carcass removal), Klem, Jr. D. 1990b. Collisions between birds and windows: Mortality and prevention. Journal of Field Ornithology 61: 115-119. cultural (recreational opportunities, inspiration for art and music), and supporting (pollination, seed dispersal) Klem-Jr. D. 2006. Glass: a deadly conservation issue for birds. Bird Observer 34: 73-81. services. Overall, it is emphasized here that global efforts to conserve bird populations and sustain avian Klem-Jr. D. 2008. Avian mortality at windows: the second largest human source of bird mortality on earth, p. 244–251 In: Proceedings of the Fourth biodiversity also preserve ecosystem services provided International Partners in Flight Conference: Tundra to Tropics. by birds (ecosystem engineers), thus contributing to human well-being. Loss, S.R., T. Will, S.S.Loss and P.P. Marra. 2014. Bird-Building collisions in the United States: Estimates of annual mortality and species vulnerability. The Condor 116:8-23. References Morrinson M.L. 1998. Avian risk and fatality protocol. Golden: National Avery M.L., Springer P.F. & Dailey N.S. 1978. Avian mortality at man-made Renewable Energy Laboratory, NREL/SR-500-24997. structures: as annotated bibliography. U.S. Department of the Interior - Fish and Wildlife Service, Report FWS/OBS-78/58. O’Connell, T.J. 2001. Avian window strike mortality at a suburban office Avery M.L. 1979. Review of avian mortality due to collisions with manmade park. The Raven 72: 141-149. structures. Ann Harbor: Wildlife Damage Management Internet Center for Bird Control Seminars Proceedings. Parkins, K.L., Elbin, S.B. and Barnes, E. 2015. Light, Glass, and Bird – building Collisions in an Urban Park. Northeastern Naturalist 22(1): 84-94. Banks R.C. 1979. Human related mortality of birds in the United States. Washington: United States Department of the Interior - Fish and Wildlife Veltri C.J. & Klem-Jr. D. 2005. Comparison of fatal bird injuries from Services. Special Scientific Report - Wildlife, No. 215. collisions with towers and windows. Journal of Field Ornithology 76: 127– Cam, E., Nichols, J.D. Sauer, J.R., Hines, H.E. and Flather, C.H. 2000. 133.

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 69 Inventory of Orchid species found in some of the Reserve Forest in Sikkim Himalayan Region, India

Dendrobium nobile

ikkim, a northeastern Himalayan state in the eastern Himalayas, is known worldwide for its rich biodiversity and is part of the global biodiversity hotspot. The state has unique Sbio-geographical features with a different altitude and climate, making it a home to various species of flora and fauna from tropical to Trans-Himalaya and is also Sanjyoti Subba rich in plant genetic resources including orchid species. Survey Expert, SBFP [email protected] The Orchidaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants, represented by 25,000 species in 800 genera distributed throughout the world by (Misra, 2007). In Indian Himalayan region, 1298 species, 5 subspecies and 28 varieties under 186 genera is found. Several new taxa have been added and described 70 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 recently. Presently there are 1378 species, 5 sub species, Castanopsis hystrix, Machilus edulis, Magnolia 29 varieties and 2 form under 186 genera in the country doltsopa, Exbucklandia populnea, Cryptomeria (Sanjappa & Singh, 2007 & 2008), Murugan et al, 2014; japonica and Juglans regia. Mathew, 2014, Karthigeyan et al., 2014), followed by Soreng Reserve Forest (West Sikkim) which lies Arunachal Pradesh having 620 species and 523 species between latitude 27°09’18.5”N to 27°10’42.3”N and in Sikkim (Sudhizong Lucksom, 2011). But as per the longitude 88°11’55.3”E to 88°14’09.7”E, its elevation Sikkim ENVIS (www.sikenvis.nic.in) data it has been ranges from 1021-1709 m asl. This reserve forests is found that the orchid diversity has increased from 523 very rich in floral and faunal diversity. The reserve species to 557 orchid species in Sikkim Himalayan forest showing the aspects of N,E and NE with the slope region. Meghalaya state has 363 species under 107 angle falling between 5 to 80 degree inclination and genera by (Kataki, 1986; Rao et al., 2014). the humus depth not less than 0.5 to 1.5 cm depth. The This article represents the inventory of orchid species orchid species such as Herpysma longicaulis, Calanthe found in some of the Reserve Forest of Sikkim biloba, Pleione praecox (pink form), Gastrochilus sp., Himalayan Region. Vanda sp., Coelogyne sp., Liparis sp., Cymbidium sp., were recorded in the forest. FINDINGS The host plant species viz., Magnolia doltsopa, Rapid biodiversity survey was conducted in Kartok Magnolia velutina, Castanopsis hystrix, Castanopsis (Namcheybung) Reserve Forest (East Sikkim) by indica, Juglans regia, Erythrina arborescens, Betula Survey Team, under the Japan International Co- sp., Choerospondias axillaris, Cryptomeria japonica, operation Agency (JICA) assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Exbucklandia populnea with the associated species Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP). such as Bidens pilosa, Pilea umbrosa, Heracleum Kartok Reserve Forest, which lies between latitude wallichii, Drymaria cordata, Oxalis corniculata, 27°13’55.0”N to 27°14’42.8”N and Longitude Hedychium spicatum, Persicaria capitata, Fragaria 88°33’37.2”E to 88°40’02.4”E, its elevation ranges nubicola, Swertia bimaculata, Centella asiatica, Viola from 1676-2132 m asl which are categorized into sp., Hydrocotyle javanica, Rubus calycinus, Gynura subtropical and humid-temperate forest. Reserve nepalense etc., were recorded. (Table 2) forest harbors over 70 wild orchid species diversity such as Acampe praemorsa, Acrochaene punctata, Nambu Reserve forest (West Sikkim) is located in the Anthogonium gracile, Bhutanthera albomarginata, west district, lying between latitude 27°17’16.0”N Bulbophyllum cainiflorum, B. leopardinum, to 27°18’14.0”N and longitude 88°09’00.9”E to B. reptans,B. tortuosum, B. bisetum, Calanthe 88°09’55.8”E, its elevation ranges from 1964 - puberula,Calanthe yuksomensis, Coelogyne barbata, 2191 m asl. The main vegetation of the reserve forest C. corymbosa, C. cristata, C. fuscescens, Cryptochilus are represented by Schima wallichii, Duabanga lutca, Cymbidium devonianum, C. ethyraeum, sonneratiodes, Jambosa formosa, Juglans regia, C.irridioides, C. mastersii, Dendrobium desniflorum, Erythrina arborescens, Betula sp., Choerospondias D. fimbriatum, D. heterocarpum, D. longicornum, etc. axillaris, Cryptomeria japonica, Exbucklandia These species grow in natural habitat in the form of populnea, Hovenia dulcis, Macaranga pustulata, epiphytic and lithophytic in nature. Machilus sp., Tetradium fraxinifolia, etc., were dominated in the forest area. The forest is dominated by Dendrobium nobile which is also a state flower of our Oak species such as Castanopsis hystrix, Castanopsis state was abundantly distributed in Namcheybung indica, Castanopsis tribuloides, Lithocarpus fenestratus forest under Pakyong Range at elevation ranging from & Quercus lamellosa etc. 993-1082 m asl. The host tree species of Dendrobium nobile are Terminalia myriocarpa (Pani Saj), Rinchenpong Reserve forest (West Sikkim) which Schima wallichii (Chialune), Macaranga denticulata lies between Latitude 27°13’37.6” N to 27°15’17.5” (Malato), Engelhardtia spicata (Mauwa) and Albizzia and Longitude 88°15’39.9”E to 88°16’29.0”E and the procera (Seto Siris) etc. The main vegetation of elevation ranges between 1220-1879 m asl. The main the forest includes viz., Castanopsis tribuloides, vegetation of the forest are Magnolia doltsopa, Magnolia Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 71 velutina, Magnolia cathcartii, Ostodes paniculata, latitude 27°17’16.7”N to 27°17’59.0”N and Longitude Alnus nepalensis, Schima wallichii, Castanopsis indica, 88°11’01.3”E to 88°10’58.8”E with elevation Macaranga pustulata, Hovenia dulcis, Albizia procera, between 1891 - 2202 m asl. The present study is Terminalia myriocarpa, Duabanga sonneratioides, represented by subtropical and wet temperate forest. Cryptomeria japonica, Exbucklandia populnea, The main vegetation of this reserve forest includes Erythrina arborescens, Juglans regia, Hovenia dulcis, viz., Juglans regia, Erythrina arborescens, Betula Macaranga pustulata,Machilus sp., Schima wallichii, sp., Cryptomeria japonica, Exbucklandia populnea, Terminalia myriocarpa, Tetradium fraxinifolia. Hovenia dulcis, Macaranga pustulata, Machilus sp., The common small tree species of the area includes Schima wallichii,Tetradium fraxinifolia,Castanopsis Pandanus furcatus, Symplocos lucida, Symplocos hystrix, Castanopsis indica, Castanopsis tribuloides, glomerata, Leucosceptrum canum, Ficus neriifolia, & Lithocarpus fenestratus,Magnolia doltsopa, Magnolia Zanthoxylum acanthopodium, etc. cathcartii, Magnolia velutina,Prunus nepalensis, Quercus lamellosa, Symplocos lucida, Symplocos Darap Reserve Forest (West Sikkim) lying between glomerata,etc.

Coelogyne fuscescens Pleione maculata

Pleione praecox Dendrobium aphyllum

Calanthe biloba habitat and full blooming

72 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Herpysma longicaulis Cymbidium sp.

Liparis sp Eria coronaria

Cymbidium erythraeum Dendrobium longicornu

The maximum number of orchids species (59) were recorded from Kartok Reserve Forest (East Sikkim), followed by six species from Soreng RF, Nambu RF, Rinchenpong RF and 3 species from Darap RF, west Sikkim in Table 1 & Figure 1.

Figure 1: No. of orchid species encountered in Reserve Forest of Sikkim

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 73 Otochilus fuscus Cymbidium sp.

Table 1: Inventory of orchid species in different reserve forest of Sikkim

Altitudinal Scientific Name Kartok Soreng Nambu Rinchenpong Darap ranges (m) asl

Acampe praemorsa (Roxb.) Blatt. & McCann + 700-1200 Acrochaene punctata Lindl. + 100-2400 Anthogonium gracile Wall. ex Lindl. + + + + + 1200-2300 Bulbophyllum cauliflorumvar. sikkimense + 600-2200 Bulbophyllum leopardinum (Wallich) Lindley + 1300-3300 Bulbophyllum reptans (Lindley) Lindley + 1000-2800 Bulbophyllum tortuosum (Blume) Lindl. + 200-2000 Calanthe biloba Lindl. + + up to 1800 Calanthe plantaginea Lindl. + 1400-2600 Calanthe puberula Lindley + 1200-3000 Calanthe sylvatica (Thouars) Lindl. + 400-2700 Calanthe yuksomnensis Lucksom + 1400-1800 Galeola falconeri Hook.f. + 800-2300 Cheirostylis pabongnensis S.Z. Lucksom + below 1000 Coelogyne barbata Lindley + 1000-1800 Coelogyne corymbosa Lindley + + + + 1300-3500 Coelogyne cristata Lindley + + + + 1700-1900 Coelogyne fuscescens Lindley + 1300-2000 Coelogyne nitida (Wallich ex. D. Don) Lindley + 1300-2600 Cryptochilus lutca Lindl. + 1500-2300 Cryptochilus sanguinea wall + 1800-2300 Cymbidium devonianum Paxton. + 1450-2200 Cymbidium erthyraeum Lind. + + + 1000-2400 Cymbidium iridioides D. Don + 900-2800 Cymbidium lancifolium Hook. + 300-2200 Cymbidium mastersii Griffith ex Lindley + 900-2400 Dendrobium desniflorum Wallich + 400-1000 Dendrobium fimbriatum Hooker. + 600-1700 Dendrobium heterocarpum Wall. ex Lindl. + 1500-1800 Dendrobium hookerianum Lindl. + 1000-2300

74 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Altitudinal Scientific Name Kartok Soreng Nambu Rinchenpong Darap ranges (m) asl

Dendrobium longicornu Lindley + 1200-2500 Dendrobium nobile Lindl. + 500-1700 Dendrobium amoenum Wall. ex Lindl. + 600-2000 Diphylax urcèolata (C.B. Clarke) Hook.f. + 1900-4200 Gastrochilus acutifolius (Lindl.) Kunze + 700-900 Goodyera procera (Ker Gawler) Hook. + 200-1600 Liparis bistriata C.S.P.Parish & Rchb. f. + Liparis cordifolia Hook.f. + 1600-2000 Liparis dongchenii S.Z. Lucksom + 1500-2000 Oberonia pachyrachis Rchb. f. ex Hook. f. + 2100 Odontochilus lanceolatus (Lindl.)B1. + 800-2200 Ornithochilus difformis (Wall ex Lindl.) Schltr. + 500-2100 Otochilus albus Lindl. + 1300-1500 Otochilus fuscus Lindl. + 1200-2100 Otochilus lancilabius Seidenfaden. + 1500-2800 Pholidota articulata Lindl. + 800-2499 Pholidota articulata var. griffithii (Hook. f.) King & Pantling. + 800-2500 Pholidota imbricata Hook + 800-2700 Pholidota protracta Hook.f. + 1800-2700 Pleione maculata (Lindley) + 600-1600 Pleione praecox (pink) (Smith) D. Don + + + + + 1500-3400 Pleione humilis + + + + + 1100-3500 Rhomboda lanceolata (Lindl.) Ormerod + ca 1500 Rhynchostylis retusa (L.)Bl. + 300-1500 Tainia minor Hook.f. + 1900-2100 Vanda cristata Wall.ex Lindl. + 700-1700 Vanda pumila Hook.f + 500-1800 Vandopsis undulata (Lindl.)J .J. Smith. + 1800-2200 Zeuxine goodyeroides Lindl + 1200-2500 NOTE: + Presence

Table 2: Host-tree and orchid species specificity Sl. Host tree species Local Name Orchid species No. Coelogyne fuscescens, Bulbophyllum sp., Vanda sp., 1 Lyonia ovalifolia Angeri Pleione praecox & Pleione maculata etc. 2 Engelhardtia spicata Mauwa Dendronbium sp., Coelogyne sp., Cymbidium sp., etc.

3 Schima wallichii Chilaune Gastrochilus acutifolius & Gastrochilus inconspicuous

4 Castanopsis tribuloides Musre katus Pleione humilis & Pleione praecox & Eria coronaria, etc.

5 Symplocos lucida Kharaney Dendrobium sp., Pleione humilis & Pleione praecox,etc.

6 Symplocos glomerata Kholmey Pleione maculata, Pleione praecox & Coelogyne fuscescens

7 Albizia procera Siris Dendrobium nobile

8 Terminalia myriocarpa Pani saj Dendrobium nobile

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 75 Through the rapid biodiversity survey it has been 4. Murugan, C., J.P.Alappatt, S. Prabhu & W. Arisdason, observed that the orchid species especially the genus 2014. Habenaria nicobarica (Orchidaceae), a new Pleione have four species. It has fragmented distribution species from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Bangladesh Journal of Plant taxonomy 21 (1): 77-81 patterns from sub-tropical to temperate coniferous forest 5. Mathew, J., 2014. Dendrobium georgei (Orchidaceae): in Sikkim Himalayan Region. However, three Pleione A new species from southern western Ghats, india. species viz., Pleione praecox pink form, Pleione Telopea 16:89-92 maculata, Pleione humilis were inventoried in natural 6. Karthigeyan,K., V. Maina, R. Sumathi, J.Jayanthi & habitat from Kartok Reserve Forest, East Sikkim. It J.S. Jalal, 2014. Habenaria osmastonii (Orchidaceae), a has been observed that the blooming season of Pleione new terrestrial orchid from the Andaman Islands, India. species starts from last week of October till November. Phytotaxa 166(2): 150-154. Pleione has the limited time of flowering period as 7. Sudhizong Lucksom 2011. THE ORCHID DIVERSITY compared to other orchids like Cymbidium, Vanda, IN SIKKIM AND EFFECT OF CHANGE OF Coelygyne etc. So, it needs to be documented more ENVIRONMENT ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF NATIVE ORCHIDS IN SIKKIM HIMALAYA, INDIA. and explore the area in different flowering season too. Biodiversity of Sikkim, Exploring and conserving a Pleione praecox (pink form) is found to be commonly Global Hotspot. ISBN: 978-81-920437-0-9. Pp. 127- distributed in all the Reserve Forest having the same 148. altitudinal gradient. The host plant plays significant 8. www.sikenvis.nic.in role for the richness and presence of the orchid species. 9. Kataki, S. K., 1986. Orchids of Meghalaya. Forest Hence, the areas which were covered during the study Department, Shillong. period need more documentation and immediate 10. Rao, A.N., 2007. Orchid flora of North East India, conservation measures. Conservation of orchid species An up to date analysis. Bulletin of Arunachal Forest and their habitats has been keystone of the region. Research 23 (1&2):6-38 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Authors are thankful to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Assisted Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), Sikkim lauded at the International of Department of Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management, Govt. of Sikkim, for providing the Orchid Fest 2018 held at Kerala necessary facilities and encouragement. We also thank Dr. Thomas Chandy, IFS (PCCF cum Principal Secretary & Chief Project Director and Mr. C.S. A team led by Pakyong based floriculturist and an Rao, IFS (APCCF cum Project Director), Mr. Udai entrepreneur Shri B B Gurung assisted Shri Sangay Gurung, IFS (Additional Project Director-II), Mrs. Tshering Bhutia was lauded during the three day Kusum Gurung, SFS (DFO/BC), Sikkim Biodiversity International Orchid Fest 2018 jointly organized by the Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP), Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers’ Welfare, Kerala Agricultural University, and The Govt. of Sikkim. Lastly, G.B. Pant institute and BSI are Orchid Society of India during March 16-18, 2018 at acknowledged for the help in identification of plant. Regional Research Station, Agricultural University of Amalavayal, Wayanad, Kerala. REFERENCES Sikkim contingent displayed 30 varieties of 1. Misra, S. 2007. Orchids of Orissa. Bishen Singh Cymbidium hybrid orchids in the form of live plant and Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehra Dun cut flowers. Power point presentation highlighting on 2. Sanjappa, M. & P. Singh, 2007. Plant discoveries: New post-harvesting, handling, packaging, marketing and genera, species and new records. Botanical Survey of arranging it in different ways was presented by Shri. B. India, Kolkata. B. Gurung during technical session focusing on current 3. Sanjappa, M. & P. Singh, 2008. Plant discoveries: New trends in conservation, sustainable development, genera, species and new records. Botanical Survey of biological and social benefits of medicinally and India, Kolkata. floriculturally significant orchids. He also stressed on the scope of sustainability in the field of floriculture

76 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Sikkim State was appreciated for its rich collection Shri B.B. Gurung has been actively participating in of natural orchids and initiatives taken by the State these kinds of conference, exhibition, seminar and Government in the field of organic mission. The marketing especially in the field of floriculture. He has National Conference and Orchids Festival was a great platform for sharing ideas among the orchid growers, been participating in both National and International scientists and stakeholders. Level since 2005 in various parts of India.

The chief guest Advocate V.S Sunil Kumar, Honourable Minister for Agricultural Development & Farmers Welfare, Government of Kerala, Shri. Teeka Ram Meena IAS Principal Secretary (Agriculture) Government of Kerala, Dr R. Chandran Babu and other dignitaries visited the exhibition stall of Sikkim. The minister appreciated the work done by the delegates from Sikkim and he also invited them to participate in the Flower Fest which will be held in grand manner in 2019.

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 77 Remote Sensing and GIS in Forest Department Use of Remote Sensing and GIS for Bamboo Mapping in Sikkim

Article by Anjali Sharma, Cartographer, RS & GIS Cell, Working Plan Circle

emote sensing is the art and science of making like. However, with computer-assisted interpretation, measurements of the earth using sensors on it is most often simply color (i.e. the spectral response airplanes or satellites not in physical contact pattern) that is used. It is for this reason that a strong with the objects of investigation. Remote emphasis is placed on the use of multispectral sensors Rsensing images are the closest representation to nature (sensors that, like the eye, look at more than one place you can get. They are not mediated by others and are in the spectrum and thus are able to gauge spectral devoid of information filters normally introduced by response patterns), and the number and specific map-makers. As a consequence, images may provide placement of these spectral bands. an endless source of information only comparable with the number of possible interpretations. Potentially, Geographic Information System (GIS) this makes them the ‘best maps’ you can use. A good GIS is a computer-based tool for mapping and designed definition of Remote Sensing entails the acquisition to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and of information about the properties of an object or present all types of spatial or geographical data. It phenomenon that is not in contact with the collecting integrates common database operations, such as query device and statistical analysis, with maps.

Multispectral Remote Sensing RS and GIS Cell in Forest Department

In the visual interpretation of remotely sensed images, Remote Sensing Cell was set up in the Forest, a variety of image characteristics are brought into Environment and Wildlife Management Department, consideration: color (or tone in the case of panchromatic Government of Sikkim during 1986 under Working images), texture, size, shape, pattern, context, and the Plan Circle for effective utilization of Remote Sensing

78 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 techniques for Natural Resources Survey with the limited funds available from Science & Technology and Forest Resources Survey budget since 1987 and some of the basic Remote Sensing interpretation instruments have been procured. Forest Department has been designated as nodal agency for coordinating remote sensing activities in the State. The following instruments have been purchased to carry out the remote Sensing activities.

1. Optical Pantograph 2. Procom II 3. Blue printing Machine 4. Dynascan 5. Mirror Stereoscope 6. Zoom Transferrouscope etc

During this period, Forest Department has carried out different types of project like Forest mapping and damage detection for the entire State & Soil Resource mapping of entire State with the collaboration of Space Application Centre, Department of Space at Ahmedabad, Government of India and State Agriculture Department and National Bureau of Soil Survey and Landuse Planning, Government of India Nagpur.

Later on full-fledged Remote Sensing cell was set up verification in four district and collected sufficient in the Department under Working Plan Circle during ground truth information. The information was very 1994 with separate well equipped laboratory with latest crucial for selecting training sites during classification version software like ERDAS IMAGINE 2013 & 2016 of digital images. and Arc Desktop and plotter printer scanner etc. However, remote sensing is not seen as a replacement Use of Remote Sensing and GIS for Bamboo for field surveys. In fact, both methods should work in Mapping in Sikkim a complementary way. Field data are always required to calibrate and validate remote sensing analyses. Identification of bamboo improvement area is Likewise, remote sensing can help to add value to field significantly done through image classification, a surveys. The synergies of both methods should lead powerful RS and GIS tool. The Department of Science to a more efficient system for data capturing to render and Technology & Climate Change, Government of abundant and reliable information. Sikkim has done bamboo mapping using satellite imagery IRS P6 LISS III with spatial resolution 23.5 To prepare database and understand the location m from the 2008 and 2010 data. The Bamboos were of spatial geometric feature of bamboo species categorized into following manner: Pure bamboo - throughout the Sikkim State, considering Pure covers more than 60%; Mixed bamboo - covers less Bamboo covers more than 60% of bamboo in Sikkim than 20-60% and Mixed bamboo poor dominant - referenced from National Bamboo Mission reports and covers less than 20%. This is supplemented by satellite DST classification, the GIS lab under Working Plan data product like False Color Composite and field Circle of Forest Department has attempted to prepare a verification for area estimation. species-wise location map for bamboo by analyzing the available maps prepared by Science and Technology They have done pre-interpretation fieldwork & Climate Change Department with the assistance

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 79 of ground verification by the experts from National Bamboo Mission. Accordingly following species of bamboo having density above 60% were identified in different part of Sikkim and mapped accordingly.

Sl. Bamboo Species No. 1 Arundinaria racemosa 2 Dendrocalamus hookeri 3 Dendrocalamus sikkimensis 4 Phyllostachys bambusoides 5 Phullostachys aurea 6 Schizostachyum fuchsianum 7 Schizoztachyum munroi 8 Schizostachyum polymorphum Conclusion 9 Sinarundinaria falcata Recent scientific advances towards the use of Remote 10 Schizostachyum sharmae Sensing and GIS to identify bamboo species in Sikkim 11 Sinarundinaria hirsuta have provided cost effective methods of spatial data 12 Sinarundinaria hookeriana collection. In particular, this project provided better 13 Sinarundinaria intermedia 14 Sinarundinana maling solution to improve GIS database for cost effective 15 Thamnocalamus aristatus planning of activities. In coming days, Remote Sensing 16 Sinarundinana maling and GIS will play a significant great role in the State 17 Thamnocalamus falconeri of Sikkim in management and protection of our scarce natural resources and wildlife.

80 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 National Carbon Project- “Vegetation Carbon Pool Assessment”

Article by Pema Yoden Bhutia, JRF

Indian Space Research Organization has carried out a nationwide study to spatially estimate above ground biomass as a part of ISRO Geosphere Biosphere Program – “National Carbon Project- Vegetation Carbon Pool Assessment Project”. The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) and Department of Forests, Environment & wildlife Management (Working Plan Circle), Government of Sikkim have come into collaboration with an interest in the scientific research programme on assessment of phytomass and vegetation carbon. It will help in conservation, protection, utilization of forests and on the use of satellite remote sensing and GIS technologies for the scientific management of forests and the scientific understanding of various issues related to phytomass assessment, forest functioning and carbon sequestration. The project was implemented as multi- institutional program. Phase-1 of the study was for the duration of 2008-2012. Currently, the phase – II since 2016 is undergoing for the duration of three years. The Details of the sample areas and districts scientific gains of the study are to be furthered in phase State Districts Number of sample sites II of the project where we will strive to understand the Sikkim All districts Year I:20 changes in phytomass and carbon pool that have taken place from phase-I. Year II:20 Year III:10 The scope of the work to be carried out for the project includes: The total of 20 Nos. of plots has been covered till date • Undertake revisit of, and carry out field data collection is as follows: in, field plots established in Phase I of the project as a) Lachen Range (6 nos.) per the requirement of the VCP project and as per the b) Singtam Range/ Tumlabung RF (1 no.) sampling design of the project. c) Bulbuley, Gangtok Range (1 no.) • Inventory of all vegetation (trees, shrubs and herbs) in the plots and carry out the necessary measurements d) Tshoka, KNP (1 no.) and observations as required for the project. e) Namchi Range/Tendong RF(2 nos.) • Species-level identification and measurements of f) Phalidara, Namchi Range (1 no.) inventory parameters such as girth at breast height, g) Namchi Range/Sadam RF (1 no.) height of tree, etc. of the vegetation in the plot. h) Chungthang Range (1 no.) • Measure the biomass (as dry weight) of the herbs (in i) KNP (1 no.) a 1×1 m sub plot) of each plot j) Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary (1 no.) • The collected data, results and findings would be k) Soreng Range/Jhum RF (1 no.) shared by NRSC with other observational national/ international program such as ISRO-GBP National l) Kyongnosla Range/Lagyap RF (1 no.) Carbon Project. m) Fambonglho WLS (2 nos.) Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 81 Perseverance Rightly Defined A Forester is never OFF Duty! Sonam Norden Bhutia DFO (Adm & Plg) SBFP

t was on 25th December, 2015 at around 11:00 pm (in my bed with warm blankets on and watching tv), I received a call from my field staff (that time II was posted as ACF KNP, West). Me: Hello

Field Staff: Good evening Madam, aeuta bhalu niskaecha Tashiding gumpa ko toh loh

Me: Any injury reported ??

Field staff: No madam,…tyo bhalu ko tauko bucket/jar ma phasae cha!!

Me: Huh!!...kasari??

Field staff: May be some left over food was disposed in that bucket, the bear came in search of the food and eventually the head got stuck!

Me: Oh my God!...how long its been and did you all locate the bhalu? (Panic)

Field staff: its been an hour or so…with the help of local Panchayats and EDCs we have located the bhalu

Me: Ok, just be there at spot….. I am coming with the rescue team and will be reaching there at earliest possible After the conversation, first I calmed down and thought for a while, like How to go about…What should I do?....because it was almost 11:20pm (i.e basically off duty hours) so how to get the rescue team to the spot?!...Then I called the, then Director J.B. Sir and apprised him about the situation in the field and that I need to go with the rescue team to Tashiding, he directed me to co-ordinate with the Himalayan The female Himalayan Black Bear brought to Himalayan Zoological Park, Zoological Park (HZP) rescue team for further action. Rescue Centre from Tashiding, West Sikkim

82 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Thereafter, I called the then ACF HZP, Mr. Hem B. Rai, Me: khai, bhalu kaha cha? and explained him about the situation and asked him to ROs: bhato ko mathi, bhari ma sutih rahe ko cha… inform the rescue team as we need to reach the spot at because of the jar on her head (by then we came to the earliest possible. What kept me worried was that,... know its a female) she couldn’t see, and after failed as the head of the bear was stuck in a jar and it had attempts to remove the jar she got tired and felt asleep already been an hour or so (as informed by the field staff), the bear must have been suffering being unable We discussed how to carry out the operation, at first to see anything, may panic and could choke to death!… the area where the bear was located was cordon off, if we are unable to reach the spot and act on time…. all then the rescue team prepared the injection, loaded such thoughts were brewing in my mind… the tranquilizing gun and the bear was tranquilized. The bear was then shifted to a cage after 15 minutes, Amidst all these thoughts, the most important task of all as the sedative drugs takes 15 minutes to respond and struck me, only when I was about to leave my room... usually the sedation stays for at least 45 minutes-2 hrs Errrrrrrr…how will I convince my parents especially (depending on the age and the health of the animal), my Amla that I need to go for such an operation at this so it was during this 45 minutes where we had to hour!!?...(I think everyone can understand and relate to perform the crucial part of the operation, which was when it comes to our parents), but thankfully, my dearest to remove the jar without hurting the bear. It was the youngest bhainila came in action and helped me in biggest challenge as the rim of the jar was tightly stuck executing the preliminary rescue operation. (Eheehee) to the bear’s neck…hmmm… the mental stress and the Thereafter, I went to HZP, Bulbuley to pick up the pressure was no less than diffusing a bomb…because rescue team, by then ACFHZP had made the team ready one wrong cut and its gone!! with all their tranquilizing equipments and at around Due to the wee hours and with help of the torch light, 12:30 am we started off for Tashiding. It was month of it was quite difficult to cut the jar, that too ‘cut with December,…so getting out from ones bed and going precision’, so after struggling for approximately an for such an operation at such an hour was no less than hour, with the joint effort of the tranquilizing team along any challenge!...Furthermore, I was worried about our with field staff and some locals, we were successful driver falling asleep but thankfully he reached us safely in safely removing the jar. Bomb Diffused!!...feeling on time. indeed

Meanwhile, I received a call from the then, DFO Then at about 4:00 am, we started from Tashiding and (Territorial) West, Tshering Pintso Sir brought the caged female Himalayan black bear to HZP, Bulbuley by 6:00 am, by then I had informed J.B. Subba Me: Hello, Sir Sir, Director (HZP) & Mr. Hem B. Rai, ACFHZP, so all DFO Sir: Hello, Did u get the news about the bhalu at Tashiding?

Me: Yes Sir, with the tranquilizing team we have already started from Gangtok

DFO Sir: Ok, that’s great!...have already sent my staffs to the spot and will be starting from Pelling in a while and see u there

Me: Ok Sir, Thank you! (felt very motivated)

After about 2 hours journey, around 2:30 am we reached the spot, by then DFO Tshering Pintso Sir had also reached. The concerned Range Officers, along with the The female Himalayan Black Bear brought to Himalayan Zoological Park, field staff (KNP West & Territorial West) and some local Mr. NimTempa Sherpa preparing the injection for the tranquilizing operation Rescue Centre from Tashiding, West Sikkim people were at the roadside waiting for the rescue team.

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 83 Left to Right: Mr. D.T. Lepcha, Mr. Kishan Rai, Ms. Sonam Norden Bhutia, Mr. Keshab Bdr. Chettri, Mr. Sohn Tshering Lepcha Sitting: Mr. B.M Subba and local EDCs the necessary arrangements were already done to shift the bear to the Rescue Centre. With the breaking dawn everyone could now finally see the Bhalu properly (as the operation was performed in the wee hours). The female bear was huge (90-100kg) appx. and it started grunting…rarely does anyone feel relieved and excited on hearing this sound, But we were…as the Operation was successful! (Eheehee)

Now, when I look back and think, how could WE do it??...the only answer I could think of is OUR Perseverance!...so hence, a Forester is never OFF duty!

Lastly, it was Our Great Team Work which could make the rescue operation successful, and I would like Range Officers: Mr. Keshab Bdr. Chettri, KNP West to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved: and Mrs. Urmila Subba, West (T) for their dedicated Shri. J.B. Subba,IFS, the then Director (HZP); Shri. effort and service. Tshering Pintso Bhutia,the then DFO (T) West; Shri Hem B. Rai, the then ACFHZP for their timely co- Field staffs: KNP West: Mr. D.T Lepcha, HFG; Mr. ordination and co-operation. Nirmal Thapa, FG and West (T) :Mr.Prem Subba, FG & Mr. Tara Hang Subba, FG for theircommitted effort Tranquilizing team: Mr. Sohn Tshering Lepcha,Vet. and service. Compounder, Mr. Nim Tempa Sherpa, Animal keeper, Mr. Kishan Rai,Animal keeper, Mr. Serap Dorjee Sherpa, Animal keeper for their tireless effort and THANK YOU!...WE DID IT!!! dedicated service.

84 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 FERAL DOG MANAGEMENT IN SHINGBA RHODODENDRON SANCTUARY

By North Wildlife Division

fifteen day long feral dog sterilization programme was conducted by North Wildlife ADivision in collaboration with Sikkim Anti- Rabies and Animal Health Division (SARAH), DAHLFS around the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, North Sikkim.

The prime objective of the programme is to control the population of feral dogs in the long run, thereby reducing the threat caused by these dogs on the biodiversity of the park. Camps were conducted around the park in Shiv Mandir, Yumthang, Yakshay and Dombang along the defence and GREF camps. A total of 79 dogs (47 female and 32 male) were sterilized. The programme was also supported by the Army and GREF.

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 85 Would you like to work for the Environment today? Enroll, to create a Better Tomorrow!! GREEN SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (GSDP)

86 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 Green Skill Development Programme

Importance of Skilling India’s Youth: India’s youthful or ‘green’ skills. Green skills contribute to preserving manpower, a result of the demographic dividend, need or restoring environmental quality for sustainable to be provided with skills and ability to tackle global future and include jobs that protect ecosystems and challenges. The more we give importance to skill biodiversity, reduce energy and minimize waste development the more competent youth will be. It is and pollution. In line with the Skill India Mission of important to predict the possibilities of the future, and Hon’ble Prime Minister, Ministry of Environment, prepare for them today itself. We have to make India the Forest & Climate Change utilizing the vast network skill capital of the world. - Shri Narendra Modi, Prime and expertise of ENVIS Hubs/ RPs, has taken up an Minister of India. initiative for skill development in the environment To protect the environmental right of our future and forest sector to enable India’s youth to get gainful generations, all of us have a green social responsibility. employment and/or self-employment, called the Green The fast evolving and emerging technologies in Skill Development Programme (GSDP). dynamic world to combat the menace of environmental The programme endeavors to develop green skilled degradation need to be complemented by specially workers having technical knowledge and commitment trained and skilled manpower in various field at all to sustainable development, which will help in the levels. Imparting skill sets for greener transformation will generate employment opportunities and attainment of the Nationally Determined Contributions strengthen our resolve to conserve and preserve the (NDCs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), priceless environment. - Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister, National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs), as well as Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Waste Management Rules (2016). The first GSDP course was formulated for skilling Biodiversity India’s youth needed to be empowered with skill Conservationists (Basic Course) and Para-taxonomists development with focussed training in their areas of (Advance Course) of 3 months duration each on interest. For instance, there is need for skill development a pilot basis in ten select districts of the country at the grassroots to meet the challenges of hospitality (covering nine bio-geographic regions). 94 Trainees and tourism industry in order to better harness India’s successfully completed the basic course qualifying as tourism potential. - Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of skilled Biodiversity Conservationists and 152 Trainees State, Environment, Forest and Climate Change. completed the Advanced Course qualifying as skilled About GSDP: Most vocational training programmes Para-taxonomists. BSI and ZSI were the nodal Centres focus on mechanical/technical skills rather than ‘soft’ for the pilot programme. Text Source: gsdp-envis.gov.in

Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18 87 GSDP COURSES ACROSS THE COUNTRY THROUGH ENVIS

88 Panda | Vol. 10 | Issue 4 | 2017-18