SIKKIM - STATE ANNUAL PLAN 2001-2002FORESTRY AND WILDLIFEDEMAND NO. 13An outlay of Rs 625.00 lakhs has been projected for the Annual Plan 2001-2002 out of which Rs 112.85 lakhs has been earmarked for Wildlife conservation. Out of the projected outlay of Rs 625.00 lakhs, capital content is 20.00 lakhs. The physical large proposed to be achieved is 1067 Hectares. The consciousness in regard to the need for preserving the earth’s ecological balance has been greatly enhanced with a number of recent studies underling the damage caused to the earth’s atmosphere by the ozone layer and the increased penetration of ultra violent rays. The excessive discharge of pollutants into the earth’s atmosphere due to varying systems and unless concrete measures are taken up, it may be difficult to avoid ecological disaster in world. Sikkim has a special role to play with regard to the maintainence of Ecological balance in the eastern Himalayas. The high incidence of soil instability, degeneration of good agricultural land and the shrinking of the catchment areas of the river system coupled with increase in population and their continued dependence on forest resources are of the major concern. Economic development in terms of road building, powerhouse, irrigation channels and the requirements based on defense are mainly responsible for extensive deforestation. While 44 per cent of the State’s geopgraphical area is reported to be under green cover, surveyors indicate that around 40% of this area is under degradation to some degree or otherwise. Systematic surveys on the encroachment in reserve forests could not be undertaken and as a result the forest areas lost and those under threat cannot be accurately projected. All this underlines the extra ordinary importance of activities to be undertaken under forestry programme. No doubt the State has been quite alive to the situation and has discouraged establishment of forest based industries and commercial exploitation of forest resources. The threat from the growing population, the need for agricultural land, fodder and fuelwood requirements are however extremely serious and forestry programmes will have to take care of these challenges. The Annual Plan 2001-2002 has been proposed taking into account the crucial issues as enumerated above.
With the implementation of the report of the Third Pay commission, the financial Involvement in payment of salaries of the regular establishment of the department has gone up three folds as compared to that prior to implementation of the report. The salaries of the IFS cadre Officers also has risen by about four times as compared to the year prior to implementation to the Central 5th Pay Commission report. Further, the IFS officers are also provided with extra 12.5% allowance for being posted in the north Eastern state. The salaries of all the IFS officers except the PCCF, the CF Territorial and 3 territorial DFOs is being paid from Plan. The establishment of the CF Working, Nodal Officer FCA, CF Social forestry, JD Research, Education & Extension, JD Planning & Administration, JD Parks, and Zoos, DFO Planning, DFO Survey & Demarcation, sericulture, statistical Officer and a section of the ministerial staff such as peons, drivers and LDCs is also being paid from Plan. Hence, an outlay of Rs 200.00 has been earmarked for the year 2001-2002.
The scheme of Survey and Utilization of Forest Resources has been kept in low key in the previous Five Year Plan are due to fund constraints. But for proper management and due to increasing degradation of forest resources, this sector needs a special attention during the Ninth Five Year Plan. The following three programmes are proposed.
Growing human population as well as of cattle have rendered forests vulnerable to encroachment followed by cultivation, grazing and other forms of interference in forestlands, An estimated 40% of the state’s forests have got degraded in this manner. In order to check the process of human interference, it is imperative that boundaries of forests be clearly set out. This will not only prevent encroachment, it will also make settlement through litigation with consequent saving on government expenditure. The outlay is for survey works and restoration of boundary pillars in 20 kilometres of forests boundaries vulnerable to encroachment.
Forestry planning includes database, economic and natural resource analysis, assessment of programmes, impacts etc. All these are crucial for development and management of forests. Better management practices are needed to develop methods for obtaining sustainable yields of forest produce with simultaneous protection of the bio-diversity. The main activities will be preparation working Plan for all the four districts of the state. This has been made manadatory by the order DATED 12.12.1996 of the SUPREME COURT OF INDIA WP (CIVIL) NO. 202/95-TN GODAVARMAN THIRUMULKPAD Versus UNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS. The activities earmarked during the Annual Plan 2001-2002 include field surveys for ascertaining the suitability of the plantations for thinning operations, management of natural as well as manmade forests in sustained basis, extraction methodology, soil management etc. Working Plans for all the four districts viz. North, East, South and West are being prepared for sustainable management of forests for a period of 20 years. An outlay of Rs 20.00 lakhs has been proposed in the Annual Plan 2001-2002.
This is a continuing scheme. The outlay is for meeting up the establishment cost of the Planning and Statistical cell and also includes the cost for strengthening the cell by computerizing it and improving the library also.
Most of the success of forestry development depends upon the infrastructure facilities provided to the field staff. It is vital that the field level staff and supervisors live near their work place and are sufficiently mobile to function effectively. The scheme has been divided into two components.
In Sikkim, most of the forests are located far away from the PWD roads. For extraction of forest produce, communication to check the illicit activities and for proper monitoring and evaluation of forestry programmes, forest roads, approach roads and inspection paths are required to be constructed. Wireless network, vehicles and other modern facilities are also of utmost necessity. It has been proposed to maintain 3 kilometres of forest roads in south and west districts and 10 kilometres of inspection paths is proposed to be constructed in the Annual Plan 2001-2002.
An outlay of Rs 50.00 lakhs has been earmarked for the year 2001-2002. There is an acute shortage of residential accommodation for departmental personnel, particularly for those posted in remote areas. There is also an acute shortage of office accommodation for Range Officers and Block Officers in the district. The space available in the Forest Secretariat is insufficient for accommodating all the officers having headquarters at Gangtok and such, extension of the building is immediately required. Excluding the officers and field level staff posted at Gangtok, the following officers and field level staff posted outside Gangtok required residential accommodation.
All the above officers and staff are without residential accommodation. Financial support to provide accommodation to all the above officers and staff may not be feasible at a time. As such, it has been proposed to provide the accommodation to; 3 DFOs – one each in North, South and West districts. 4 ACFs – one each at Tsungthang, rongli, Ravangla and Soreng. 5 Ros – one each in North, South and West and two in East district. A lumpsum amount of Rs 15.00 lakhs has been proposed for the Annual Plan 2001-2002.
There are four components of this continuing scheme.
Sikkim has extensive forest areas having habitation near its boundaries. These forests are very much vulnerable to biotic interference. Thus priority is to be given for protection of these forests from encroachment, illicit felling of trees and poaching of endangered wild animals in these forests. This can take place by establishment of proper communication network, providing patrolling vehicles and arms to the forest field staff in all such vulnerable areas. The following programmes will be taken on priority.
The concept of Bio-diversity hot spot was evolve b the WWF in order to preserve species, which are highly specific in their occurrence and are to be preserved from biotic interference. Such locations have been towards hot spots and in Sikkim several such spot have been identified by the WWF for preservation. This programme was initiated in the last year of the eighth Five Year Plan for conservation of biological diversity in small areas.
This is a continuing scheme. Though the potential productivity of forests in the state is much higher but the actual production is very low. Emphasis will be given on production of fuelwood, fodder and small timber to meet the growing demand of the villagers who reside close to the forests. Production Forestry Programme will have two main components and each component is divided into three sub-components. The scheme is launched to release pressure from natural forests.
Under this scheme the high altitude areas of the North east district which are ecologically tragile and are located in the catchment areas of the Power Projects and Water Supply Schemes, are taken up for plantation. Most of the perennial streams, which originate from these forests, are slowly drying up. High intensity rains also lash these areas during June to September causing landslides and closure of roads of strategic importance. Under this scheme, plantation of such trees will be raised that are fast growing and can provide fodder, fuelwood and small timber to the people residing in the adjoining areas. The following physical targets are proposed to be covered in the Annual Plan 2001-2002.
Large chunks of reserved forest areas were damaged by fire during 1998-99 in West & South Sikkim. Besides, many areas in these districts have been highly degraded due to grazing and over exploitation in the past. Absence of green cover has caused drying up of the sources of the Water Supply Schemes. These areas need greater attention for restoration of green cover. The following physical target will be covered in the Annual Plan 2001-2002.
The people living in the villages adjacent to the forests are heavily dependent on it. Unless local people are encouraged to participate in forestry activities, it will be impossible to conserve the forest resources. Social and community forestry activities are already being implemented through Joint Forest Management, peoples participation should be strengthened in similar other schemes. Production of fuelwood and fodder in rural areas, development of forestry in urban areas and development and extension of Sericulture activities have been proposed as sub-components of this scheme.
Provision of sufficient fodder fuelwood and small timber for rural people is the responsibility of Forest Env. & Wildlife department in the state. The areas to be covered under this scheme are those that are located near the villages and have been utilized by the people during the past. The areas may be in Khasmal, gaucharan or in private holdings. This is centrally sponsored Scheme with 50:50 state and central sharing of the expenditure. It has been proposed to cover the following physical target during the year 2001-2002
With adjoining degraded forestland from Rangpo to Nathula. Planting with both indigenous and exotic plant species including shrubs, climbers and epiphytes both from the point of view of preservation of the rich gene pool besides beautification in urban areas. Creation of Heritage Park at Tsamgang, Namchi, South Sikkim. It has been proposed to create Bird Sanctuary at Rabdense RF in west district. The unique forest with archaeological importance will be fenced for total protection. The physical targets earmarked in the annual Plan 2001-2002 are as follows.
Sikkim’s climate is ideal to develop sericulture which is a labour intensive industry. This has been studied and approved by the Central Silk Board. This scheme is very encouraging of the state. Though this programme was started in the Sixth Plan but could not make much headway due to paucity of fund. It was very essential to create a separate Directorate of Seribulcute with full fledged facilities to gear up the sericulture activities in the state under full participation of the villagers in all four districts. Development and extension of sericulture will be taken up with the assistance of the central Silk Board. Apart from Mulbery plantation and silkworm rearing, the following extension activities have been proposed. 40 Hectares of area is proposed to be covered under Mulberry plantation in the year 2001-2002. Distribvution of the proposed outlay in different activities will be as follows.
The Rhododendron belt of North Sikkim presents peculiar combination of Rhododendron with other flora which have to be preserved and protected from interference as well as prevent degradation of the area. With this objective, the department has set up a test garden for Rhododendron during the last year of the eighth Five-Year Plan where different treatments are to be carried out in the Ninth Five Year Plan also.
There are two components of this scheme
The state has very good potential for cultivation of minor forest produce and medicinal plants by using the principle of sustainable development. The following activities are proposed. Systematic survey and inventory. Systematic propagation Systematic extraction and marketing.
The proposed outlay is meant for carrying out silvicultural operations like pruning, thinning and selection felling of silviculturally available trees to meet the bonafide requirements of the local people and to generate the revenue, improve future crop for better return. Old plantation area immediately require thinning. Thinning operations in east, south and west districts. Thinning operation in 150 Hectares of old plantations of more than 20 years of age has been proposed.
The scheme is divided into two components
To keep the officers and staff of the Forest department well acquainted with the latest in forestry, wildlife etc., it is necessary to have periodical training and refresher courses. The IFS officers have to undergo frequent compulsory training. The department has to send 32 block Officers appointed in 1999-2000 for one years training in different training institutions in other states. An outlay of Rs 15.00 lakhs has been earmarked to meet the training expenses of the following categories of officers and others.
The outlay is meant for extending forestry to the areas that are not managed by the Forest Department, through creation of awareness among the people regarding the importance of planting of trees and protection of forests. The programme envisages purchase of documentary films based on forestry and environment. Printing of posters, making banners, celebration of World Environment day. Vanamohotsava, Organization of JFM workshops, institution of tree planting and forest protection awards to individuals and institutions. Arranging exposure visits to other states.
The Research Education and Extension Circle is headed by a Joint Director. Research in forestry has not made any headway and therefore needs greater attention. Till date, forestry research is confined to maintenance of nursery, creation of sample plots, trial plots etc. It has been proposed to undertake silvicultural research in a big way. The main emphasis will be to find out fuelwood and fodder species suitable for degraded forestlands to achieve maximum production from such areas so that the fuelwood and fodder requirement of the people is met. Strengthening of Silvicultural Library, publication of research papers etc. will also be taken care of.
The above provision is meant for meeting the administrative overheads of the office of the Chief Wildlife Warden, Circle office and the two-district offices viz. Mangan (North) and Namchi (South/West). Establishment of the Joint Director, Parks and Zoos will also be taken care of.
Sikkim is very rich in flora and fauna due to wide range of altitude and good rainfall. The state is the home of some of the endangered and rare fauna like Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Red Panda, Musk Deer etc. The main emphasis under the scheme will be given to preliminary estimation of flora and fauna wealth, trap demolition and demarcation of the boundaries of the protected areas. The scheme has been divided into three components.
The scheme proposes to take various anti-poaching activities by organizing expeditions. Efforts will be made to improve the habitat within the protected areas through the following activities. Fresh Management of habitat through creation of water holes, salt licks, plantation of fruit and fodder plants. And up-to-date census of wildlife in a phased manner in collaboration with Zoological Survey of India. Organisation of Wildlife Expeditions to the highlands in order to study the population of Thar, Nayan and Blue Sheep as well as Monal and Tragopan pheasants, Research is also proposed to be carried out in protected areas to understand the ecology of flora and fauna of the high altitude areas. Strengthening of infrastructure like patrolling equipment, accommodation etc. is also proposed.
Rare and endangered species of Himalayan fauna are being protected in Tashiling deer Park. For their maintenance etc. an amount of Rs 2.50 lakhs has been set aside in the Annual Plan 2001-2002. The Deer Park is one of the prestigious park in Gangtok from the point of Eco-Tourism. It is being maintained by parting possible inputs. The park needs to be developed and extended so that more tourists are attracted to this park. Activities related to protection of wildlife outside the protected areas will be taken up under this scheme.
The Himalayan zoological Park is a prestigious project of the state government, which was started in the year 1990-91 over an area of 206 Ha. The main objective of the Park was to display the exhibits and breeding of rare and endangered species for conservation, propagation and research. The park will have modern design enclosures and adequate habitat to sustain the animals. The proposal includes display of 37 mammals, 6 pheasants, rei and amphibians. The park shall have an interpretation centre and other modern amenities to facilitate proper education, awareness, research and publicity. The park once established will have better place for not only the locals but will promote wildlife tourism in the state. The park will be an asset to the state. An outlay of Rs 100.00 lakhs has been proposed for the Annual Plan 2001-2002. ABSTRACT
ANNUAL PLAN 2001-2002: Rupees in Lakhs
PHYSICAL TARGET AND ACHIEVEMENT FOREST, ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT Area in Hectares
SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION (FOREST)DEMAND NO. 13Sikkim lies along the lower Himalayan belt and is made up of geologically young mountains with extreme susceptibility to soil disturbance due to seismic factor. The region also Experiences torrential rainfall during the long period of monsoons, starting from mid-May to the end of October, which has a very severe impact on the soil, structure. Further, the impact of developmental activities like road construction, installation of power stations, the spread to urban areas also have serious implications as far as the ecological stability is concerned. The increasing demand for fuelwood from the growing population, the demand of timber for constructional purposes also poses danger to the green cover. The fact that the major catchment area of the river system in the state have to be given special attention as degradation of these sensitive catchments will accelerate the process of degradation of ecology due to excessive soil run off causing flood and devastation in the lower region. Identification of vulnerable areas and to take up measures like afforestation, scientific land management tackling the soil stability both inside and outside the watershed areas will be the main activities of the scheme. This is particularly important because valuable agricultural lands are subjected to landslides and soil erosion during the rainy season. The measures adopted generally are protective works with light engineering structures with vegetative support. An outlay of Rs 200.00 lakhs has been proposed in the Annual Plan 2001-2002. The following components are included in this sector.
The proposed outlay includes the establishment cost of the office of the Chief Conservator of forests. Conservator of Forests (Landuse) and of the Joint Director, Ecology and Environment Circle. The establishment cost of the Divisional Forest Officer, River Valley Project is also met from this component.
This constitutes the major component under the sector. It is proposed to take up all the 30 identified watershed with usual package of maeasures involving afforestation, maintenance of plantation and nurseries. A total provision of Rs 35.75 lakhs has been proposed for 2001-2002 Annual Plan. Efforts will be made to consolidate past investments made in these project areas so that development measures can be saturated.
Considering the urgent need to tackle and handle the emergency protective measures outside the watershed areas, the department has proposed to take such schemes amounting to 5.00 lakhs during the Annual Plan 2001-2002.
The state Land Use Board was constituted in 1984. Since then the board has put in considerable efforts towards establishing it’s office. In order to reduce the optimum and proper utilization of land resource of land resource, the Board is an apex body to provide highest forum for policy, planning and co-ordination of all issues connected with healthy and scientific management of land resources. Besides, the board is taking initiative in creating public awareness and in monitoring support for environment protection and pollution control programme. The total provision of Rs 2.25 lakhs has been proposed for Annual Plan 2001-2002. ABSTRACT
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