ANNUAL PLAN 2002-03
Ecology & Environment

Ecology & Environment programme in Sikkim envisages ecological restoration of fragile eco-system and the control & abatement of air and water pollution in a scientific manner . The main thrust is on integrating various development activities having a bearing on the ecological balance and the potential resources of the areas, through the biological and light engineering measures with a multidisciplinary approach. The rapid urbanisation and the increasing population of the locality has been causing a threat to the ambient air & Water quality of these towns. As such, regular monitoring of pollution parameters is must to minimise them effectively in the successive years. Eco-Development programmes has been concentrated in urban areas and a eco-park for recreational purpose.

SIZE OF THE PLAN:

1. DIRECTION & ADMINISTRATION

A provision of Rs 16.50 lakhs has been projected under Direction & Administration to meet up the probable expenditure on account of establishment viz. Salaries, Travelling Allowances Motor Vehicle and Office expenses including the purchase of computer set etc. in Environment Pollution Control Division.

2. WET LAND CONSERVATION

The Wet Land areas in the form of lake and other beings. In view of the ecological and environmental importance of the region, efforts has been made towards the implementation of conservation measures of this areas by providing necessary protection. Suitable silviculture treatment and supplementing the stock by artificial regeneration. The salvation of lake in high altitude areas is the primary objective to keep such water bodies in its original shape and sizes. For this purpose, silt detention structure is required to be constructed all around the lake so that the silt is checked from going down into the lake. The cleaning and removing of the siltation from the lakes is the next operation to execute salvation work manually. There are number of lake in Sikkim, out of which, 150 numbers have been identified so far. The programme shall be implemented all over the areas under North, South, West and East District.

3. TREATMENT OF CATCHMENT AREAS OF URBAN DRINKING WATER SUPPLY

This scheme aims at the restoration of degraded catchment areas of water sources for supply of drinking water to the urban areas. Rateychu forms the major water source for supply of drinking water to Gangtok and the neighbouring areas. Apart from this, other catchment areas of water sources located in South, West and North District have been proposed to be taken up during this plan period.

4. ECO-DEVELOPMENT OF URBAN AREAS

This is a programme proposed to be carried out in urban townships and other such areas for creation of green belt with an object to provide sink for CO2, city-noise and also to provide aesthetic beauty of the surroundings. The programme includes the landscaping beautification, plantation of ornamental plants and pollution tolerant species, creation of Eco-Park etc. which will be undertaken as per the site condition.

5. J.N. BOTANICAL GARDEN AT RUMTEK

This programme consists of propagation and ex-situ conservation of several varieties of Orchids. Rhododendrons and associate plants with an aim to educate the people about the richness of the floral wealth of the Eastern Himalayas. This garden has also become a tourist spot. The proposed developmental activities includes extension of garden, renovation of existing glass houses, landscaping, turfing, construction of bridle path, toiletries, resting sheds, compound fencing and purchase of tools & equipments etc. required for upkeep of the garden.

6. PREVENTION OF AIR & WATER POLLUTION

This scheme envisages regular monitoring of pollution of ambient air & water (both potable as well the water eco-system) in order to enforce the laws relating to the Pollution Control. The proposed activities are monitoring of lake & river system, monitoring of air & water quality of townships and industrial discharges, up-gradation of laboratory, purchase of chemical & glasswares, purchase of new set of computer with dot-matrix printer for processing of data and regular publication of reports & journals etc.

ABSTRACT

Sector: Ecology And Environment

Sl. No Name of Scheme 10th Five Year Plan Annual Plan 2002-2003 Remarks Physical Financial Physical Financial Cubic Area in Rupees Cubic Area Rupees 1. Direction & Administration - - 90.00 - - 16.50   2. Environmental Education Training & Extension - - 10.00 - - -   3. Wetland Conservation 638 244 83.00 - - 4.50   4. Treatment Catchment Areas of Urban Drinking Water Supply 508 127 66.00 - - 3.50   5. Ecological Stability of Hill Slopes 230 30 23.00 - - -   6. Treatment of Catchment Area of Rural Irrigation Programme 192 48 25.00 - - -   7. Eco Development of Urban Area - 18 50.00 - - 1.00   8. Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden at Rumtek - - 74.00 - - 1.50   9. Germ Plasm Bank - - 10.00 - -     10. Preservation of Air Water and Pollution - - 69.00 - - 3.00   TOTAL 1568 467 500.00 - - 30.00

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