SILIGURI, Nov. 12. - The forest department and seven
NGOs from various parts of North Bengal have taken upon themselves
the task of protecting the Singalila National Park, Darjeeling.
The park, situated at an altitude of
3,636 metres, is rich in medicinal and alpine plants. It is also
home to the endangered Red Panda.
The forest department is keen on minimising environmental threats
faced by the park, and it plans to do this with the help of the
seven NGOs. The 31-km stretch of road from Manebhanjang to Sandakphu
that passes through the park is also likely to get a facelift. From
the next tourist season, the forest department has banned the use
of polythene products at the park and decided to make it compulsory
for tourists to take a guide with them.The NGOs, from Siliguri,
Naxalbari, Raiganj, Balurghat, Dinhata, Cooch Behar and Darjeeling,
recently conducted a week-long cleanliness drive along the 31-km
stretch of the road with help from residents. A lot of non-biodegradable
waste was collected during the drive. Residents of Manebhanjang,
Chittrey, Lamedhura, Meghma, Gurasae, Tonglu, Tumling, Jowbari,
Gairibas, Katyakata, Kalipokhari, Beekay Bhanjan and Sandakphu participated
in the awareness programmes. The NGOs also discussed local problems
and delivered speeches on environmental awareness.
Mr Animesh Bose, programme coordinator of the Himalayan Nature
and Adventure Foundation and joint convener of the Clean and Green
Singalila National Park Project, said he had never imagined that
one of the most beautiful trekking routes in the country could become
so dirty. He said the second phase of the NGOs' programme would
start from 19 November. Forest department officials have already
discussed the problems with these NGOs and the next time, the forest
department, with the help of these NGOs, will train local guides
and porters on how to minimise environmental threats to the park.
The DFO, Wildlife-I, Mr Raju Das, said: `We have taken note of
the situation at Singalila National Park and we will conduct motivational
programmes for guides and porters.` He said the programme would
most probably be held early next month. Mr Das stressed that those
found using polythene bags in the park would be punished.
A senior forest official said: `We hope to complete a motivational
training programme before the next tourist season. After that, it
will be mandatory for tourists to take guides with them.`
According to the NGOs, felling trees for firewood along the trekking
route was another problem which needed to be solved at the earliest.
They have already discussed the problem with the forest department.
Courtesy
The Statesman |
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