Ecotone2 1 2010

Volume 2 Issue1 May 2010

EcotoneEcotoneEcotoneEcotone�� A quarterly newsletter on environment and biodiversity of North East India

A joint publication of Environ, Guwahati (Assam) and NECEER, Imphal (Manipur)

ISSN 0976-3589

EcotoneEcotoneEcotoneEcotone

Volume 2 Issue 1Volume 2 Issue 1Volume 2 Issue 1Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010May 2010May 2010May 2010 EcotoneEcotoneEcotoneEcotone

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Cover PageCover PageCover PageCover Page

Balanophora dioica Photo: Lunminlal Kipgen

Designed, layout and printed by Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh

Dear Readers,

We are happy to present the 1st issue of Vol. 2 of Ecotone.

It was your support and encouragement that constantly

raised our moral. We would require that in near future

too.

The very recently concluded South Asian Association for

Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit at Thimphu,

turned out to be more of an environmental summit of the

heads of states and will pave the way for a green and

happy South Asia. Many of the people are though skep-

tical over the enthusiasm of the head of the states and

there remains a long history of the flounder decision of

SAARC. The 2007 Dhaka summit had come up with the

Climate Change action plan and it was the third meeting

of Environment Minister at Maldives in 1997 where the

SAARC Action Plan on Environment was adopted but

when it comes to the implementation part, most of the

member states are still to act on it. But we have to hope-

ful as the decision on establishing the SAARC Inter-

governmental Monsoon Initiative on the evolving pattern

of monsoons to assess vulnerability due to climate

change, SAARC Inter-governmental Mountain Initiative

on mountain ecosystems and SAARC Inter-

governmental Marine Initiative will definitely help in

sharing knowledge on various issues of these critical

ecosystems.

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief Kripaljyoti Mazumdar

Managing Editor Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh

Associate Editors Kalpana Thaoroijam Navanath Saharia

Assistant Editors Bidyut Bikash Sarma Mohd. Sajid Idrisi

Chinmoy Choudhury

ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. Vishwas Chavan Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

Denmark Dr. Hemant K. Badola

G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Sikkim Unit, Gangtok, Sikkim

Prof. Abhik Gupta Dept. of Ecology and Environmental Science

Assam University, Silchar, Assam Dr. Swapna Prabhu

Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Mumbai, Maharashtra Mr. Amarjyoti Kashyap

President, Environ, Guwahati, Assam

Kripaljyoti Mazumdar Editor-in-chief, Ecotone

All rights reserved © Environ & NECEER

For any enquiries please contact:

Kripaljyoti Mazumdar, Editor-in-chief

Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh, Managing Editor

E-mail: [email protected]

EDITORIAL


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Green News 1. Green News _______________________________________________________________________________ 4 2. Balanophora - a rare and endangered plant found in North East India Lunminlal Kipgen and Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh _____________________________________ 6 3. Coal resource potentials, utilisation possibilities, environmental implications and eco-

friendly mining of North East India Kiranmay Sarma ___________________________________________________________________________ 9 4. Conservation of Endangered Phayre’s leaf langur (Trachypithecus phayrei) in degraded habi-

tat of southern Assam, India Kripaljyoti Mazumdar ____________________________________________________________________ 14 5. Status and Conservation of Slow Loris Nycticebus bengalensis in Northeast India Awadhesh Kumar and Ashalata Devi _____________________________________________________ 18 6. Spandan, the bip: Web based platform for biodiversity inventory by people. Neha Singh, Gurushant Upase, Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh and Vishwas Chavan __ 21 7. Swertia chirayita, a high value endangered medicinal herb: potential in north-east India Bharat K. Pradhan and Hemant K. Badola _______________________________________________ 24

Protecting the Wetlands

Sir,

Wetlands, as ecosystem contributes to both diver-sity conservation and human well being. However, the sorry state of affairs is that the wetlands are on the verge of destruction; the sooner we act it would be better. I would like to share with my eco friends some practical suggestions for protecting our wetlands, which I found while browsing good books on environment and internet. With these simple and effective steps, we can contribute a lot for protecting our wetlands:

1. Construction of Nest Boxes: If nest boxes are constructed in and within the wet-lands, it shall not only provide shelter to migratory birds, but will help to boost wetlands tourism, providing platform to save the wetlands.

2. Buffer or Greenbelts: Maintaining a ve-getative buffer or green belt will protect wetlands from adjacent human activities.

3. Fencing: Wired fencing can be done to save the wetland from encroachment.

4. Exotic Species Plantation: Plantation of exotic species within the wetland, will not only add to the conservation of wet-lands but also the exotic plants

5. Creating Awareness: Awareness about wetlands should be spread by holding mini exhibitions within schools and col-lege campus.

So sir, through your esteemed newsletter I am drawing the attention of youths of the N.E. region towards these simple yet effective steps for pro-tecting our wetlands from destruction. I hope that my minimal contribution can protect my environ-ment from further destruction.

Deepshikha Pathak Library and Information Assistant National Library Kolkata -700 027 e-mail: [email protected]

CONTENTS Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010

LETTER TO EDITORLETTER TO EDITORLETTER TO EDITORLETTER TO EDITOR



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GREEN NEWSGREEN NEWSGREEN NEWSGREEN NEWS

AGARTALA to be eco-friendly city Aiming at making the State capital a solar city, the Tripura Government is preparing a report to make mandatory the use of this alternate form of energy. Joy Gobinda Debroy, Science, Technology and Environment Minister, Tripura said “We have decided to make solar energy provision mandatory in buildings to make Agartala a solar city to keep it free from environmental pollution”. The present building rules would be changed to make use of solar energy mandatory in buildings to reduce dependance on conventional energy and make it environment friendly, he said, adding the rule would be applicable to private, government and commercial buildings. With the Centre suggest-ing that Northeastern State capitals would be among 60 cities countrywide to use solar energy, Debroy said the State Government has started preparing a detailed project report and a survey would be undertaken in Agartala next month. Meanwhile, Tripura Natural Gas Co Ltd (TNGCL), a joint venture of the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) and Tripura Government, has announced a plan to run all vehicles in Agartala including government and private ones with com-pressed natural gas (CNG) by 2013. CNG will also be available to those now using electricity, petrol and diesel to run machinery in factories. (Source: The Assam Tribune). SOS Children’s Village to adopt Rainwater Harvesting To contribute to the water conservation efforts of the world community, the SOS Children’s Village, Guwahati and Coca-Cola India on 30th March 2010 announced a rainwater harvesting project at the village. The project was launched by JR Phu-kan, director, area operations, North East and Siliguri, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd covering a total area of over 33,600 square metres, the project on completion, will create annual groundwater recharge potential of 14,595 cubic metres (14,595,000 litres) of water and ensure sustainable water resources for over 250 residents of the village and communities around. This rainwater harvesting project will cover 39 SOS locations spread across the country. Rakesh

Jinsi, secretary general, SOS Children’s Villages of India said, “The project upon completion, by re-charging the groundwater, would help in envi-ronmental re-building and in the long term ensure better availability of water. Through this, our children will become aware of the importance of water/environment conservation and grow up into being the advocacy ambassadors for the cause of water conservation.” (Source: The Assam Tribune). ENVIRON & NECEER launched ‘Save Loktak Campaign’ in Assam ‘Save Loktak Campaign’ in the state of Assam was kick started with the launching of the campaign in the two cities viz. Guwahati and Silchar along with the other 25 cities globally. The yearlong campaign aims at conserving the precious wet-lands of the region taking Loktak (RAMSAR site) as an umbrella site and will cover 25 different ci-ties along 3 continents with a collaborative effort of 20 partner organizations of NECEER. The Gu-wahati (P. Dutta Memorial Seminar hall, Gauhati University) and Silchar (Women’s College, Sil-char) chapter of the campaign was formally launched on 7th of March 2010 simultaneously in both the cities by ENVIRON. While the Guwaha-ti campaign focused on the conservation and pro-tection of Deepor beel another important wetland and the second RAMSAR site of the region, the Silchar campaign focused on the conservation and protection of Son-beel and Chatla wetland of Ba-rak valley. The Guwahati campaign started offi-cially on 6th March 2010 in P. Dutta Memorial Se-minar hall, Gauhati University with a Prize money quiz competition, “Ecoquest 2010- a 180 minutes of quizzical bliss” in the memory of Lt. Syed Monuwar Hussain which will be conducted annually from this year onwards. and Art competition in Parijat Academy, Deepor Beel. Simultaneously a Art competition was also held on the same day among the school children of Parijat Academy, near Deepor Beel. During the Guwahati campaign ‘Deepor Beel Con-servation Movement’ committee was also formed involving various stakeholders, scientist, research scholars and community people. Stress is given



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over need of a development authority to develop it in a manner that ensures livelihood options for the people depending on it traditionally and also to prevent illegal activities inside the beel areas. (Source: Press release, ENVIRON) Photo: Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University inaugurating the ‘Save Loktak and Deepor beel Campaign’, Guwahati. Cell on climate change to be set up at ASTEC, Gu-wahati: The Department of Science & Technology, Gov-ernment of Assam has decided to set up a State-level climate cell in the environment division of Assam Science Technology & Environment Coun-cil (ASTEC).

The GoI has already declared a national action plan on climate change with eight missions, viz. National Solar Mission, National Mission on En-hanced Energy Efficiency, National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, National Water Mission, National Mission on Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-system, National Mission for a “Green India”, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and National Mission for Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change.

It is now the responsibility of the State Govern-ments to respond to this national action plan by preparing State specific action plan. The State climate cell, set up in ASTEC will prepare a State action plan and submit to the State Government for further action. Moreover, the State climate cell will have other objectives like sensitising the common people, students and teachers on issues related to global warming and climate, to develop local specific climate change mitigation measures, to prioritise research programmes in various sec-tors to cope with the changes taking place in cli-mate, etc.

The cell will provide special focus to cope with the situation arising out of global climate change in the light of national action plan on climate change. The cell will also facilitate networking with regional, national and international agencies for strengthening and enriching the activities of the climate cell. Overall focus of the cell is to find out strategy to cope with changing climate and related impacts on various fields like agriculture, flood, energy, health, forestry, etc.

The cell will arrange regular interactions with experts from all fields, policy makers and govern-ment functionaries. A framework for the state action on climate plan is under preparation. The cell will produce and publish various educational materials for sensitization of all sections of people, said a press release. (Source: www.chimalaya.org) Glacier shrinkage may Effect Brahmaputra River:

The Ministry of Environment and Forest in India hinted that water flow in the Indian rivers espe-cially Brahmaputra and Ganga rivers were at risk because of shrinkage of glaciers in Tibet.

The studies conducted by the Geological Survey of India indicate that the glaciers of Himalaya are receding at varying rates in different regions. The Government of India has developed guidelines and best practices for sustaining Himalayan eco-system (G-She), which has been shared with all State Government in the Himalayan region, the Minister added.

The National Action Plan on Climate Change, which was launched in June 2008, includes a Na-tional Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-System. A new mission centre on Himalayan Gla-ciology has been set up at Wadia Institute of Hi-malayan Geology at Dehradun, he stated. The shrinkage of glaciers in Tibet posing a threat to the Brahmaputra river system may be another headache for the Government of India after re-ports of China planning to divert Brahmaputra. China has last month officially confirmed to Ex-ternal Affairs Minister S M Krishna that it is building a number of dams in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River in Tibet (Source: www.chimalaya.org)



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ENDANGERED SPECIES

Photo: Lunminlal Kipgen

Balanophora are one of the extremely rare and threatened plants of India. Most of the species in the genus are parasite on tree roots and are found in dense forests in the entire Himalayan region. The plants have an above ground inflorescence with appearance of a fungus with numerous small flowers. The inflorescences are developed underground and rupture when it surface above the ground. The plants are dioecious, and the fruits are indehiscent drupes or nuts. The underground portion, which attaches itself to the host, looks like a tuber, and doesn’t have a proper root system. Balanophora belongs to the family Balanophoraceae. The 15 species in the genus are all native to the Old World Tropics. Balanophora species are among the most unusual of all higher plants and are known to parasitize at least 74 species in 35 fami-lies (Mabberley, 1987). The most well known and widely distributed species Balanophora fungosa has at least 25 host plant species. Balanophora species are either dioecious or monoecious and echloro-phyllous. Balanophora species B. involucrate, B. po-lyandra, Balanophora dioica and B. harlandii are re-ported from Eastern Himalayas (Chowdhery, 1997; Hajra et al., 1996; Singh & Chauhan, 1997; Wu, 2003). Balanophora dioica is known as Himalayan Balano-phora, as it is endemic to the Himalayas especially to the Eastern part. The species is of extreme rare occurrence and of botanical interest (Jain & Sa-stry, 1980). Balanophora is listed under the App II of the CITES (Convention on International Trade in

Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna) and is prohibited for export from India. Description Herb. Dioecious. Rhizome brown, or reddish pur-ple in colour, unbranched or clump together in a mass. Scapes purple to pink, cylindric, 2-10 cm. Leaves 3-10, distichous, rarely spirally arranged, imbricate, broadly ovate to ovate-oblong, , apex obtuse to emarginate. Male inflorescences broadly ovoid to ellipsoid. Male flowers: very numerous, actinomorphic, each subtended by a single trun-cate bract. Pedicel 4-9 mm. Perianth lobes 4 or 5, ovate, reflexed. Synandria hemispheroidal, anthers cell longitudinally dehiscent. Female inflore-scences ellipsoid to narrowly ovoid, 2-5 cm. Spa-dicles ca. 1 mm, subclavate, apical 1/3 subglobose, apex truncate and papillate; cuticular ridges of apical cells longitudinally slender and congested. Female flowers: on basal stipe of spadicles and main axis of inflorescence. Flowering Sept. to Dec.

Balanophora - a rare and endangered

plant found in North East

India

Lunminlal Kipgen Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh


Figure 1. Natural population of Balanophora.

Key to the Northeast Indian species of Balano-phora 1. Bracts subtending flowers fused side by side

into a hexagonal alveolus ……………………………... 2 1. Bracts subtending flowers free or not devel-

oped ………………………………………………………..……….… 3 2. Leaves verticillate and connate into a sheath-

like whorl ……………….……. B. involucrata 2. Leaves subopposite or spiraled . B. harlandii 3. Flowers pedicellate; anther cells transversely

divided into small locelli ……….. B. polyandra 3. Flowers long pedicellate; anther cells usually

longitudinally dehiscent ………………………………. 4 4. Perianth lobes ovate, less than 2 mm; synan-

dria hemispheric ……………………………… B. dioica Distribution in North East India The species is found in the tropical dense forestsof Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Assam and Aru-nachal Pradesh at an elevation of 1100 m to 2600 m.


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Photo: Lunminlal Kipgen

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Bracts subtending flowers fused side by side l-

h-

harlandii ely

Flowers long pedicellate; anther cells usually

n-

ound in the tropical dense forests u-

2600

Threats Balanophora is under severe threats from habitat destruction. Shifting cultivation and forest fire are the main culprits for the destruction of wild population of the species in the region. Conservation Involvement of the local people and change of existing agriculture practice i.e. shifting culti-vation would play an important role in the in-situ and ex-situ conservation of the genus. Very little information exists on the cultivation of Balanopho-ra. For these reasons, we here raise concerns for the conservation of the taxa and strongly voice the need to develop cultivation methodologies.

ReferencesReferencesReferencesReferences

Chowdhery, H. J. 1997. Plant diversity in Dibang

Valley District, Arunachal Pradesh. Pp 113. In Plant diversity hotspots in India: An overview. (eds



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Hajra, P. K. and Mudgal, V.), Botanical Survey of India, Howrah.

Hajra, P. K., Verma, D. M. and Giri, D. M. (eds.). 1996. Materials for the Flora of Arunachal Pradesh. Series 2. Vol. 1. Botanical Survey of India. Cal-cutta.

Hooker, J. D. 1875. Flora of British India. 5: 237 Jain, S. K. and Sastry, A. R. K. 1980. Threatened

plants of India: A state of the art report. Botan-ical Survey of India, Howrah.

Mabberley, D. J. 1987. The Plant Book. Cambridge Univ. Press. Cambridge.

Sarma, K. 2002. Coal mining and its impact on environment of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Meghalaya. Ph.D. Thesis. North Eastern Hill University, Shillong. India.

Singh, P. and Chauhan, A. S. 1997. Plant diversity in Sikkim Himalaya. Pp 145. In Plant diversity

hotspots in India: An overview. (eds Hajra, P.K. and Mudgal, V.), Botanical Survey of India, How-rah.

Wu, Z. Y., Raven, P. H & Hong, D. Y. (eds). 2003. Flora of China. Vol. 5 (Ulmaceae through Basell-aceae). Science Press, Beijing, and Missouri Bo-tanical Garden Press, St. Louis.

Authors

Lunminlal Kipgen Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh Research and Development Division North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research, Sagolband Tera Sapam Leirak, Imphal – 795 001, Manipur Email: [email protected]



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HOT TOPIC

India is the fifth largest coal producing country in the world. The country is replete with minerals and many states have rich coal resources. Soon after independence, India witnessed a spurt in the growth of heavy industries that needed a large amount of mining of coal and metals. Thus, the mining operations in India began on a large scale in 1950s. At present Raniganj in West Bengal, Jharia in Bihar and Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh have large scale coal mining operations in the country. Among the northeastern states of India, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland are endowed with workable deposits of coal. They have not been sufficiently developed owing to their inaccessibility coupled with lack of infrastruc-ture, complex geotectonic setting with mining more hazardous and inherent high sulphur content in the coals. GeoGeoGeoGeology of the coalfieldslogy of the coalfieldslogy of the coalfieldslogy of the coalfields

The coal deposits of northeast are along three dis-tinct geotectonic provinces, viz., 1. The narrow discontinuous Gondwana belt of

Arunachal Pradesh disposed as thrust sheets in the foot of Himalayas.

2. The coal belts of Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya and Mikir Hills of Assam formed on the platform areas peripheral to the shield.

3. The coalfields of Upper Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh formed in the pericratonic downwarps in a zone of Schu-ppen.

A.A.A.A. GONDWANA BELGONDWANA BELGONDWANA BELGONDWANA BELT OF ARUNACHAL T OF ARUNACHAL T OF ARUNACHAL T OF ARUNACHAL

PRADESHPRADESHPRADESHPRADESH

The Gondwana sediments occur as a narrow li-near belt stretching from Kameng district in the west to Siang district in the east. It may also ex-tend further east in the Lohit district. The sedi-ments are, however, disposed as discon-tinuous patches in the zone of thrusts. These coals are lenticular in disposition and are much crushed. The coal seams are disposed as boulins and have very limited strike continuity thereby rendering them economically.

Coal resource potentials, utilisation possibilities, envi-

ronmental implications and eco-friendly mining of North

East India

Kiranmay Sarma



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B.B.B.B. COAL BELTS OF GARO, KHASI AND COAL BELTS OF GARO, KHASI AND COAL BELTS OF GARO, KHASI AND COAL BELTS OF GARO, KHASI AND

JAINTIJAINTIJAINTIJAINTIA HILLS OF MEGHALAYA AND A HILLS OF MEGHALAYA AND A HILLS OF MEGHALAYA AND A HILLS OF MEGHALAYA AND

MIKIR HILLS OF ASSAM MIKIR HILLS OF ASSAM MIKIR HILLS OF ASSAM MIKIR HILLS OF ASSAM

Garo HillsGaro HillsGaro HillsGaro Hills These are located along the southwestern extrem-ity of the Shillong plateau. The coal bearing for-mations occur over a large area and owing to ero-sion now occur as isolated patches, referred to as Karaibari, Siju, Rongrenggiri, Danranggiri, Han-sapal and Balphakram-Pendengru coalfields. The coal seams are confined to the Tura Formation of the Jaintia Group of Eocene age. i) West Darranggiri: This field is located in

the Upper Simsang valley just north of the Tura range near Darranggiri group of villag-es. It is bounded by the Rengchi river on the east. The Darranggiri seam having a thick-ness of 1.2 to 2.8 m, moisture 2.1 to 7.5 per-cent, V.M. 40.9 to 42.9 percent, ash 2.1 to 7.5 percent and total sulphur 2.0 to 3.5 percent. It is the most potential occurrence in the Ga-ro Hills with an estimated coal deposit of 127 million tones.

ii) Howlang-Nabru-Zigrik-Kailash: These are isolated outliers of coal bearing Tura sand-stones to the north and west of the Balpha-kram area. The seams are not very persistent. Two thin seams are mostly present. The up-per seam has a thickness of 1.2 to 2.1 m. whilst the lower one exhibits a thickness of 0.9 to 2.7m. The coals of these areas are gen-erally low in ash (2.7 to 9.6%), high in vola-tile and sulphur. The moisture content varies from 2.8 to 7.6percent. The total coal deposit is estimated to be 26 million tones.

iii) Balphakram-Pendengru: The coal seams are best developed in the southern slope of the Balphakram plateau between the valleys of the Karaoi and Mahadeo rivers. The seam having a thickness of 1.2 to 2.0m, moisture content 2.3 to 6.3 percent, ash 4.5 to 14.6 percent, V.M. 43.4 to 49.6 percent. The total deposit is estimated to be 107 million tones.

iv) Baljong-Dorrengg and Hansapal: These fields lie east of the Simsang river. There are two coal seams with thickness range from 1.1 to 4.0 m, moisture content 1.1 to 9.7 percent, ash 1.3 to 13.3 percent and V.M. 37.1 percent

to 46.9 percent. The coals are generally non-caking. The estimated coal deposit is 9 mil-lion tones.

Khasi HillsKhasi HillsKhasi HillsKhasi Hills Several coal bearing areas are noted in the dis-sected plateau around Longrin, Cherrapunji-Laitryngew, Mawsynram, Pynursla-Lynkyrdem-Thangjinath. Here the coal seams are developed in the Lakadong sandstone formation. i) Longrin: The coal bearing seam in this depo-

sit ranges from 0.5 m to 2.4 m. The coals in this area have low ash (2.9 to 13.3%) and moderately high sulphur (1.6 to 3.9%). The estimated coal deposit in this area is to be 100 million tones.

ii) Cherrapunjee-Laitryngew: The coal occurs in the seam ranges from 0.25 to 0.75 m with moisture 3.8 percent, ash 14.8 percent and sulphur 3 percent. The estimated reserve of coal is to be 3 million tones.

iii) Mawsynram: In the Mawsynram area, out-crops of coal are found in several isolated plateaus around Rongsohkam, Jathang and Laitchum. Two seams are generally found, the thickness of the lower seam is about 1.3 m whilst the upper one is about 0.5 m. The estimated reserve is about 0.1 million tones.

iv) Pynursla-Lynkyrdem-Thangjinath: In the Pynursla plateau, coal measures are exposed as several dissected outliers around Lynkyr-dem, Thangjinath and Pynursla. The thick-ness of the coal seams ranges from 1.5 to 3 m with moisture content 4.4 to 9.2 percent, ash 3.1 to 7.7 percent, total sulphur 2.1 to 2.4 per-cent. Estimate coal deposit is 1.7 million tones.

v) Mawlong-Shella: The seams developed within the Lakadong sandstone with thick-ness 0.9 to 1.9. The moisture content varies from 6.3 to 6.7 percent and ash 1.9 to 2.2 per-cent. The estimated deposit of coal is 1.5 mil-lion tones.

Jaintia HillsJaintia HillsJaintia HillsJaintia Hills The coals occur in in Jaintia Hills in Lakadong sandstone. Bapung, Lakadong, Malwar, Lumsh-nong, Mutang, Janrang areas have the coal depo-sits.



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i) Bapung: In the Bapung area, coal seam rang-

ing in thickness from 0.31 to 1.05 m is found in the basal part of the Sylhet Limestone. The moisture content varies from 2.02 to 4.2 per-cent, ash 2.3 to 5.7 percent and sulphur 2.77 to 5.21 percent. An estimated deposit of coal is 33.6 million tones.

ii) Lakadong: The average seam thickness is 0.5 m with ash content ranges from 0.3 to 17.1 percent and total sulphur 3.2 to 5.3 percent. The estimated deposit of coal is 0.5 million tones.

Mikir Hills Mikir Hills Mikir Hills Mikir Hills The coal bearing areas are located in the southern part of Mikir Hills and to the north of the railway line between Lumding and Dimapur. The seams occur within the Sylhet Limestone formation. The important occurrences are (i) in the Koilajan area, where it was mined since 1949 and is now aban-doned, (ii) the Selvetta area; three seams varying in thickness from 0.35 to 1.35 m. are recorded. These were worked out by opencast quarries, (iii) in the western flanks of the Khunbeman Range, six coal seams, each averaging one meter in thick-ness have been recorded. Of these, two seams have some degree of persistency. The topmost seam is likely to contain about 3 m tones of coal from pre-liminary assessment made. C. C. C. C. THE COALFIELDS OF UPPER ASSAM, THE COALFIELDS OF UPPER ASSAM, THE COALFIELDS OF UPPER ASSAM, THE COALFIELDS OF UPPER ASSAM,

NAGALAND AND ARUNACHAL NAGALAND AND ARUNACHAL NAGALAND AND ARUNACHAL NAGALAND AND ARUNACHAL PRADPRADPRADPRAD----

ESH ESH ESH ESH

i) Makum coalfield, Assam This is one of the most important coalfields

in northeast so far as the resources of coal and infrastructural facilities are concerned. The Tikak Parbat formation of the Barail Group contains the coal seams.

ii) Dilli-Joypore coalfield, Assam The Dilli leasehold is situated on the south

bank of Disang river while the Jeypore lease-hold is to the north. The Barails is the coal bearing formation.

iii) Namchik-Namphuk coalfield, Arunachal Pradesh This coalfield is drained by the Namchik and

Namphuk, the two tributaries of the Burhi Dihing river in the eastern part of the Tirap district. This coal field represents an asym-metric syncline, which is supposed to be eastern extension of the adjacent Makum coalfield. This syncline is delineated by the Margherita thrust in the north and Disang thrust in the south.

iv) Nazira-Borjan coalfield, Nagaland This coalfield occurs along the western flank

of the Naga Hills in the Mon district of Na-galand. The Tikak Parbat Formation is the coal bearing horizon. The coal belt is aligned generally is a northeast-southwest direction. In this coal field, two persistent coal seams have been recorded in the lower and upper members of the Tikak Parbat formation, while the middle member is devoid of coal.

v) Jhanzi-Disai and Saffrai valley coal fields, Nagaland

In the Jhanzi-Disai valley, Lukhuni and Changki occurrences are important. In the Changki area, five seams ranging in thick-ness from 0.7-1.5 m. are developed, of which the most important seam is the top seam. In the Lakhuni area, the presence of one coal seam has been recorded. In the Saffrai valley several isolated outcrops are observed, which record the presence of two seams.

The states of Manipur, Tripura and Mizoram also have sizeable deposits of coal. Lignite deposits occur at Kongra-Waiphei area of Imphal valley and Tureloo valley in the Churachandpur district of Manipur. Coal has been found in Kailashhar area near Tripura-Bangladesh border in the North Tripura district. The state has also lignite deposits at Ujan-Tangong, Dertuichara and Nattinahara. In Mizoram, especially in Lunglei district has coal deposits, which so far has not been exploited. Utilization possibilities of coal resources of Utilization possibilities of coal resources of Utilization possibilities of coal resources of Utilization possibilities of coal resources of

northeast Indianortheast Indianortheast Indianortheast India

The most extracted coalfield of the northeast is Makum coalfield and of late, some small scale productions have commenced from the West Dar-ranggiri of Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills coal-fields of Meghalaya. The principal consumers of this coal are the railways, tea plantations, brick kilns,



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inland steamer services, etc. A considerable por-tion of coal is exported to bordering Bangla-desh. In the wake of the rapid industrialization that is being envisaged for the northeastern states, natu-rally coal has to play a vital role. These Tertiary coals can be judiciously utilised in several indus-tries, some of which are detailed below: (a) The coal resource of Nagaland, Arunachal

Pradesh and Meghalaya and Assam can be utilized for thermal power generation. But the high sulphur and the powdery nature of the coal present problems. This can be tied over with the special designs of the boilers and briquetting of the powdery coal. A thermal plant has already been commi-ssioned at Nalgalbibra in the Garo Hills.

(b) Co-existence of coal and limestones in the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo Hills may lead to set-ting up of Cement plants in the near future.

(c) The low ash, high volatile Tertiary coals are suitable for low temperature carbonisation. This would yield a host of valuable by-product chemicals. Moreover, the ammonia can be utilised in the manufacture of fertiliz-ers.

(d) Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland are en-dowed with basic raw materials for paper industry. Coals occurring in these two states may be utilised in this industry. The setting up of the Tuli paper mill is an important stride in this direction.

(e) Studies by C.F.R.I. have revealed that the coals of Makum can be utilised as matching blends with the coking coals of Jharia and Raniganj for the manufacture of metallur-gical coal, this aspect may find favor with the planners.

(f) C.F.R.I. has indicated that the superior qual-ity (ash 10%) high volatile tertiary coals are unique in the world. So far as their conv-ersion to synthetic petroleum is concerned and can be converted to liquid fuel by direct hydrogenation method.

EEEEnvironmental impact of coal miningnvironmental impact of coal miningnvironmental impact of coal miningnvironmental impact of coal mining

The indiscriminate and unscientific mining are causing large-scale damage to land, water, air and vegetation, influencing the life of the people in the

coal mine areas in various direct and indirect ways. Degradation of agricultural and non-agricultural land, decline in biodiversity, pollution of air, water and soil, and toxicity to plants, ani-mals and man are some of the more obvious effects of coal mining. Migration of labour force, mostly from outside, their settlement in the temporary hutment and spurt in the income of local tribal people have markedly influenced the economic and social environment of the area. The major environmental problems which have arisen in the region due to coal mining are: 1. Formation of new degraded land, namely col-

liery spoils, because of upside-down change in the position of soil horizons.

2. Adverse change in the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil.

3. Deposition of coal particles both in wet and dry seasons through water seepage, dust wind on vegetation and land which is not directly hit by the mining operations like hill tops, hill slopes, abandoned and cultivation crop fields, and coal dumping areas.

4. Contamination of streams and other water bodies with toxic elements.

5. Health hazards to the people working in the mines.

EcoEcoEcoEco----friendly mining friendly mining friendly mining friendly mining

For eco-friendly mining, the following points seem to be extremely important from the envi-ronment point of view:

1. Intensive survey and evaluation of the pre-

lease existing vegetal cover is necessary. If the existing vegetal cover is really of a high quali-ty, it is better not to be disturbed at all.

2. Thorough geological investigations to exactly locate all seams of the pay-mineral are impor-tant so that the detailed planning and schedul-ing for the mining and ultimate restoration can be done. This would require intensive and ex-tensive exploratory drilling.

3. Dividing the mining area into blocks and sub-blocks and planning in a manner that overbur-den-removal, actual mining, pit back-filling and restoration grading/re-vegetating all pro-ceed concurrently in a phase-wise sequen-tial,



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assembly-line sequence. Restoration should not be left to be done at the end in any case what so ever.

4. When slopes steeper than 10˚ have to be mined. Questions of slope stability and of the unsupported rocks sliding should be kept in view in planning and adequate benching, ter-racing, counter forts, support walls or other stabilization measures should be adopted.

5. Rubber tyred transportation generates most of the dust in a mine. This should be minimized through use of belt-conveyors, rope-ways or trolleys-on-rails to the maximum extent poss-ible.

6. Adequate buffering green belts should be pro-vided around mining areas and trans-portation routes. The plant species for such green-belt shall need to be carefully chosen for ameliorat-ing the type of pollution likely to emanate.

7. The post-restoration grading, landscape and vegetal-cover should be planned for clearly-specified functions including ecological, social and economic aspects. The needs of the neigh-bouring communities have to be given ade-quate consideration, if the effort has to be sus-tainable.

8. Neutralizing the soil with lime and adding of magnesium-ammonium-phosphate for prog-

ressive release of plant nutrients helps in re-covery of the impact post by the mined land.

9. The mining operation should be kept at a min-imum in order to preserve the paddy fields and animal fodder crops around to maintain the ecosystem of the surround-ding area.

10. In the winter season the streams and rivulets should be checked and the stagnant water points may be shallowed by boulders to have continuous flow of water thereby avoiding fur-ther percolation of water underground.

In conclusion, it may be said that though these northeastern states are rich in oil and natural gas resources, coal is a major raw material and is des-tined to play a vital role in the industrial devel-opment of the region. However, in order to har-ness these coal deposits, stress must be laid on the const-ruction of road and rail links, so that the problem of inaccessibility is pushed back to the rear.

AuthorAuthorAuthorAuthor

Kiranmay Sarma School of Environment Management GGS Indraprastha University Kashmere Gate, Delhi-110006 Email: [email protected]



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JUNGLE FILE

Conservation of Endangered PhConservation of Endangered PhConservation of Endangered PhConservation of Endangered Phaaaayre’s leaf langur yre’s leaf langur yre’s leaf langur yre’s leaf langur

((((Trachypithecus phayreiTrachypithecus phayreiTrachypithecus phayreiTrachypithecus phayrei) in degraded habitat of southern ) in degraded habitat of southern ) in degraded habitat of southern ) in degraded habitat of southern

Assam, IndiaAssam, IndiaAssam, IndiaAssam, India :

Kripaljyoti Mazumdar

Phayre’s Leaf Langur (Trachypithecus phayrei)

North Eastern states of India are one of the richest biodiversity hotspot areas of the globe and known for its endemism both in flora and fauna. Situating in the confluence zone of Indo-Chinese, Indo-Malayan and Indian biogeographic region and its unique position coupled with its physiography has laid an foundation for the proliferation of a variety of habitats, which harbors a diverse biota with high level of endemism. Statistically, the Northeastern India accounts for 8% of India’s to-tal geographical area whereas it supports about 60% of the total endangered faunal species found in the country. Some of them, almost entire popu-lation is only confined to this region e.g. Pigmy Hog Porcula salvania (Critically Endangered-IUCN), Namdapha Flying squirrel Biswamoyopterus biswasi (Critically Endangered-IUCN), Manipur Thamin Cervus eldii (Endangered-IUCN), Manipur

Photograph: Kripaljyoti Mazumdar

bush quail Perdicula manipurensis (Vulnerable-IUCN) and Black breasted parrotbill Paradoxornis flavirostris (Vulnerable-IUCN) are only found in this region. Of the total 54% of threaten mammals, 68% of Birds and 63% of reptiles found in the country has been recorded from north eastern part (Choudhury, 2006) More than 350 species of pri-mates are currently found worldwide. Out of these 17 species are found in India of which 11 spe-cies are found only in northeastern India and very much endemic to the region. It is important to mention that out of these 11 species one is very recently discovered Arunachal macaque Macaca munzala and another is the range extension of Ti-betan macaque Macaca thibetana in India (Aruna-chal Pradesh). The entire Himalaya harbors more endangered taxa than anywhere else in India (Rodgers and Panwar, 1989).



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The Phayres leaf langur or popularly known as spectacled monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei) belong to the langur family is one of the three colobids found in the state of Assam. All together there are three species of primates belonging to langur family are found in the state; Capped langur Thra-chypithecus pileatus, Golden langur Trachypithecus geei and Phayre’s leaf monkey Trachypithecus phayrei. The Phayre’s leaf langur is the smallest among these three langur species.

As the part of my Master level study, I compared the seasonal preference of the roosting and roofing trees by this species in the secondary forest habi-tats around Assam University campus (24041΄390΄΄ N 92044΄578΄΄ E), southern Assam. In the degraded secondary habitat it is important to understand the species preference by this endan-gered primate in order to initiate the conservation approach in the mist of current trend of habitat fragmentation and to retain the fast declining nat-ural resource management systems. These de-graded habitats of southern Assam supports many faunal species, among primates, I could locate five species of it in the secondary forests near Assam university campus. The capped langur Trachypithe-cus pileatus, Western hoolock gibbon Hoolock hoo-lock and Phayre’s leaf langur Trachypithecus phayrei are the schedule-I primates along with Rhesus macaque Macaca mulatta and a doubtful sighting of Pig-tailed macaque Macaca leonina found in the area. So far, we have recorded a total of 22 species of mammalian fauna near the secondary forest habitat (Mazumdar et al. under prep.).

The primordial Indian traditions and civilization has stressed on the importance for all form of creatures and the religious totems on killing of any primate due to the related religious faith asso-ciated with especially in Hinduism. But with the passes of time there are many primate species which are coming into constant interaction or conflicts with human in terms of raiding crops and damaging properties, even in some cases in-juring humans. Primate species like Rhesus maca-que Macaca mulatta in most parts of the region, Assamese macaque Macaca assamenses in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh; Pig-tailed macaque Macaca leonina in the state of Meghalaya; Stump tailed macaque Macaca arctoides in Nagaland; and Aruna-

chal macaque Macaca munzala which is very new to science are killed mostly for the agricultural dam-age that they cause. This fascinating creature, Phayre's leaf-monkey Trachypithecus phayrei is one of the most threatened species of primate found in the North- eastern region of India. In Assam, Phayre's leaf-monkey is found only in Barak valley comprising the districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj. Dr. A. Choudhury (1987) has re-ported this species for the first time from the In-ner line reserve forest of Assam. So far, only 129 individuals of Phayre's leaf-monkey were recorded from the southern Assam by Bose in 2003. Listed as Schedule-I of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; and categorized as Endangered in the red list of IUCN 3.1 and Appendix II of CITES, this spe-cies has been facing tremendous pressure from the local community residing. The extensive collec-tion of bamboos, firewood and other NTFPs has raised the concern.

Found in the countries like Bangladesh, Burma, China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam; three subs-pecies are found in south east Asia (i.e. Trachypithe-cus phayrei phayrei, Trachypithecus phayrei crepusculus, Trachypithecus phayrei shanicus). The Trachypithecus phayrei phayrei is the subspecies found in our re-gion, having the dorsal side either dark brown, buffy or gray-brown and the ventral side is gray or whitish in coloration. Around the eye there is a white ring, which look like spectacle and so it is also popularly known as spectacle monkey or Chasma Bandar. This species has an extensive cap of hair on the top of the head that occurs in all individuals except newborn infants. The species is one of the endemic species found in the Barak valley. In Cachar district the distribution that has recorded so far has been from the survey done during the Indo- US primate project in 1997 and the survey done by Dr. J. Bose on behalf of the Wildlife Trust of India. The survey done by Dr. Bose in 2003 has revealed about 4 sites out of the reserve forests and sanctuaries in Barak valley. But some of the new surveys done by us revealed another new distribution sites in the eco-forest in and outside the Assam university campus and one village named Mishipur village near the Jalenga tea estate. Thus it certainly enhanced the chances for the new distribution patches in the Barak val-ley and some new trapped populations. Known



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for its adaptability with the environment, the Tra-chypithecus phayrei is a folivorous species. This spe-cies lives in both primary and secondary forests, and also on tea estates where bamboo groves are found. In the Barak valley Phayre's leaf-monkey is found in higher densities in mixed-species planta-tions than in monoculture plantations.

In our study time the species is seen specially take the immature leafs of the bamboo. In the Inner Line Reserve Forest of Assam, this species was found to mainly consume bamboo shoots (Srivas-tava, 1999). So our observation matches with that of Srivastava in the inner line forest. In southern Assam the three most preferred food items were Teinestachum dulloea, Dendrocalamus griffithii, and Mokania micrantha (Bose and Bhattacharjee, 2002). This species prefers to consume immature leaves to more mature ones.

Threats face by the species:

The species is facing some of the severe problems for its existence in the valley, whereas fragmenta-tion of the habitat is severe among those. Frag-mentation of the habitat is considered to be the most significant threat to the survival of primates in Northeast India (Srivastava, 2006). However, it is evident that certain species can survive in dis-turbed habitats, but the long-term consequences on their reproduction and survival are not known. The Phayre’s langur Trachypithecus phayrei is the most adopted species of the primates found in the northeast India. It is estimated that the species takes about 9-10 years cycle to adapt to a particu-lar area or degradation. It is important to note that the primate species in Northeast India have been forced into crop raiding because of loss of natural habitat to agriculture. In some cases, they have clearly learned to coexist with humans by using crops as a significant part of their diet. In this case we can put our second site as example where most of the forest is used as jhum practice and shifting cropping systems. Conflicts of this kind are likely to increase in the future as the hu-man population continues to grow exponentially in Northeast India.

Apart from that the rapid expansion of most of the tea gardens has continuously threatening the exis-tence of the primates. The constant conversion of the forest area (which are mostly of the secondary

growth) into the tea gardens has heavily threat-ened the existence of the primate in such a small patch of land. No doubt it is the most adapted species, though such squeezing is compelling it to lose the habitat. Fragmentation raises the extinc-tion risk because isolated subpopulation can go extinct one by one without being repopulated. Stochastic decline in small subpopulation makes it more likely that they will go extinct and this is further worsened by the reduction of genetic va-riability in subpopulation resulted from isolation. Species already with restricted ranges are particu-larly vulnerable to these threats.

Haunting is a threat even more severe than forest destruction in some of the more remote areas. The hunting of primates in Northeast India takes place for a number of reasons, but by far the most im-portant is for food (Srivastava, 2006). Even in some of our study site i.e. in the Mishipur village, Jayantia tribes used to kill the monkey for their meat. It is one of the popular foods for the Jayantia tribes in the village. We have found only one small troop consisting about 5 to 6 individuals in it. The secondary information collected from the old people of the village reveals the fact that earlier a huge no. of population used to reside in the village forest but constant haunting threat decreases the population of the species and now only 5-7 indi-vidual’s trip is seen in the village and that also very rarely (Mazumdar et al. 2008).

Conservation measures to be taken:

The troops we have selected for the study are the isolated population of primates and are totally cut off from the other Phayre’s langur population. As they are isolated from the other population they should be given highest priority for the conserva-tion.

Since, forest loss is the principal threat to pri-mates; habitat protection should be given highest conservation priority (Srivastava, 2006). The Phayre’s leaf monkey which is one of the most adapted primate species also found it difficult in the area to adapt to the heavy destruction being done in the area of study. Conservation of the re-maining habitat is the highest priority in the de-graded habitats. Strict protection is needed to prevent further extraction of fuel wood and indi-scriminant collection of NTFPs by the village



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people and illegal cutting of timber by outsiders. As said in the earlier, in the study sites the prima-ry forest is almost lash away by the profound cut-ting and destruction of forest. Considering the species richness in the area there is paramount importance to pronounce the area as protected area and to link it up with the protected area network around the globe.

The fragmentation of the habitat and deforesta-tion has marched together with the expansion of the tea garden and agricultural practices. The most treacherous threat faced by the Phayre’s langur is the fragmentation of the habitat, so we have to come up with the canopy bridges or corri-dors to link up these small fragmented habitats. This could be seen as the most recommended ac-tivity for the conservation of the scattered troops of monkeys. It is imperative to prepare a conserva-tion plan which would bring these areas into the protected area network; be they managed by local communities or by administrative authorities with local participation. Conservation education can be very effective and many people understand the value of wildlife and natural habitats. This is of utmost necessary in our second study site i.e. Mishipur village where the haunting of the spe-cies is practiced. In-fact village community there in the first study site i.e. in the village near the eco-forest never used to kill the primates, but conservation education is still necessary consider-ing the collection of forest products.

References:

Bose, J. 2003. ‘Search for a Spectacle’: A conserva-tion survey of the Phayre’s leaf Monkey (Tra-chypithecus phayres) in Assam and Mizoram. Wildlife Trust of India. New Delhi.

Bose, J. and Bhattacharjee, P.C. 2002. Behavioral profile of a troop of Phayre's leaf monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei) in a fragmented and disturbed habitat, northeast India. (ab-stract) XIX Congress of the International Primato-logical Society. Beijing, China, 0287.

Choudhury, A. 2006. The status of Endangered species in North eastern India. Journal of Bom-bay Natural History Society, 103:(2-3) 157-167.

Mazumdar, K., Soud, R. and Gupta, A. 2008. As-sessment of anthropogenic threats faced by Phayre’s Leaf-Monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei) in the degraded forest habitat in and around Assam University Campus, Cachar District, Assam. pp. 135-140. In: B. Raghvendra Rao, S. Narendra Prasad, C. Srinivasulu and P. Jud-son (eds.), Biodiversity Conservation and Human Wel-being, Department of Zoology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. xviii+137.

Rodgers, W.A. and Panwar, H.S. 1989. Planning a Wildlife Protected Area Network in India. Volume I. Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra-dun, India.

Srivastava, A. 1999. Primates of North Eastern India. Megadiversity Press, Bikaner, India.

Srivastava, A. 2006. Conservation of Threatened Primates of Northeast India. Primate Conserva-tion 20: 107–113.

Photo: Sanjay Kr. Seal

Photo: Searching Phaye’s leaf langur in field site

AuthorAuthorAuthorAuthor

Kripaljyoti Mazumdar G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, North East Unit, Vivek Vihar, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh-791 113 Email: [email protected]



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JUNGLE FILE

Status and ConservatStatus and ConservatStatus and ConservatStatus and Conservation of Slow Loris ion of Slow Loris ion of Slow Loris ion of Slow Loris NycticNycticNycticNycticeeeebusbusbusbus bengalensisbengalensisbengalensisbengalensis

in Northeast Iin Northeast Iin Northeast Iin Northeast Innnndiadiadiadia

Awadhesh Kumar and Ashalata Devi

Among the primates of South and Southeast Asia, the slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) are amongst the least studied, owing to their nocturnal lifestyle, cryptic nature and relatively small body size (Srivasta-va & Mohnot, 2001). The Bengal Slow Loris (N. benga-lensis) is one of five recognized slow loris species, and was previously considered a subspecies of N. coucang (Groves, 2001; Roos , 2003). Recognized as a separate species in 1998 and confirmed in 2003. The five species, recognized based on genetic and morphological analysis are N. bengalensis, N. coucang, N. javanicus, N. menagensis and N. pygmaeus (Roos , 2003; Chen et al. 2006; Nekaris & Jaffe, 2007; Groves & Maryanto 2008). The Bengal Slow Loris is globally distributed in India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Southern China, Laos, northern Thailand and Viet-nam, (Nekaris & Bearder, 2007).

In India, this species is inhabits tropical and subtropi-cal evergreen and semi-evergreen rainforests with continuous dense canopies forest areas of all the

northeast states, with the northwestern limit of its range being the southward bend of the river Brahma-putra at about 26°N, 90°E (Srivastava, 1999). They also prefer forest edges, which have a higher density of insect prey (Rowe, 1996). Slow loris is a small and woolly, about the size of a small cat and nocturnal in nature and mostly active after dusk till sun rise. This species is very shy and insectivorous in habit, and move slowly while foraging and walking on ground.

A Slow Loris (Nycticebus bengalensis), was rescued from Legerstomia indica a tree species on 15th May 2009 at 8.15 PM near main electric power house in North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Deemed University, Nirjuli, Itanagar, Aru-nachal Pradesh. NERIST is situated in the fringe area of Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, which is major natural habitat of this species. The species was kept in safe place for one night in NERIST campus, which was later handed over to authority of Itanagar Biological Park (IBP) on May, 16th. Slow loris is distributed throughout the entire part of Itanagar

Bengal slow Lories in the fringe area of Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary (near NERIST campus) Photo by: Awadhesh Kumar



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wildlife sanctuary and its adjoining reserved and un-reserved forest of Itanagar capital complex. About 20 individuals of slow loris has been rescued from human inhabited area such as park, home garden, roadside plantation and fringe areas of Itanagar Wildlife Sanct-uary particularly in last two years and safely released inside the sanctuary (C. Loma, Director, IBP, personal communication). These individuals of loris might have escaped from their disturbed habitats, and used the home gardens, roadside plantation, tea garden, frag-mented forest patches as the stepping stone to mi-grate in search of new and safe natural habitats.

Slow loris populations have been declining and its current status throughout its distribution range is not known properly (Wolfheim, 1983; Srivastava, 1999) due to its nocturnal nature, which make obstacle in population and behvioural studies. Only a few studies have reported on distribution and occurrences of slow loris in Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India (Choudhury, 1992; Gupta, 2001; Rad-hakrishna et al. 2006; Swapna et al. 2008; Kumar, 2009, Das et al. 2009; Nandini et al. 2009) Table-1. Based on the review, slow loris is mostly threatened by hunting, habitat fragmentation & destruction in form of shift-ing cultivation, accidental forest fire, encroachment for permanent settlement, construction of buildings, roads, bridges, NTFPs collection, road accidents and illegal timber logging, etc (Choudhury, 1992; Gupta,

2001; Radhakrishna, 2006) in this region. These im-portant anthropogenic threats are contributing to the decline of the loris population in the region. This spe-cies is capture and hunted for pet, food and traditional medicine trades in their entire distribution range. Almost all body parts of slow lorises are used in tradi-tional Chinese and Khmer Medicine in Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, and Vietnam; to a lesser extent also in India and Indonesia. Fur of the animal is used in traditional Asian Medicine believed to support wound healing; in Indonesia locally worn as amulet to ward off danger. Eye-balls are used as love potion, flesh and meat is used to cure epilepsy and stomach ailments or asthma respectively. Their attractiveness, large eyes, small body size and slow movements are the main reasons for the high demand to keep slow lorises as pet species in South Asia.

Due to the limited information, the Bengal Slow Loris, endemic to South and Southeast Asia, has been until recently categorized as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red list (2006) and under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972. Recently it was up-listed from Appendix – II to Appendix – I of CITES (2007) and it is now considered as Vulnerable, (A2acd+3cd+4acd) in South and Southeast Asia (Ne-karis et al. 2008; Streicher 2008).

Table 1. Details of direct sightings and occurrence of wild Bengal slow lories.

State Slow loris sighted area Time of sighting (hours)

No. of animal sighted

Year of Sighting

Source

Assam

Jeypore Reserve Forest, Dibru-garh Division

18:45 01 25 May 2007

Nandini et al. 2009

Namtok, Dirok Forest, Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary

- 01 31 December 2005

Nandini et al. 2009

Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary 22.00-02.00 04 2008 Das et al. 2009

Meghalaya Baghmara Reserve Forest, Garo Hills Division

19:30 01 12 March 2007

Nandini et al. 2009

Gongrot Aking, adjoining Bal-pakram NP Garo Hills Division

01 April 2005 Nandini et al. 2009

Arunachal Pradesh

Deban, Namdapha National Park

19:57 01 2007 Nandini et al. 2009

Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, 18.47 02 Kumar A. personnel communication

Itangar Wildlife Sanctuary and fringe area (NERIST)

20.15 01 15 May 2009 Kumar A. 2009



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References: Choudhury, A. 1992. The slow loris (Nycticebus coucang)

in Northeast India. Primate Report 34: 77-83. Chen, J. H., D. Pan, C. Groves, Y. X. Wang,

E. Narusima, H. Fitch-Snyder, O. Ryder, H.W. Zhang, Y.X. Fu & Y.P. Zhang. 2006. Molecular phylogeny of Nycticebus Infered from Mitochon-drial genes. International journal of Primat-ology 27(4): 0164-0291.

CITES. 2007. CITES Notification to the parties, No. 2007/022, Geneva, 26 July 2007 Web: http://www.cites.org, Website visited on 10 De-cember 2008.

Das, N., Biswas, J., Das, J., Ray, P.C., Sangma, A. and Bhattacharjee. P. C. 2009. Status of Bengal Slow Loris Nycticebus bengalensis (Primates: Lorisidae) in Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India Journal of Threatened Taxa 1(11): 558-561.

Groves C. (2001). Primate Taxonomy. Smithsonian Insti-tution Press, Washington, viii+350pp.

Roos, C. 2003. Molecular phylogeny of prosimians, langurs and gibbons. Dissertation. Lehrstuhl fur Genetik, Wissenchaftszentrum Weihenstephan furErnahrung, Landnutzung und Umwelt, Technical University. Munich

Groves, C. and I. Maryanto, I. 2008. Craniometry of slow lorises (genus Nycticebus) of insular South-east Asia, pp. 115–122. In: Shekelle, M., C. Groves, I. Maryanto, H. Schulze & H. Fitch-Snyder (eds.). Primates of The Oriental Night. LIPI Press, Jakarta.

Gupta, A. 2001. Non-human primates of India – an introduction. In: ENVIS Bulletin: Wildlife and pro-tected areas: Non-human primates of India 1(1): 1-29.

Kumar, A. 2009. Endangered slow loris’s journey from NERIST to Itanagar biological Park, Arunachal Times, 1-2, dated 17.05.09.

Nandini, R., Kakati K, and Ved, N. 2009. Occurrence records of the Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus benga-lensis) in northeastern India. Asian Primates Journal 1(2): 12-18.

Nekaris, K. A. I. and Jaffe, S. 2007. Unexpected diverty of slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) within the Javan pet trade: Implications for slow loris taxonomy. Contribution to Zoology 76(3): 187-196.

Nekaris, K. A. I. and Bearder., S. K. 2007. The lorisiform primates of Asia and mainland Africa: diversity shrouded in darkness, pp. 24–45. In: Campbell, C.J., A. Fuentes, K.C. Mackin-non, M. Panger & S.K. Bearder (eds.). Primates in Pperspective. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.

Nekaris, K.A.I., Blackham, G.V., and Nijman, V. 2008. Conservation implications of low encounter rates of five nocturnal primate species (Nycticebus spp.) in Asia. Biodiversity Conservation 17: 733–747.

Radhakrishna, S., Goswami, A.B., and Sinha, A. 2006. Distribution and Conservation of Nycticebus ben-galensis in Northeastern India. International Journal of Primatology 27(4): 971-982.

Srivastava, A. 1999. Primate of Northeast India. Mega diversity Press, Bikaner (Rajasthan) India.

Srivastava, A. and Mohnot, S. 2001. Distribution, con-servation status and priorities for primates in northeast India. ENVIS Bulletin: Wildlife and pro-tected areas: Non-human primates of India 1(1): 102-108.

Streicher, U., M. Singh, R. J. Timmins and Brockel-man, W. 2008. Nycticebus bengalensis. In: IUCN 2009. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. www.iucnredlist.org

Swapna, N., Gupta, A., and Radhakrishna, S. 2008. Distribution survey of Bengal slow loris Nyctice-busbengalensis in Tripura, northeastern India. Asian Primates Journal 1(1): 37-40.

Wolfheim, J. H. 1983. Primates of the world, University of Washington Press, Seattle, Washington.

AuthorAuthorAuthorAuthorssss

Awadhesh Kumar Department of Forestry, NERIST, Nirjuli-791109, Arunachal Pradesh, India Email: [email protected]

Ashalata Devi

Department of Environmental Science, NAPAM, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India Email: [email protected]


BIODIVERSITY INFORMATICS

Spandan, the bip: Web based platform for biodiversity Spandan, the bip: Web based platform for biodiversity Spandan, the bip: Web based platform for biodiversity Spandan, the bip: Web based platform for biodiversity

iiiinnnnventory by peopleventory by peopleventory by peopleventory by people

Neha Singh, Gurushant Upase, Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh

Peoples’ participation in biodiversity monitoring and conservation is essential. With aim to empower citizens to contribute scientifically useful biodiversity observation records, World Institute for Nature (WIN) has developed web based information system called ‘Spandan, the biodiversity inventory by peple’. Launched in February 2010, and accessible at http://www.spandanceived as the citizens’ movement with aim to publish millio2010, International Year of Biodiversity (IYB). This article describes salient features of Spandan, the bip and elaborates as to how citizens can participate in this unique and ambitions movement of monitoring and conservation of biodiversity through sharing of biodiversity observation records. It is now well recognised that participation of general public in scientific research could signifi-cantly improve knowledge and decision/making in the field of biodiversity. General public can con-tribute by monitoring the state of biodiversity. In fact, we believe that citizens’ participation can result into extensive collaboration between scien-tists and citizens. However, till date very little opportunities have been extended to people at large in monitoring and sharing biodiversity ob-servations record. In fact, much needed partner-ship between scientists and citizens is lacking, especially in mega-biodiverse and developing na-tion such as India. To overcome this problem,World Institute for Nature (WIN), a Pune, India based NGO has developed Spandan, the bip. Con-ceived as the citizens movement with aim to con-tribute millions of biodiversity observation re-cords during the 2010, International Year of Biodi-versity. Launched during February 2010, Spandan, the bip is accessible at http://www.spandan-bip.org.



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BIODIVERSITY INFORMATICS

Spandan, the bip: Web based platform for biodiversity Spandan, the bip: Web based platform for biodiversity Spandan, the bip: Web based platform for biodiversity Spandan, the bip: Web based platform for biodiversity

huraijam Jibankumar Singh and Vishwas Chavan

Peoples’ participation in biodiversity monitoring and conservation is essential. With aim to empower citizens to contribute scientifically useful biodiversity observation records, World Institute for Nature

) has developed web based information system called ‘Spandan, the biodiversity inventory by peo-ple’. Launched in February 2010, and accessible at http://www.spandan-bip.org, Spandan, the bip is con-ceived as the citizens’ movement with aim to publish millions of biodiversity observation records during 2010, International Year of Biodiversity (IYB). This article describes salient features of Spandan, the bip and elaborates as to how citizens can participate in this unique and ambitions movement of monitoring and conservation of biodiversity through sharing of biodiversity observation records.

It is now well recognised that participation of i-

cantly improve knowledge and decision/making in n-

tribute by monitoring the state of biodiversity. In fact, we believe that citizens’ participation can

n-ever, till date very little xtended to people at

b-r-

ens is lacking, a-

tion such as India. To overcome this problem, World Institute for Nature (WIN), a Pune, India

n-n-e-i-

during February 2010, Spandan, -

Spandan, the bip: What is in Name? Spandan, is a Sanskrit word meaning alive and pulsating. Every biodiversity observation is in true sense a ‘living pulse’, which indicates that Mother Earth is full with life, and its environment suitable enough to support diverse life forms. Further, who else other than humanity can best record these ‘living pulses of Mother Earth’, which can in turn help in understanding nature and conserving bio-diversity. Thus, we chose the name ‘Spandan, the biodiversity inventory by people’ to this ambitious project. Spandan, the bip: Ambitions 1. Billion records: Spandan, the bip is a citizens

movement with aims to collate together mil-lions biodiversity observations during 2010 In-ternational Year of Biodiversity. Over next 5 years Spandan, the bip aspires to collage together over a billion scientifically useful biodiversity observation records through this citizen movement. If we really have to understand the



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pulse of Mother Earth, it really has to partici-patory movement of ALL. It is simply not a ‘scientific enterprise’, but it has to be ‘mass movement through every citizen contributing to it. With 6.8 billion human populations and over billion families, how impossible it is to contribute 100's of million biodiversity obser-vations? In fact, a record each by every family across the globe can together contribute 1 bil-lion records.

2. Citizens are scientists: Another ambition of Spandan, the bip is to prove beyond doubt that every citizen is a scientist by birth, and can contribute scientifically useful biodiversity observations which can be used for scientific analysis purposes. All that is required is to provide them easy to use framework that can transform amateur biodiversity observations into scientifically useful data. Impossible is nothing. Together We Can!

3. Citizens’ movement for biodiversity: The last yet most urgent ambition of Spandan, the bip is to relight the torch of ‘citizens’ movement’ across the globe irrespective of cast, color, creed, gender, stature etc. This will be bring-ing in equality towards all living beings. Span-dan, the bip will be citizens’ instrument to let governments know that we are worried with depleting state of world’s biodiversity, and that we are ready to act NOW! We wish to pass on the legacy of sustainable nature with its diverse life to our future generations while it is alive and pulsating, and not otherwise.

4. Every pulse counts: Every single biodiversity observation denotes one pulse of life on earth. Thus, every single biodiversity record irrespec-tive of what, when, where, has been recorded by whom. All we need is a photograph and video with simple information – which plant or animal it is? As well when and where you took the photo or video?

SHARING IS CARING: How to contribute? Sharing biodiversity observation records through Spandan, the bip is very simple. Unlike many bio-diversity observation systems, Spandan, the bip do not need contributor to know scientific infor-mation of species. Every contributor have secured login, which can be self generated. Contributor

needs to ensure that following mandatory data is ready for sharing. These include (a) common name of the organism, (b) language of common name, (c) region where common name is used, (d) date/period of observation, (e) locality where ob-servation was made, (f) observer details, and (g) at least one photograph of the observed plant/animal species. To empower citizen to doc-ument exact latitude and longitude position, Google maps interface is provided for locating exact place where observations was made. Locali-ty can be recorded as precise latitude & longitude (point), bounding box, or polygon. For each ob-servation up to five photographs, audio or video can be uploaded. Once validated or value added by the experts these biodiversity observation records are pub-lished through Spandan, the bip. By sharing biodi-versity observation records through Spandan, the bip, contributor further agree to share them with global infrastructures such as GBIF data portal (http://data.gbif.org) or similar open access biodi-versity information systems or networks. CALL FOR PARTICIPATION: Citizens can participate in this unique and ambi-tious movement in more than one way. These in-clude-

• Contribute biodiversity observations: Every citizen can contribute biodiversity observation records, provided they have photograph of the plant or animal species observed/recorded.

• Validate biodiversity records: Biodiversity experts, naturalists, taxonomists and ecolo-gists can join the network of experts for vali-dating as well value add the records contrib-uted by the citizens.

• Media and Public Relations: Individuals can also contribute towards development of public service announcements, presentations as well electronic media campaigns in local languages.

• Local to Global Coordination: Being citizens movement of global nature, participation of individuals, institutions, civil society organiza-tions as well international organizations is es-sential for coordinating various campaigns, competitions that Spandan, the bip intends to organise to achieve its ambitions.



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Figure 1. Spandan, the bip publish biodiversity observation records contributed by the citizens. Table 1. Spandan, the bip: Web Resources Web Resource Title URL Spandan, the bip http://www.spandan-bip.org Public Service Advertisement on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/vishwaschavan#p/a/u/0/2Fj

H-v7OtOM Public Service Presentations on SlideShare in Eng-lish, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Telgu, Tamil & Kannada

http://www.slideshare.net/spandanbip

Spandan, the bip BLOG http://spandan-bip.blogspot.com/ Spandan, the bip on Orkut http://www.orkut.com/Main#Community?cmm=98186594 Spandan, the bip on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=306519223412 Spandan, the bip on Twitter http://twitter.com/SpandanBip

AuthorsAuthorsAuthorsAuthors

Neha Singh Gurushant Upase World Institute for Nature, A 403 Palladium Grand, Pune 411015, India Emails: [email protected] [email protected]

Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research, Sagolband Tera Sapam Leirak, Imphal 795001, Manipur

Vishwas Chavan World Institute for Nature, A 403 Palladium Grand, Pune 411015, India. Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Univer-sitetsparken 15, DK2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. Email: [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]



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MEDICINAL PLANT

The genus Swertia (Gentianaceae) comprises of

over 170 species worldwide, of which 79, 27 and

40 species are distributed in China, Nepal and

India, respectively. Sikkim alone, a north-eastern

state of India, harbours 13-14 species of Swertia.

Amongst these, Swertia chirayita which is common-

ly known as chirowto or Kalo chirowto or Pothi

Chirowto in local language is one of the high value

medicinal herb in Himalaya. It is indigenous to

temperate Himalaya from Kashmir, Nepal, Bhutan

along 1200 to 3000m asl. However, in Khasia hills

(Meghalaya, India), the species is distributed be-

tween 1200m and 1500m asl., whereas, in Sikkim

species is found along 1500 to 3000m asl.

Swertia chirayita (Roxb. ex Fleming) H. Karst. is

having multiple uses in local medicine (Pradhan

and Badola, 2008ab). Local inhabitants use the

juice, obtained through boiling the entire plant, to

cure fever, cold, cough, diarrhea, and stomach-

ache (Pradhan and Badola, 2008b). Whole plant is

known to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-

platelet, anti-carcinogenic, anti-fungal, anti-

malarial, anti-diabetic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial,

anti-oxidant properties, however root is consid-

ered to be the most effective part. The traditional

Indian medicine system, Ayurveda and many of

other medicine systems, viz. Unani and Siddha,

etc. have highlighted the remedial properties of S.

Swertia chirayita under ex-situ cultivation in Sikkim

Swertia chiraySwertia chiraySwertia chiraySwertia chirayitaitaitaita, a high value endangered medicinal , a high value endangered medicinal , a high value endangered medicinal , a high value endangered medicinal

herb: potential in northherb: potential in northherb: potential in northherb: potential in north----east Indiaeast Indiaeast Indiaeast India

Bharat K. Pradhan and Hemant K. Badola



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chirayita. As one of the ingredients in ‘Chandra

Prabati’, the Ayurvedic drug in curing cancer, the

species is of much demand. The species is used as

a liver stimulant and in bronchial asthma, dyspep-

sia, debility, fever, gastro-intestinal infections,

curing various skin problems and scorpion bite.

Extracts from the species is also used as hair

growth tonic. Further, the herbal drugs viz., Di-

abecon, D-400, Himoliv, Chirayita tablet are also

prepared form the species and sold in the market.

This herb is a source of important chemical com-pounds such as, amarogentin (chirantin), gentia-nine, swerchirin and swertiamarin and also con-tains the taxonomically significant molecules, namely iridoids, xanthones, mangiferin and C-glucofla-vones. Owing to very high pharmaceuti-cal value, the raw material demand of S. chirayita has been increasing day by day in both national and international markets (Badola and Pal, 2002). In many parts of the Himalaya, the indiscriminate extraction from wilderness and subsequent habi-tat losses have led to the endangerment of the species in nature, which categorized as critically endangered (Ved et al., 2003; IUCN, 2008) and realized under the threat of extinction in many parts of Himalaya. Due to this, it has been priori-tized at the top amongst over a dozen endangered medicinal plants, for immediate conservation through ex-situ cultivation, by an international group of scientists through a brain storming exer-cise (Badola and Pal, 2002). Swertia chirayita offers great scope for the entre-preneurship development in the north-eastern region of India, especially because the region is one of the potential habitat niches of the species. The species has an established market, both in India and abroad, which is expanding at the rate of around 10 per cent every year from 965.2 tonnes in 2001-02 to 1284.7 tonnes in 2004-05 (Chauhan, 2006). In order to meet out ever growing raw ma-terial demand of the species in the pharmaceutical units, the material is largely imported from adja-

cent countries, Nepal and Bhutan. A task force report on conservation and sustainable use of me-dicinal plants indicates that, in 1997-98, over 27.2 tonnes of S. chirayita (valued at over Rs 2.3 million) was imported from Nepal. Another report reveals that over 60,000 kg to 1,00,000 kg of S. chirayita is being imported annually into the country (Chau-han, 1999). The disparity in market prices has also been observed within the country. In general the prices may fluctuate between Rs 250/Kg and Rs. 270/kg in different markets. A survey conducted by CERPA has shown an increase in the market price from 1997 to 2000 for S. chirayita. For exam-ple, in 1997-98, it was Rs 274/kg; in 1998-99, the price was Rs 282/kg, in 1999-2000, the price was Rs 300/kg, but a survey by FRLHT (Bangalore) in 2005-06 revealed its price to be 200-225/kg in the country.

For the successful entrepreneurship using an en-dangered medicinal plant, the availability of stan-dardized cultivation package is a pre-requisite. The tested and easy to handle conventional prop-agation protocol is vital for the successful cultiva-tion of species. The agro-practices for a wild spe-cies are not simply established on the basis of col-lection of seeds and common storage and sowing them in next growing season like old age tradi-tional cropping practices. Availability of potential viable seeds and their storage till the right sowing time actualized are the delicate practices in case of wild plant species. Populations of any wild spe-cies may show high variations for their viability, and the assessment of potentially viable popula-tions become a first step for the propagation and long term sustainable cultivation practices. In case of S. chirayita, we explored many populations for their availability of material in natural habitats and germination potential especially after periodi-cal storage. Amongst several studies we con-ducted, the one which assessed over a dozen pop-ulations of S. chirayita of Sikkim, revealed seeds maintain above 50% viability under storage at 40C for over 18 months



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Figure 1. Seed germination over 18 months of storage in some potential populations in Sikkim (based on:

Pradhan and Badola, 2008a) (Figure 1) [Pradhan and Badola, 2008a]. If proper harvesting and storage techniques are followed,

60-70% seedling emergence can be achieved in nursery and field conditions. The authors have

developed agro-technology for S. chirayita. The range between 1800 and 2500m are the most suit-able altitudes for the cultivation of the species, and preferably the shaded sites having little acidic soil are the best choice. The species can be domesticated with minimum input values. The cost-benefit analysis for the spe-cies suggests multifold returns to farmers, if prop-er scientific techniques are applied with periodi-cal monitoring. For the north-east states of Indian Himalaya, S. chirayita offers very high scope of en-trepreneurship at grass root level, both for having availability of a standardized ex-situ cultivation protocol as well as for the availability of potential populations in nature in the region, as worked out by the authors. However, local level pharmaceuti-cals need to be motivated to encourage giving their financial support to local farmers, especially in establishing large scale demonstration plots and subsequent widespread cultivation aiming to meet out large raw material demands. However, scientific and technical back up by the locally established institutions have to play a pivotal role

in the entire initiative. The species is, however, yet to be substantially explored for its quantum avail-ability in nature, especially for the habitat prefe-rences; the population studies along Himalayan belt are a prerequisite for the species conservation programme both at in-situ and ex-situ level. North-east India is still the most potential region for the population explorations and assessments, as an aid to gene conservation mission for a sus-tainable future of the S. chirayita. Acknowledgments

The authors are highly grateful to the director of

the institute, Dr L.M.S. Palni for providing neces-

sary facilities and consistent support.

References

Badola, H. K., and Pal, M. 2002. Endangered medi-cinal plant species in Himachal Pradesh. Cur-rent Science 83: 797-798.

0.0

20.0

40.0

60.0

80.0

100.0

120.0

Luing, E Sikkim Upp.

Pangthang, E.

Sikkim

Jaunbari, S

Sikkim

Phinsyonala, N

Sikkim

Zemathang, N

Sikkim

POPULATION

Seed Germination (%)

Initial 6 month 12 month 18 month



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Chauhan, N. S. 2006. Scope of commercialization of medicinal and aromatic plants. Science Tech Entrepreneur.

Chauhan, N. S. 1999. Medicinal and Aromatic plants of Himachal Pradesh. Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi.

IUCN, SSC. 2008 - The IUCN Red List of Threat-ened species, 1994-2007 version. Switzerland.

Pradhan, B. K. and Badola, H. K. 2008a. Seed ger-mination response of populations of Swertia chirayita following periodical storage. Seed Tech-nology 30: 63-69.

Pradhan, B. K. and Badola, H. K. 2008b. Eth-nomedicinal plant use by Lepcha tribe of Dzongu valley, bordering Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, in North Sikkim, India. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 4. Avail-able online: www.ethnobiomed.com/content/ 4/1/22,doi: 10.1186/1746-4269-4-22.

Ved, D. K., G. A. Kinhal, K. Haridasan, K. Raviku-mar, U. Ghate, R. V. Sankar and Indresha, J. H. 2003. Conservation Assessment and Manage-ment Prioritisation for the medicinal plants of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Megha-laya and Sikkim. Lotus Enterprises, Bangalore, India.

AuthorsAuthorsAuthorsAuthors

Bharat K. Pradhan Hemant K. Badola G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Sikkim Unit, PO Box-40, Gangtok, Sikkim 737 101, India Email: [email protected] [email protected]



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ORGANIZATIONAL REPORT

ENVIRON, Guwahati

PILOT PROJECT ON AWARENESS AND PRI-MARY IMPLEMENTATION OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ITANAGAR CAPITAL COMPLEX, ARUNACHAL PRADESH:

With a aim to popularize the Concept of Solid Waste Management using the money earning lit-terbin among the Citizen, segregating the solid waste through specific litterbin at the source, ENVIRON the leading NGO region working on Environment and waste management has launched a new pilot project on “Awareness and Primary Implementation of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Itanagar Capital Complex, Arunachal Pradesh. The project is being funded by NABARD, Arunachal Pradesh regional office res-ponding to the Governor HE Gen (Rtd) JJ Singh’s clarion call for ‘Clean, Green and Plastic Free Arunachal’. The project will popularize proper collection of segregated non-biodegradable solid waste at the source, proper utilization of the bio-degradable solid waste through backyard com-posting and vermin composting and the value addition of non-biodegradable segregated solid waste, transforming the solid waste into solid resources and help develop a viable replicable model in the Capital Complex to achieve the goal— “Clean, green and Plastic-free Itanagar”.

__________________________

DEVELOPMENT OF MODEL GRAM PAN-CHAYAT FOR SOLID AND LIQUID WASTE RE-SOURCE MANAGEMENT:

The major objectives of the project is to develop a model Madhya Sual Kuchi Gram Panchayat, Ka-mrup district, Assam, India which can be repli-cated in other places under the Waste to Wealth Concept with the help of six principles viz. popu-larize the concept “Waste to Wealth” through value added programmes for better community participation, Segregation of the “solid waste” through the specific “Litter Bin” at the source, Reduction of the “segregated biodegradable solid waste through backyard composting”, Future use of the “segregated non biodegradable solid waste and generation of income”, Reduction and opti-mum reuse of waste water in the ‘kitchen garden’ and in other purposes to minimize the waste wa-ter pollution and, build a clean and green sur-rounding.

__________________________ TRAINING IN INNOVATIVE DESIGNS ON PAT-TERN MAKING IN BAMBOO MAT BIN CRAFT:

A new project sponsored by DC (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India was launched by ENVIRON, on training in innovative designs pattern making in Bamboo mat bin craft spon-sored by Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India. The



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training programme was launched on 30th March 2010 at the ENVIRON’s Central Office Campus, Guwahati-6 and will continue up to 29th June 2010 and it will train up more than 30 artesian during the training period.

WORLD EARTH DAY OBSERVED AT

GAUHATI UNIVERSITY:

ENVIRON, an environmental management group, has

come up with a ten-point action for combating cli-

matic change at individual and community level.

These include changing electric bulbs to compact

fluorescent light (CFLs) bulbs to save energy; turning

off unneeded lights; avoiding solid waste dumping to

minimize the emission of green house gases; going

organic and avoiding chemical pesticides; and buying

recycled products to save energy and resource.

ENVIRON organized a one-day workshop to observe

the World Earth Day on Thursday under the National

Environment Awareness Campaign programme spon-

sored by the Union Ministry of Environment and Fo-

rests. Around 200 climate student activists gathered

at the Department of Zoology, Gauhati University,

and took an oath to work towards combating and

minimizing the effects of climate change with the

theme ‘Let us unite to combat climate change.’ Kripal-

jyoti Mazumdar, coordinator, Division of Wildlife and

Biodiversity Conservation, ENVIRON, gave a talk on

the individual efforts that youths and students can

take up for combating the change.

In the interactive session, students raised concerns

about the local effects that are manifesting in the

present-day world with regard to climate change. The

concluding session was an oath-taking ceremony

where students took the pledge to undertake all-

possible efforts with other youths of the region to

combat climate change.

Presiding over the workshop, Prof UC Goswami

spoke about climate change in the Indian context, also

analyzing the politics behind the issue. Prof A Dutta

and Prof DK Sharma were also among the speakers.

Kaustubh Rakshit of the Department of Environmen-

tal Science gave a presentation on technologies and

some possible strategies that could reduce CO2 emis-

sion. He recommended a collective effort integrating

the different aspects of global climate change.

_



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ORGANIZATIONAL REPORT

NECEER, Imphal

W RLDWIDE SAVE LOKTAK LAKE CAMPAIGN On 7th March, 2010, the North East Center for Environmental Education & Research (NE-CEER), Imphal in partnership with a series of organisations, launched a worldwide campaign to Save Loktak in 25 Cities (23 Indian Cities; NewYork, U.S.A and London, U.K.) and 5 Towns across the globe. Save Loktak Lake: Lifeline of Manipur was the theme of the campaign.

First Phase In the first phase of the campaign (7th March 2010), the campaign was organised in 5 cities of the country – Imphal, Delhi, Guwahati, Silchar and Shillong. The campaign is a yearlong awareness programme initiated by NECEER, Imphal for the conservation of Loktak Lake. More than 600 volunteers, 32 city Co-ordinators, Publicity Coordinator and 1 Worldwide Co-ordinator are involved in organiz-ing this campaign. The campaign is to create awareness about the conservation of Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake in Northeast India. The lake was recognised as Ramsar site in 1990. Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park in the world is situated at the south west part of the lake. It is home to the endangered Manipur brow antlered deer ‘Sangai’ - Cervus eldi eldi and many endangered species.

Photo: Loktak Lake


DE SAVE LOKTAK LAKE CAMPAIGN

On 7th March, 2010, the North East Center for E-

CEER), Imphal in partnership with a series of wide campaign to

Save Loktak in 25 Cities (23 Indian Cities; New ) and 5 Towns

across the globe. Save Loktak Lake: Lifeline of

In the first phase of the campaign (7th March 2010), the campaign was organised in 5 cities of

mphal, Delhi, Guwahati, Silchar

The campaign is a yearlong awareness programme initiated by NECEER, Imphal for the conservation of Loktak Lake. More than 600 volunteers, 32 city

ordinators, Publicity Coordinator and 1 z-

ing this campaign. The campaign is to create awareness about the conservation of Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake in Northeast India. The lake was recognised as Ramsar site in 1990.

al park in the world is situated at the south west part of the lake. It is home to the endangered Manipur brow

and many

The lake has been a main source of income and sustenance for inhabitants of the area. For the last few decades the lake has been facing all round destructions due to both natural and anthropo-genic activities. Rapid expansion of ‘Phumdis*’, siltation, pollution, agriculture and adverse effect from Loktak Hydropower Project are some of the main problems which had led to an alarming de-struction of the lake. Involvement of youth and mobilization of public for the conservation of Loktak Lake is the main objective of the campaign. The campaign is sup-ported by more than 20 international and national organizations. The campaign will conclude next year with a grand campaign at the vicinity of the Lake by involving the local inhabitants, local NGOs and Government officials.

Imphal Campaign Campaign at Imphal was organized by NECEER, Imphal in association with Legend Studio, Mani-pur at Central Hall of D.M. College of Science from 10 am to 5 pm. The event was graced by Thounaojam Ibobi Singh, Project Director, Loktak Development Authority (LDA) as Chief Guest Dr. RK Ranjan Singh, Manipur State Coordinator, IBCN (Bombay Natural History Society); Dr. Nao-rem Iboton Singh, Dean, College of Agriculture, CAU, Imphal; Koijam Brojen Singh, Joint Secre-tary/Publicity & Library Secretary, All Manipur Bar Association and Dr. Kh. Shamungou Singh, Former Lecturer, DMC of Science, Imphal as Guest of Honours. Environmentalist Dr. R.K. Ranjan expressed con-cern over the deteriorating condition of the lake and need for urgent action for the conservation of Loktak Lake. He also highlights the problems that the lake is now facing vix. rapid expansion of weeds (phumdis), siltation, pollution and efflu-ents from Loktak Hydro electric power project.



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Renowned Wildlife biologist Dr. Kh. Shamungou spoke on the rich biodiversity of Loktak lake and its importance in the ecological balance of the region. Highlighting the cultural and economic importance of the lake, Dr. Iboton call upon the people of Manipur to save Loktak - the ancient cultural centre of Manipur. Conservation Activist, Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh, Managing Trustee of NECEER, Imphal and Worldwide Co-ordinator of the campaign spoke on the role of youth and local people in the conservation of fra-gile ecosystems of Manipur. He emphasized his lecture on the motivation of youth and their in-volvement in the protection and conservation of rich biodiversity of the state.

Photo: Chief Guest (Imphal Campaign), Thounaojam Ibobi Singh, Director, Loktak Development Authority (LDA) speak-ing at the event.

Photo: Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh distributing prizes.

Prior to the seminar, a cycle rally was organised at 10 am from Kids Foundation, Ghari to DMC of Science followed by a painting competition for school students on topics- “Save Sangai”, “Save Loktak” and “Conserve nature for better future”.

Imphal Campaign was coordinated by Mohen Naorem.

Photo: Manipuri Actress Bala taking part in the cycle rally at Imphal Campaign (UB Photos). Eastern Chronicle.

Delhi Campaign Delhi Campaign was organized at Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Smiti, Delhi. The event was graced by Dr. Th. Meinya, Member of Parliament, Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency as Chief Guest and Dr. Irfan Qureshi, Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi as Guest of Honour.

Photo: Dr. Thokchom Meinya, MP (Lok Sabha) speaking at the event.

Dr. Promila Gupta, GGSIPU, Delhi and Govind Singh, Delhi Greens delivered lectures on the need of conservation of this natural heritage. Manipuri



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Cultural Dance, Street play and interaction pro-gramme were also organized at the venue. Co-ordinator of the Delhi Campaign was Ms. Mehnaz Nasreen.

Photo: Street play by Centre for Media Studies, GGS Indra-prastha University, Delhi

Photo: Manipuri Cultural Dance at Delhi Campaign

During the interactive session, the youth had a series of questions and queries on the status of environment in Manipur, conservation strategies and government initiatives.

Guwahati Campaign Guwahati campaign was organized in association with Environ, Assam at Guahati University, Gu-wahati. Mr. Kripaljyoti Mazumdar was Co-ordinator of Guwahati. NECEER, Imphal and Environ, Assam in association with Abhiyatri and Panchatava also organised a campaign to save Deepor Beel, another Ramsar site of Northeast India. The event was chaired by former PCCF of Assam, M. C. Malakar. In order to mobilize the youth, a Quiz competition was organised during

the pre-event programme of the campaign at P. Dutta Seminar Hall, Gauhati University and Art competition in Parijat Academy, Deepor Beel.

Photo: Students during the Quiz competition at Guwahati.

Shillong Campaign Shillong Campaign was organized at Police Ba-zaar. 32 volunteers took part in the campaign and created awareness to the public by distributing pamphlets and interactions. Rajkumari Jashmi was the city Coordinator.

Photo: Volunteers at Shillong campaign

Prior to the launch of the campaign, several pre-event programme were organised. An awareness programme was also organised at India Gate on 29th November 2009 with the help of students of GGS Indraprastha University, Delhi. In the month of February 2010, lecture and interaction pro-gramme were organised at DMC of Science, Im-phal College and Modern College to create awareness and to involve the youth in the cam-paign. Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh, Worldwide Co-ordinator and Rajkumari Jashmi, Shillong Co-



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ordinator during their interaction with college students call for the active involvement of the youth and academicians in the conservation of this natural heritage.

Silchar Campaign

A day long program was organized by ENVIRON, Guwahati and NECEER, Imphal to create aware-ness to save Loktak, Sonbeel & Chatla under the co-ordination of Chinmoy Choudhury (Research Scholar, Dept. of Life Science, Assam University) in Women`s College Auditorium Hall, Silchar on 7th of March. Environmentalists, Scientists and journalists delivered their lecture and share their views on the conservation of these fragile ecosys-tems on the occasion.

The panel discussion was presided over by Dr. Mitra Dey, Deaprtment of Ecology and Environ-mental Science, Assam University. Dr. S. Singh (DFO) Cachar District was the Chief guest and Guest of honour was Mr. U. C. Kalita (CEO-Fishery) & Dr. Jayshree Rout (Associate Professor & Scientist), Department of Ecology and Envi-ronmental Science & Dr. Gambhir Singh (Associ-ate professor), Department of English, Assam University was honorary guest. In the second ses-sion the panel discussion was presided by Mr. Pijush Das (Senior journalist) accompanied by Dr. S. Roy and Dr. Pulak Das. An art competition was also organized for school children.

Second PhaseSecond PhaseSecond PhaseSecond Phase

Photo: Volunteers at Kolhapur campaign

Second phase of the campaign started at Kolha-pur, Maharashtra on 11th April, 2010. The cam-paign was organised at four places in Kolhapur: 1. Bhavani mandap, 2. Mahalaxmi temple, 3. Rankala lake and 4. Bindu Chowk. Mr. Lulel Sagolsem was Campaign Co-ordinator. As part of the second phase, NECEER, Imphal in association with Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and E-Con, Mumbai will organised the campaign at BNHS, HornBill House Kalaghoda, Mumbai, Maharashtra on 22nd May, 2010. Mr. James Mayengbam is Mumbai Campaign Co-ordinator. On the very day, a campaign in associa-tion with Indreni Pariwar will also be organised at South Sikkim. Mr. Puran Giri is the Campaign Co-ordinator.

NeBIONeBIONeBIONeBIO

NeBIO- an international peer reviewed research journal published by NECEER, Imphal was re-leased on 29th April, 2010. NeBIO publishes origi-nal research, general and review articles on biodi-versity and environment of North East India and its adjoining region.

Details can be obtained from www.neceer.org For subscription and contribution of articles, please visit: www.neceer-imphal.blogspot.com

Ecotourism Ecotourism Ecotourism Ecotourism NECEER, Imphal supports Ecotourism pro-gramme in South Sikkim. NECEER, Imphal re-leased a promotional booklet entitled “Destina-tion Sumbuk” for the promotion of ecotourism in Sumbuk and its adjoining areas in South Sikkim.

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A subscription is for 4 issues of the newsletter. Demand Draft/Cheque may be drawn in favour of North East Centre for Environmental Education and Research payable at Imphal, Manipur. Please send this form to: Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh, Managing Editor, ECOTONE Sagolband Tera Sapam Leirak, Imphal – 795 001, Manipur

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UPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTSUPCOMING EVENTS

3rd International Congress of Environmental Research 16 –18 September 2010 University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius Original research papers, review papers, posters of Physical Sciences,Life Sciences, Technology, Social Sciences, Law, Management and Planning related to Energy, Environment and Development are invited for the conference. The conference is sponsored by Journal of Environmental Research and Development. Contact: Prof. Subhash C. Pandey E-mail: [email protected] Deadline for abstracts/proposals: 16 June 2010. 2nd International Conference on Environ-mental Management (ICEM 2010) 25 – 28 October 2010 Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India The Centre for Environment is organizing 2nd International Conference on Environmental Man-agement (ICEM 2010), with a focal theme "Cli-mate Change: Vulnerability and Adaptation" dur-ing Oct. 25th to 28th, 2010. It will address a range of critically important themes relating to the vex-ing question of climate change and will address the issues where in the impacts are increasingly observable and adaptation actions are increasingly

required. The aim of the conference is to streng-then the awareness of the impacts on different natural environments and socio-economic sys-tems. Contact: Dr.T.Vijaya Lakshmi E-mail: [email protected] Deadline for abstract: 30 August, 2010 2010 International Conference on Envi-ronmental Science and Applications 10 – 12 September 2010 Singapore, Singapore The aim of the ICEEA conference series is to pro-vide a forum for laying the foundations of a new principled approach to Environmental Science and Applications. To this end, the meeting aims to attract participants with different backgrounds, to foster cross-pollination between different re-search fields, and to expose and discuss innovative theories, frameworks, methodologies, tools, and applications. ICEEA 2010 will be published in the conference proceedings, and all papers in the pro-ceedings will be indexed by Thomson ISI. Contact: CBEES Editor E-mail: [email protected] Deadline for abstracts/proposals: 25th June 2010

Readers, You are welcome to contribute articles, photographs with details, news or in any other form pertaining to the regional environment and development related issues, North eastern region for publishing in our subsequent issues. Please send your views and opinions to The Editor, Ecotone at [email protected]

© Environ, Guwahati & NECEER, Imphal



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Venue

BNHS, HornBill House

Kalaghoda, Mumbai

22nd

May 2010

WORLDWIDE�SAVE�LOKTAK�LAKE�CAMPAIGN�&�WORLD�BIODIVERSITY�DAY�

For details, please contact:

James Mayengbam Mumbai Co-ordinator Contact no. +91-9004524155 Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh Worldwide Co-ordinator Worldwide Save Loktak Lake Campaign NECEER, Imphal Email: [email protected] www.neceer.org

Campaign details: www.eCampaign details: www.eCampaign details: www.eCampaign details: www.e----con.co.incon.co.incon.co.incon.co.in