Neora Valley National Park: More green cover for Neora

Jalpaiguri, Feb. 20.TT: Nine forest blocks that are rich in flora and fauna will be added to Neora Valley National Park so that the areas can be preserved and surveys on species conducted.

Till now, the blocks in Kalimpong subdivision were looked after by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation that used to carry out felling in the zone. But after a Supreme Court order in 2006 prohibited cutting of trees above 1,000 feet, felling stopped in these places and the green cover grew back.

“We have decided to include the forest blocks of Ambiok, Mo, Khempong, Kolrong, Lava, Rhenok, Russet, Pangkhowa and Ruka in the national park. For over six years, the department (West Bengal Forest Development Corporation) has not carried out any felling as the places are all located above an altitude of 1,000 feet,” said Vipin Sood, the conservator of forests (wildlife), north Bengal.

Foresters said a survey was being conducted to find out if any villages are there in the nine blocks spread over 85sqkm and what is the population. “If there are forest villages, they will be shifted,” Sood said.

He added that once the area is added to the national park, entering without permission, grazing cattle and lighting fires for whatever purpose would be prohibited.

The blocks would also be strictly policed so that the flora and the fauna are not disturbed.

“We found that these areas are wildlife habitats and the decision (to add the areas to the forest) was taken so that our wildlife wing can better manage them. We will also do the same for Gorumara National Park,” forest minister Hiten Barman said.

The park spread over 88sqkm is in Kalimpong subdivision and managed by the Jalpaiguri wildlife wing II.

According to Sood, a report will be sent to the state government that will issue a gazette notification on the inclusion of the areas.

“The notification will be sent to the ministry of environment and forests for their information,” he said.

The forester added that the decision to add the forest blocks was taken by the West Bengal State Wildlife Advisory Board earlier this month.

“It (the area) touches altitudes from 600 feet to nearly 10,500 feet and most of it is dense forest and home to rare species of orchids and has a rich bio-diversity. Our forest staff members have had sightings of tigers and bears in these areas and with the WBFDC having no activities, it was decided to include the places into the ambit of the national park,” Sood said.

Neora forest that borders Bhutan and Sikkim was accorded the status of a national park in 1992.

Sood said the forest was rich in flora and fauna and animals like tigers, elephants, Himalayan black bears and red panda. “With the area increasing to 173sqkm, we will have to be extra vigilant to protect the park,” Sood said.