Sikkim CM Chamling attends for International Conference on Rhododendrons

29 April, Gangtok: As a part of International Rhododendron Festival 2010, the Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department organized a International Conference on Rhododendrons: conservation and sustainable use at the conference hall, Saramsa Garden on April 29. The Conference was held to seek inputs and share views on diversity and distribution, habitat diversity and ecological adaptation, phenological behavior and climatic relationships, sustainable use and future potential, field oriented ex-situ conservation, eco-tourism potential, education, awareness and people participation, role of policies and acts.

The Chief Minister Mr Pawan Chamling was present as the chief guest and was also attended by the Speaker SLA, Cabinet Ministers, Advisors, MLAs, Chairpersons, senior government officials, students and the delegates from within and outside the country.

Rhododendrons has fascinated people for centuries and has about 960 species growing worldwide. Of around 80 species of Rhododendron in India, 36 are found in Sikkim. As indicators of forest health and for their phenological sensitivity to climatic change, Rhododendrons has a great role in ecological stability of ecosystems. Sikkim is one of the perfect example of practicing Biodiversity conservation programmes with over 31% geographical area coverage under protected area network including one Biosphere reserve and eight Wildlife Sanctuaries, of which two are exclusively designated for the conservations of Rhododendrons viz. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary and Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.

The Chief Minister, in his inaugural speech, said that the inaugural function of the International Rhododendron Conference, one of the rare occasions to determine the richness on the rhododendron species in Sikkim Himalayas and also reinforce its aesthetic values that blend into the overall experience of the beautiful people of Sikkim.
He also expressed his happiness to see experts, scientists, policy makers and forest managers from different parts of the Country and the world sitting together in a common forum with a common theme to interact and share their findings on various issues, concerns and policies on rhododendrons of the world with particular reference to North Eastern Himalayas and Sikkim. It is only in Conference of this kind that new ideas are created, discussed and the wisdom is recorded in the form of action plan which form the foundation stones for deciding the future course of action with a view to conserve this important natural-resource, he said.

Highlighting, the State government initiatives in conserving and preserving the Biodiversity, he said that the Government’s role and approaches used for conservation of biological diversity in Sikkim have been eco-friendly and has proved immensely beneficial over many decades. The Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve, which is soon expected to be the part of ‘Man and Biosphere Reserve network of UNESCO’ supports immensely rich depositories of rhododendrons, he informed.

The Chief Minister further highlighted the State Government measures in adopting many conservation methods to promote a balanced growth in Sikkim by duly preserving original in Nature and bringing in the best practices of modern development.

“Flowers hold special place both in the Oriental philosophy and western mythology and has always been the treasured wealth and part of life” said the Chief Minister and added that besides, Rhododendron is the State Flower and this makes the whole feeling even more intimate. He also stated that the Conference would further enrich the working experience in nature conservation and forge a collective commitment to save the mother earth.

The Minister for Forest Mr Bhim Dhungel, in his speech, said that the conservation of Rhododendron within natural habitat is the best approach and the State Government has been successful in maintaining the natural habitation. He also stated that the Conference will go a long way in shaping new direction in conserving the wide varieties of Rhododendron and other floral species.

Earlier, the PCCF cum Secretary, Forest Mr. S.T. Lachungpa delivered the keynote address.

An overview on Sikkim Himalayan Rhododendrons was presented by Mr. K.C. Pradhan, former Chief Secretary of Sikkim.

The Conference had a interactive session where participants discussed relevant issues and shared views on which the outcome will be an action plan and suggestions for future policies for Sikkim Himalaya in particular with a global perspective.

(Sikkim IPR News)

International Rhododendron Fest in Lachung in 2010

GANGTOK, October 9: The State Forest and Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel today sanctioned a Harvest Water Tank for Yumthang bungalow and also directed the department for the renovation of Yumthang Hot Spring as part of the various activities taken up for the International Rhododendron Festival 2010 to be held at Lachung in North Sikkim in May 2010
During the inspection of various activities and discussion related with the ensuing rhododendron festival held today, Mr. Dhungel said the festival is not only for domestic but a global initiative. The minister also informed that special guests from International Rhododendron Society like USA, Canada, UK, Switzerland, Nepal and Bhutan will be participating in the International Rhododendron Festival 2010.
Mr. Dhungel was accompanied by Hissey Lachungpa (Political Advisor to CM), Secretary Tourism SBS Bhadauria, Secretary Forest ST Lachungpa, Chief Conservative of Forest Chezum Lachungpa, Chairman STDC Nim Tshering Lepcha, SDM Chungthang Tashi Chopel, representatives from TAAS, Pipons of Lachung and other dignitaries.
During the discussion, Mr. Hissey Lachungpa stressed that at least the accommodation for 100 car parking facility should be constructed at Yumthang and also informed that the Department should form a committee to look after it.
The secretary tourism from his part suggested that garbage should not be disposed at Yumthang valley and informed the department to dispose it in some other places. Regarding the renovation of Yumthang Bungalow he said that the Bungalow should look like a traditional structure.
During his two days visit, the minister visited Yumthang valley where he had a discussion with the various committee members. He also visited different tourist spots in North Sikkim like Khangchendzonga Eco Tourism Park at Naga, Rock climbing at Mangan, butterfly park at Rangrang, Thingchim Lake and the Bio Engineering Work and Soil and Moisture Conservation at Rangrang slides.
The next meeting regarding the festival is slated for October 15 at the Conference Hall of Forest Secretariat, adds a press release.

International Rhododendron Festival 2010 in Sikkim

GANGTOK, October 4: The State Forest Department has proposed to hold a meeting of the International Rhododendron Festival Committee on October 7 and 8 in Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Lachung, North Sikkim to discuss various issues related to the festival.
According to an official release, the meeting will also discuss on the ways to bring out the programme with grand success followed by site visit to inspect and asses the progress of various ongoing work components for the festival.
The meeting will be attended by Hissey Lachungpa, the Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, State Forest Minister Bhim Dhungel, State Power Minister SG Lepcha, State PHE Minister Thinley Tshering Bhutia and MLA Lachen Mangan Constituency Tshering Wangdi Lepcha.
After the meeting, the dignitaries will attend the valedictory function of Wildlife week celebration 2009 at Phuni, said the release.
It may be added here that the State Government has accorded in principle approval for launching of IRF 2010 at Lachung, Thangu and Barsey in North and West Sikkim from May 3 to 20, 2010. The project proposals for different works components fro IRF 2010 have been already submitted to the Ministry of Tourism and DoNER, GOI for seeking approval and sanction.