ISSN 0976-3589

Ecotone
Ecotone
A quarterly newsletter on environment and biodiversity of North East India

Volume 2 Issue1 May 2010

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

 Ecotone

EDITORIAL
Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief
Dear Readers, Kripaljyoti Mazumdar
We are happy to present the 1st issue of Vol. 2 of Ecotone. Managing Editor
It was your support and encouragement that constantly Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh
raised our moral. We would require that in near future Associate Editors
Kalpana Thaoroijam
too.
Navanath Saharia
The very recently concluded South Asian Association for
Assistant Editors
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit at Thimphu,
Bidyut Bikash Sarma
turned out to be more of an environmental summit of the Mohd. Sajid Idrisi
heads of states and will pave the way for a green and Chinmoy Choudhury
happy South Asia. Many of the people are though skep-
tical over the enthusiasm of the head of the states and ADVISORY BOARD
there remains a long history of the flounder decision of
SAARC. The 2007 Dhaka summit had come up with the Dr. Vishwas Chavan
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
Climate Change action plan and it was the third meeting Denmark
of Environment Minister at Maldives in 1997 where the Dr. Hemant K. Badola
SAARC Action Plan on Environment was adopted but G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment &
when it comes to the implementation part, most of the Development, Sikkim Unit, Gangtok, Sikkim
member states are still to act on it. But we have to hope- Prof. Abhik Gupta
ful as the decision on establishing the SAARC Inter- Dept. of Ecology and Environmental Science
Assam University, Silchar, Assam
governmental Monsoon Initiative on the evolving pattern
Dr. Swapna Prabhu
of monsoons to assess vulnerability due to climate Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS),
change, SAARC Inter-governmental Mountain Initiative Mumbai, Maharashtra
on mountain ecosystems and SAARC Inter- Mr. Amarjyoti Kashyap
governmental Marine Initiative will definitely help in President, Environ, Guwahati, Assam
sharing knowledge on various issues of these critical
ecosystems.

Cover Page
Balanophora dioica
Photo: Lunminlal Kipgen

Kripaljyoti Mazumdar Designed, layout and printed by

Editor-in-chief, Ecotone Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh

All rights reserved © Environ & NECEER

For any enquiries please contact:
Kripaljyoti Mazumdar, Editor-in-chief
Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh, Managing Editor
E-mail: ecotone.editor@gmail.com
Ecotone Page 2

Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010 Ecotone

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CONTENTS Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010

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

LETTER TO EDITOR

Protecting the Wetlands 3. Fencing: Wired fencing can be done to

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.
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: deepshikhapathak@gmail.com
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Ecotone Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010

 Ecotone
GREEN 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
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Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
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.
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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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Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
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ENDANGERED SPECIES

Balanophora
- a rare and endangered
plant found in North East
India

Lunminlal Kipgen
Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh
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 inflores-
cences are developed underground and rupture when it surface above the ground. The plants are dio-
ecious, 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
Ecotone Page 6
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.

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Figure 1. Natural population of Balanophora.

Balanophora Photo: Lunminlal Kipgen

Key to the Northeast Indian species of Balano- Threats

phora
Balanophora is under severe threats from habitat
1. Bracts subtending flowers fused side by side destruction. Shifting cultivation and forest fire are
into a hexagonal alveolus ……………………………...
…………………………… 2 the main culprits for the destruction of wild
1. Bracts subtending flowers free or not deve
devel- population
lation of the species in the region.
oped ………………………………………………
………………………………………………………..……….… 3
2. Leaves verticillate and connate into a sheat
sheath- Conservation
like whorl ……………….……. B. involucrata
2. Leaves subopposite or spiraled . B. harlandii Involvement of the local people and change of
3. Flowers pedicellate; anther cells transvers
transversely existing agriculture practice i.e. shifting culti-
divided into small locelli ……….. B. polyandra vation would play an important role in the in-situ
3. Flowers long pedicellate; anther cells usually and ex-situ conservation of the genus. Very little
longitudinally dehiscent ……………………………….
……………………………. 4 information exists on the cultivation of Balanopho-
4. Perianth lobes ovate, less than 2 mm; synan-
syna ra. For these reasons, we here raise concerns for
dria hemispheric ………………………………………… B. dioica the conservation of the taxa and strongly voice the
need to develop cultivation methodologies.
Distribution in North East India
References
The species is found in the tropical dense forests
of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Assam and Aru-Ar
Chowdhery, H. J. 1997. Plant diversity in Dibang
nachal Pradesh at an elevation of 1100 m to 2600
Valley District, Arunachal Pradesh. Pp 113. In
m.
Plant diversity hotspots in India: An overview. (eds
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 Ecotone
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
Ecotone Page 8
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
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: neceer.imp@gmail.com
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 Ecotone
HOT TOPIC

Coal resource potentials, utilisation possibilities, envi-

ronmental implications and eco-friendly mining of North
East India
Kiranmay Sarma

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.

Geology of the coalfields A. GONDWANA BELT OF ARUNACHAL

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.
PRADESH
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.
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B. COAL BELTS OF GARO, KHASI AND
JAINTIA HILLS OF MEGHALAYA AND
MIKIR HILLS OF
OF ASSAM
Garo 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,
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ash 1.3 to 13.3 percent and V.M. 37.1 percent
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
to 46.9 percent. The coals are generally non-
caking. The estimated coal deposit is 9 mil-
lion tones.
Khasi 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 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
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. THE COALFIELDS OF UPPER ASSAM,
NAGALAND AND ARUNACHAL PRAD-
PRAD -
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
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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
northeast 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,
Ecotone Page 11
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
 Ecotone
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.
Environmental impact of coal mining
The indiscriminate and unscientific mining are
causing large-scale damage to land, water, air and
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vegetation, influencing the life of the people in the
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
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.
Eco-
Eco -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-
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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.
Author
Kiranmay Sarma
School of Environment Management
GGS Indraprastha University
Kashmere Gate, Delhi-110006
Email: kiranmayipu@gmail.com
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Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
 Ecotone
JUNGLE FILE
Conservation of Endangered Pha
Phayre’s leaf langur
(Trachypithecus phayrei) in degraded habitat of southern
Assam, India :
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
Ecotone Page 14
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
Kripaljyoti Mazumdar
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-
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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-
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ley and some new trapped populations. Known
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
 Ecotone
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
Ecotone Page 16
the forest area (which are mostly of the secondary
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
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.
Ecotone
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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
Author
Kripaljyoti Mazumdar
G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment
and Development, North East Unit, Vivek Vihar,
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh-791 113
Email: kripal4u@gmail.com
Ecotone Page 17
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
 Ecotone
JUNGLE FILE
Status and Conservation of Slow Loris Nycticebus bengalensis
in Northeast India
Bengal slow Lories in the fringe area of Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary (near NERIST campus)
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
Ecotone Page 18
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
Awadhesh Kumar and Ashalata Devi
Photo by: Awadhesh Kumar
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
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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,
Ecotone
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 No. of Year of Source
sighting animal Sighting
(hours) sighted
Assam Jeypore Reserve Forest, Dibru- 18:45 01 25 May Nandini et al. 2009
garh Division 2007
Namtok, Dirok Forest, Dehing - 01 31 December Nandini et al. 2009
Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary 2005
Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary 22.00-02.00 04 2008 Das et al. 2009
Meghalaya Baghmara Reserve Forest, Garo 19:30 01 12 March Nandini et al. 2009
Hills Division 2007
Gongrot Aking, adjoining Bal- 01 April 2005 Nandini et al. 2009
pakram NP Garo Hills Division
Arunachal Deban, Namdapha National 19:57 01 2007 Nandini et al. 2009
Pradesh Park
Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, 18.47 02 Kumar A. personnel
communication
Itangar Wildlife Sanctuary and 20.15 01 15 May 2009 Kumar A. 2009
fringe area (NERIST)
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Ecotone Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010

 Ecotone
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.
Ecotone Page 20
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
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.
Authors
Author s
Awadhesh Kumar
Department of Forestry, NERIST, Nirjuli-791109,
Arunachal Pradesh, India
Email: tpileatus@gmail.com
Ashalata Devi
Department of Environmental Science, NAPAM,
Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India
Email: kh_asha@tezu.ernet.in
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 Ecotone
BIODIVERSITY INFORMATICS

Spandan, the bip: Web based platform for biodiversity

inventory by people

Neha Singh, Gurushant Upase, Khuraijam 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
(WIN) has developed web based information system called ‘Spandan, the biodiversity inventory by pe peo-
ple’. Launched in February 2010, and accessible at http://www.spandan
http://www.spandan-bip.org,
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
general public in scientific research
esearch could signif
signifi-
cantly improve knowledge and decision/making in
the field of biodiversity. General public can con-
co
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-o
servations record. In fact, much needed partne
partner-
ship between scientists and citizens
citiz is lacking,
especially in mega-biodiverse
biodiverse and developing n 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-Co
ceived as the citizens movement with aim to con-
co
tribute millions of biodiversity
ersity observation rre-
cords during the 2010, International Year of Biodi-
Biod
versity. Launched during February 2010, Spandan,
the bip is accessible at http://www.spandan-
http://www.spandan
bip.org.
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 tthese
‘living pulses of Mother Earth’, which can in turn
help in understanding nature and conserving bi bio-
diversity. Thus, we chose the name ‘Spandan,
‘ the
biodiversity inventory by people’
people to this ambitious
project.
Spandan, the bip: Ambitions
ds: Spandan, the bip is a citizens
1. Billion records:
movement with aims to collate together mil- mi
lions biodiversity observations during 2010 IIn-
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
Ecotone Page 21

Ecotone Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010

 Ecotone
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
Ecotone Page 22
login, which can be self generated. Contributor
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
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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 Ecotone

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- http://www.slideshare.net/spandanbip
lish, Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Telgu,
Tamil & Kannada
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

Authors

Neha Singh Khuraijam Jibankumar Singh

Gurushant Upase
World Institute for Nature, A 403 Palladium
Grand, Pune 411015, India
Emails: neha@worldnatureinstitute.org
gurushant@worldnatureinstitute.org
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: vishwas@worldnatureinstitute.org or
Ecotone Page 23

chavan.vishwas@gmail.com or vchavan@gbif.org

Ecotone Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010

 Ecotone
MEDICINAL PLANT
Swertia chirayita, a high value endangered medicinal
herb: potential in north-
north-east India
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
Ecotone Page 24
species is found along 1500 to 3000m asl.
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
Swertia chirayita under ex-situ cultivation in Sikkim
Bharat K. Pradhan and Hemant K. Badola
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.
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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-
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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
Ecotone Page 25
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
 Ecotone

120.0 Initial 6 month 12 month 18 month

100.0
Seed Germination (%)

80.0

60.0

40.0

20.0

0.0
Luing, E Sikkim Upp. Jaunbari, S Phinsyonala, N Zemathang, N
Pangthang, E. Sikkim Sikkim Sikkim
Sikkim
POPULATION
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 range between
1800 and 2500m are the most suitable 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 species suggests multifold returns to far-
mers, if proper scientific techniques are applied
with periodical monitoring. For the north-east
states of Indian Himalaya, S. chirayita offers very
high scope of entrepreneurship at grass root level,
both for having availability of a standardized ex-
situ cultivation protocol as well as for the availa-
bility of potential populations in nature in the
region, as worked out by the authors. However,
local level pharmaceuticals need to be motivated
to encourage giving their financial support to local
farmers, especially in establishing large scale dem-
onstration plots and subsequent widespread cul-
tivation aiming to meet out large raw material
Ecotone Page 26
up by the locally established institutions have to
play a pivotal role in the entire initiative. The spe-
cies is, however, yet to be substantially explored
for its quantum availability in nature, especially
for the habitat preferences; 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 sustainable 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.

demands. However, scientific and technical back

Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010 Ecotone


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.
Ecotone
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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.
Authors
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: hkbadola@rediffmail.com
badolahk@yahoo.co.in
Ecotone Page 27
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
 Ecotone
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”.
__________________________
Ecotone Page 28
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
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.
_
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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.
Ecotone Page 29
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
 Ecotone
ORGANIZATIONAL REPORT
NECEER, Imphal
W RLDWIDE SAVE LOKTAK LAKE CAMPAIGN
On 7th March, 2010, the North East Center for
Environmental Education & Research (NE- (N
CEER), Imphal in partnership with a series of
organisations, launched a worldwide campaign to
Save Loktak in 25 Cities (23 Indian Cities; New
York, U.S.A and London, U.KU.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,
ordinators, Publicity Coordinator and 1
Worldwide Co-ordinator
ordinator are involved in organiz-
organi
ing this campaign. The campaign is to create
awareness aboutut 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
he endangered Manipur brow
antlered deer ‘Sangai’ - Cervus eldi eldi and many
endangered species.
Photo: Loktak Lake
Ecotone Page 30
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
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 anthrop
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 d 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 susup-
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, Man
Mani-
pur at Central Hallll 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 Secr
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
ironmentalist Dr. R
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 effl
efflu-
ents from Loktak Hydro electric power project.
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 Ecotone
Renowned Wildlife biologist Dr. Kh. Shamungou Imphal Campaign was coordinated by Mohen
spoke on the rich biodiversity of Loktak lake and Naorem.
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: Manipuri Actress Bala taking part in the cycle rally at

Imphal Campaign (UB Photos). Eastern Chronicle.

Photo: Chief Guest (Imphal Campaign), Thounaojam Ibobi
Singh, Director, Loktak Development Authority (LDA) speak-
ing at the event.
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: 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
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
Ecotone Page 31

Loktak” and “Conserve nature for better future”.

Ecotone Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010

 Ecotone
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
Ecotone Page 32
youth, a Quiz competition was organised during
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
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-
Ecotone

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 Phase
Photo: Volunteers at Kolhapur campaign
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Ecotone
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.
NeBIO
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
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.
Ecotone Page 33
________________ ***** __________________
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
 Ecotone

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Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010 Ecotone


UPCOMING 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: icer10.jerad@gmail.com
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
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 ecotone.editor@gmail.com
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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: secretary@icem2010jntuh.org
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: iceea@vip.163.com
Deadline for abstracts/proposals: 25th June 2010
© Environ, Guwahati & NECEER, Imphal
Ecotone Page 35
Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010
 Ecotone
WORLDWIDESAVELOKTAKLAKECAMPAIGN&WORLDBIODIVERSITYDAY

22nd May 2010

Venue
BNHS, HornBill House
Kalaghoda, Mumbai

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: neceer.imp@gmail.com
www.neceer.org
Ecotone Page 36

Volume 2 Issue 1 May 2010

Campaign details: www.e-
www.e-con.co.in Ecotone