towards project snow leopard - Nature Conservation Foundation

56 • Appendix 1
1.4. Strong Political Will
1.4.1. Plastic ban was strictly enforced, in spite of opposition.
1.4.2. Sikkim is being projected as an organic state. The state Government has taken up
numerous steps to ensure and facilitate organic agriculture in the state.
1.4.3. The state has a clear policy banning grazing in moist alpine meadows, that it wants to
implement with support of the affected herders.
1.4.4. Commercial collection of wild medicinal plants is banned.
1.4.5. 166 Smriti Vans and 166 Panchayat Herbal Gardens have been created in 2004, a
step that has generated good awareness among the masses, as well as added to the
states forest cover.
1.4.6. One-third of the funds allocated to village Panchayats are to be spent for social
forestry, medicinal plants and Smriti vanas.
1.4.7. Environmentally pro-active Chief Minister with overwhelming majority which
ensures that forestry and allied sectors get their due importance in the implementation
of developmental projects.
1.5. Tourism incomes
1.5.1. For remote villages, trekking is a very good source of income.
1.5.2. Impacts are minimal with use of alternate fuel being mandatory.
2. Constraints Faced by Forest Department Staff in Effectively Managing Wildlife in the High
Altitudes (> 4000 M) of Sikkim
2.1. Administrative Constraints
2.1.1. Remoteness of the snow leopard habitat from district headquarters: The entire snow
leopard range is situated in very remote corners of the state where access and
monitoring become difficult. The area also has a harsh climate and terrain.
2.1.2. High level of centralization of administrative functions and powers: The smallness of the
State has resulted in concentration of administrative powers in the State headquarters.
This is now being reviewed to enable the Divisional Forest Officers to dispose off
routine administrative matters as well as to impose minor penalties on erring staff.
2.1.3. Lack of wildlife checkpost at Zema for the Green Lake Trek: The Green Lake is fast
emerging as a preferred tourist destination. The department is unable to monitor
the entry of tourists and their activities and is also losing revenue because there is no
checkpost at Zema. Permits are first issued by the Home Department after collection
of fees and then the matter is referred to the Forest Department, due to which it is