Reforestation in Darjeeling
Our Project "Save the Environment and Regenerate Vital Employment"
Durable
quality depends on sustainable development. To reverse soil erosion
on the steep slopes of Darjeeling, trees must be replanted in strategic
locations. In 1992, Teekampagne
initiated "Save the Environment and Regenerate Vital
Employment"
(S.E.R.V.E.) to improve the area’s natural
environment. Funded solely by Teekampagne,
the project is implemented by the WWF-India. Our cooperation with
the WWF, as well as our financial support for S.E.R.V.E., is intended
as a long-term commitment.S.E.R.V.E. is also dedicated to improving the socio-economic conditions of the inhabitants of Darjeeling Hill. It has carved a niche among the conservation-oriented non-governmental organizations of the region, and much has been accomplished:
- So far, an area of 210 hectares has been reforested.
- 22 tree nurseries have been established. 260.000 seedlings were grown in the last year alone.
Our
model village, Tinchulay, is an example of how ecological awareness and
entrepreneurship can work together. Its ecological projects (such as
establishing tree nurseries and producing bio-fertilizer) have
flourished, and it has established a successful business in ecotourism.- Environmental education and awareness programs are bearing fruit. 13 schools are working closely with our WWF project; their activities include nature treks, bird watching, and various exhibitions and workshops. Research activities range from the recycling of plastics to the conservation of endangered bird species. Workshops on medicinal plants teach the local population how to use these natural resources.
- Collecting rainwater enables a small water power plant to produce energy for 10 households in a remote area of Darjeeling.
- The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a fascinating piece of engineering and a major tourist attraction, stops at Batasia Loop, where S.E.R.V.E. has laid out an eco garden which provides information about organic farming and the regional flora.
- In the near future, 300 hectares of land will be reforested in Senchal, the area which provides the town of Darjeeling with water.
Tinchulay Model Village
Development
projects rarely achieve international acclaim, but
exceptions do exist: several years ago Tinchulay, a village in the
district of Darjeeling, was chosen for our project S.E.R.V.E. by the
World Wide Fund for Nature of
India. As part of a reforestation effort, seventeen families in the
village got involved in the cultivation of seedlings. They operate an
organic vegetable farm and produce high-grade compost using dung and
worms. On a small scale, they also cultivate organic tea plants. In
addition, an organic gas plant provides fuel for cooking.
Tinchulay is situated in a beautiful countryside, which has encouraged the villagers to start an entrepreneurial venture in ecotourism. The residents have opened up their homes to day visitors, and they lodge travelers. The model village is well worth a visit, and guided tours provide a good sense of the effort invested in setting it up. Compared to western standards, the village provides rather basic facilities to the visitor, but guests are treated like family members and enjoy generous hospitality. Recently, the village was awarded first prize in the All India Eco-Tourism Competition.
We at Teekampagne are thrilled to see our collaboration with the WWF India come to such gratifying fruition.
Batasia Eco Garden
Batasia
Loop, near Ghoom, is a major tourist spot in
Darjeeling. The Toy Train Track and the Gorkha Martyr Monument, a war
memorial commemorating soldiers from Darjeeling, attract thousands of
tourists each year. S.E.R.V.E. has been actively involved in landscaping the area. An eco garden has been laid out, where rare and indigenous plants are nursed. Batasia Eco Garden displays the unique flora of Darjeeling. It houses many species of endangered plants, for instance Gingko biloba, several species of Rhododendron, medicinal plants like Taxus baccata, hemlock (Tsuga dumosa), and silver fir (Abies densa). Various tea plants demonstrate the wealth of Darjeeling tea.
Contact
WWF India (West Bengal State Office)TATA Centre
43 J.L. Nehru Road
Kolkata 700 071
India
E-mail: wwfcal@cal2vsnl.net.in
Project S.E.R.V.E
c/o Darjeeling Gymkhana Club
Darjeeling 734 101
West Bengal, India