We examined the spatial distribution pattern of reptiles in an eastern Himalayan elevation gradient. The factors governing the distribution have been assessed with emphasis on the mid-domain effect. We surveyed reptiles along the elevation gradient (300–4800 m) of the Teesta valley in Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India using time constrained visual encounter survey.
In a glimmer of hope for six hydel projects in North Sikkim with a projected generation capacity of 1,047 MW, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) has sought complete technical data for consideration of its earlier decision to put them on hold.
The Centre has frozen six mega hydel power projects with a capacity of 1,047 MW proposed in North Sikkim following an adverse report submitted by Centre of Inter-Disciplinary Studies of Mountains and Hill Environment (CISME).
The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) had taken the CISME report seriously and derailed the six proposed hydel power projects in North Sikkim, it is learnt.
Undaunted by the landslide victory of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) in the Sikkim Assembly polls, an apolitical outfit has decided to carry on with its agitation against two proposed hydel projects in Dzongu region of North Sikkim.
Sikkim is facing great challenge to protect the natural resource from land degradation and erosion. The whole state of Sikkim is hilly and cris-crossed by number of streams. Soil erosion is one of the major problems. The hills of Sikkim mainly consist of gneissose and half-schistose rocks, making their soil brown clay, and generally poor and shallow.
