Socio-Environmental Survey of Two Ecologically Important Hamlets of North Bengal, India

Lava is a small hamlet situated 34 km. east of the Kalimpong subdivision in Darjeeling district of the state of West Bengal, India. Rishyap/Rishop, which nestles amidst the hidden hills of Neora Valley is around 9 km. from Lava. The forest of Neora Valley is very close to Lava and is an excellent place of Indian biodiversity, which spreads over an area of 88 km². The main objective of the present research work was to construct the social, environmental, cultural and economic framework of the Lava and Rishop area and to highlight the proposals for sustainable management policies of those ecologically sensitive zones. The study was done in April, 2014 by visiting Lava, Rishop and Neora Valley and the information was gathered through field survey and direct contact with common people and authorized centers of the regions. Surveys on the agriculture, horticulture, livestock, water management, education, culture, health, waste management, transport and biodiversity were done in these areas. Lava, Rishop and the Neora valley areas have become the prominent tourist spots of West Bengal for pleasure trips, biological and geographical excursions and medical research works. In spite of getting so much attention in the recent time, the areas are not adequately developed. There is an urgent need for implementing sustainable management systems in the areas for the betterment of the socio-environmental structures. Some of the possible management strategies have been suggested for maintaining the social, environmental, economic and ecological balance of the region.