NATURE’S ARTISTRY

In a world that’s going grey about grime and industrial waste spoiling the lungs of the city-weary soul, we’re glad we have one of the world’s cleanest villages surviving yet, in the Northeast that is slowly going the commercial way.

Nestled cosily between the plains of Bangladesh and the foothills of the War region, Mawlynnong which is a good three hours drive from Shillong is a cute, colourful little village renowned for its cleanliness. Autumn is the right season to visit this paradise on terra fi rma. The village is a picture perfect painting with a splash of colours. Vibrant red, yellow and green Coleus and Japonica grow profusely by the roadside giving the whole village the scenario of a piece of Eden.

DISCOVERY BY OVERSEAS TOURISTS

An unmistakable aroma of bay leaves invades your senses as you get closer to Mawlynnong. The pleasant climate is just right for some of the most exotic flora and fauna. Interestingly the first tourists to have visited Mawlynnong came from across the oceans. Several international visitors have come and gone leaving their imprints behind in a little journal. Every tourist narrates his/her unique experiences. A ninety-eight year old lady from Israel came to Mawlynnong to soak in its serenity. She even asked the local tourist guides to take her down to river Thyllong, a pristine piece of water body, perhaps one of the few left in our state. The matriarch wanted to see for herself the living root bridge that spans the banks of this river, not unlike the one you see in Laitkynsew village, albeit not so challenging and not a double decker, so it is easier to negotiate.

GUEST HOUSE

Mawlynnong’s fame is now drawing an endless stream of guests ranging from bus-loads of school kids to curious visitors from across the country. Although residential facilities are still scarce and are in the process of being developed, the existing one constructed from bamboo and thatch is quite hospitable and restful; the best part – it’s a tree house! It has a little machang (a sort of verandah) giving you a view of the river flowing beneath, and also rendering a cool zephyr. Mawlynnong is an artist’s delight and the sort of getaway that would titillate creative writers and poets, no less than it would attract serious researchers wanting to fi nd out how tourism has caught on in this remote destination.

Young men from this village have taken to being tourist guides, learning their trades through trial and error, and are eager to receive tips from experienced tourists. A crash course on tourism would defi nitely be benefi cial for these young lads. Mawlynnong has a range of sights and sounds, all natural. There are water falls, treks and picnic spots. The sparklingly clean streams and rivulets of this village are reminiscent of the good old days when all the rivers in this hill state were crystal clear and you could drink the water without the fear of it being polluted.

FRUITFUL SOUVENIRS

Mawlynnong is not just about sight seeing. There is a profusion of fruits like oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and a range of vegetables growing in the village that tourists would like to take home. People pursue their traditional livelihoods growing betel nut, betel leaf and a host of spices. Bamboo crafts specific to the place are also gradually coming up.

Broomstick farming is a common occupation. This grass is easily cultivable and does not require the kind of care nor manure that other crops do. In January every year, which is the time when the harvested broomstick is suffi ciently dried and ready for sale, the mahajons or traders from Shillong come to pick them up in bulk. Farmers earn roughly Rs. 400 per quintal of broomstick. Mawlynnong is still largely forested with stretches cleared for plantation crops. People are enterprising and find something to grow all the year round.

THE OTHER SIDE OF TOURISM

But there is a flip side to this tourist friendly environment too. Promising a haven away from the rough and tumble of city life, Mawlynnong raises the expectations of the tourists who might like to determine their own comfort levels that the villagers may not be able to provide. It is here that Mawlynnong needs to assert its niche attraction. The idea is for tourists to live as close to nature as possible without looking for five-star comfort. Hopefully, Mawlynnong will preserve its simple lifestyle and not get carried away by the onrush of tourist expectations.

THE ROLE OF ECOTOURISM

At this moment what fears the concerned, is the propensity of the villagers to clear up virgin forests for broomstick cultivation. A tourist destination like Mawlynnong will be viable as long as there are forests to provide the ambience of serendipity. This is where ecotourism comes in as a strong contender and conserver of natural resources. If the Tourism Department works in tandem with the Forest Department, and the education of the people is taken seriously, they would be aware of the huge gains that come from eco-tourism and hence refrain from cutting the timber for earning money.

In states like Meghalaya with fragile bio-diversity, eco-tourism is the only alternative to logging and the rampant clearance of forests for mono-cropping. If Mawlynnong succeeds in drawing a steady stream of tourists throughout the year, the remuneration will spread more evenly across families. Even today the local villagers are earning their bit from providing hospitality and cooking the local cuisine.

TAKE A VACATION

Mawlynnong is a wonderful place to unwind and refresh one’s tired nerves. A brisk walk to any of the vantage points, and there are plenty, would not only churn up a good appetite but also give the tourist a rewarding experience of a good, sound sleep. Without your cell phone to disturb the even tenor of life and with just a transistor to keep abreast of the world, Mawlynnong is guaranteed to rejuvenate the bone weary and stressed-out city dweller. Here you are lulled to sleep by the chirping of the cricket and a dozen other fascinating sounds from the forest; sounds that this generation no longer recognizes.

Mawlynnong beckons those bitten by the adventure bug. A good number of visitors today are from Shillong. And many others come from different corners of the nation and abroad to soothe their frayed nerves in this home away from home. The prototypical Eden shall bring greater benefits, if only man upholds the gifts that Nature has over-

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Sikkim The Last Shangri La

BRITISH AUTHOR JAMES HILTON IN HIS NOVEL, ‘LOST HORIZON’ INTRODUCES THE CONCEPT OF “SHANGRILA”, A MYSTICAL, HARMONIOUS VALLEY, GUIDED FROM A MONASTERY. IT HAS NOW BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH AN EARTHLY PARADISE, PARTICULARLY A MYTHICAL HIMALAYAN UTOPIA—A PERMANENTLY HAPPY LAND, ISOLATED FROM THE OUTSIDE WORLD.

The nearest thing we can come close to experiencing Shangri-la in real life, is Sikkim – the only brother state of the seven Northeastern sister states. Perched in the midst of the twin mountain kingdoms of Bhutan and Nepal is the tiny state of Sikkim, beckoning the weary travellers with its misty mountains and undulating hills. There is always something that escapes the common eye and attracts the weather beaten traveller to this mystical land.

And it’s only when we delve deeper into its hidden secrets that we come to know and feel its full grandeur. The starting point of our journey is the capital city, Gangtok. The mere mention of this name conjures images of the mist hidden hills, tall gompas and the mystique of Orient. A mere four hour journey from Siliguri, lands one in Gangtok, Which means ‘High Hill.’ Gangtok became the capital in the mid 1800s (previous capitals were at Yuksom and Rabdentse). Sikkimese life is centred around this place. Its Buddhist past is the root of its appeal for visitors, and remains evident at the impressive Institute of Tibetology, the Enchey Monastery, Pemayengtse and the marvellous Rumtek Monastery not far away, the last a thriving centre of Mahayana Buddhism. Sikkim’s pride, the orchid, is nurtured at the Orchid Sanctuary and other sites in and around Gangtok.

With the Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain and the protective deity of the Sikkimese people - towering overhead and blessed with a magnifi cent landscape of fastflowing rivers and lush forested hills, Sikkim has evolved into a very popular destination in recent times for both domestic and foreign tourists. Let us follow the trail to fi nd out something more about the notable sights basking under the Gangtok sun.

INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY

Just a mile from Gangtok, is the Institute of Tibetology, an organisation dedicated to furthering Tibetan studies, Buddhist philosophy and region. It attracts scholars from all over the world and houses a rare collection of 30,000 books, Tantric documents, rare manuscripts written in gold on the bark of a poisonous tree!

DUL-DUL CHORTEN & JHANG CLUB CHORTAN

Near the Deorali bazaar, are two exquisite stupas, the “Dul-dul-Chorten”, to commemorate the victory of good over evil, and the “Jhang Club Chorten”, built to perpetuate the memory of a great spiritualist of today. Th rul-Shik Rinpoche an ardent devotee of Buddha and one of his best interpreters died in 1962, and the stupa immortalises Rimpoche in the land of his birth.

TSUK-LA-KHANG MONASTERY

This monastery is located in the palace premises near the ridge in Gangtok. It is two-storeyed and was used during royal functions like weddings and coronations. Th e Phang Labsol and the Lossang festivals are celebrated in the ground adjacent to the monastery once every year, with the performance of the ‘Chhams’ or the masked dances.

ENCHEY MONASTERY

It is situated in Gangtok on a hill top. It was built during the reign of Thutob Namgyal.

DEER PARK

Embraced by gardens of flowers, lies a beautiful Deer Park – an ideal place to feel solitude, beside the Secretariat. Built to commemorate the Buddha’s reincarnation as a musk deer, it has a large fi elded statue of Buddha under a beautiful canopy in preaching posture, a replica of the statue at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, where Lord Buddha delivered his fi rst sermon. It is a popular viewpoint on the edge of the ridge.

A unique feature of Sikkimese culture are its famous mask dances which provides a spectacle, perhaps nowhere to be experienced in the entire world. Performed by lamas in the ‘Gompa’ courtyard to celebrate religious festivals, these dances demonstrate perfect footwork and grace.

For the more adventurous kind, a little detour outside Gangtok offers a plethora of varied images in the form of the famed monasteries of Sikkim, some of which are –

RUMTEK MONASTERY

About 24 km from Gangtok, by meandering roads through emerald green rice terraces, lies Rumtek, the main monastery of Kagyud or ‘Black Hat’ sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Built in 1959 by His Holiness the 16th Reincarnated Gyalwa Karmapa, head of the Kagyud sect, it is a replica of Tsurphu Monastery from the Kham region of Tibet.

PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY

Built in 1705, it is Sikkim’s second oldest monastery and second most important. This ancient monastery is the headquarters of the Nyingmapa Buddhist sect of Sikkim. Inside are great murals fi lled with thousands of deities from the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon. On the top fl oor is a wooden sculpture, the Zandog-Palri, which depicts the heavenly abode of Guru Padmasambhava.

YUKSOM

Yuksom, in the west of Gangtok, is an historical town set amidst pristine hills and lakes, where the first King of Sikkim was crowned in AD 1642. From here the adventurous can trek to Dzongri and Gochi-La. Th e reward for undertaking this strenuous excursion is an unequalled fi rst-hand experience of the high Himalaya peaks, glaciers and icefalls. A superb panorama of the Eastern Himalayas awaits the trekker.

A top spot on the ‘not to be missed’ list while in Sikkim, is the TSOMGO LAKE. Tsomgo lake in Sikkim is a holy lake worshipped by the Sikkimese. Tsomgo (Changu) lake, which is hardly 20 km away from the famous Nathula Pass and about 400 km from Lhasa. Its cool, placid water is in perfect harmony with the picturesque beauty around, which is increased by its refl ection in the lake. A small temple of Lord Shiva is built on the lakeside. Primula flowers and other alpine plantation grow around the Tsomgo lake. During the winter months, the Tsomo Lake becomes frozen.

Wonders never cease in North Sikkim with each turn, each valley, each rivulet trying to outdo the other in the scenic beauty that it off ers. Another much sought after spot in the north is the LACHUNG village. Hidden away from the prying eyes of the tourism department is this gem of a place, unravelling its secrets only to the few discerning travellers. An idyllic mountain village set amidst apple orchards and lofty peaks on both sides, Lachung, at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level, permeates an ethereal alpine glow.

For those worn out by the morbidity of routine urban life, a few days in this pristine setting is guaranteed to recharge the batteries. But more than that, is the sweet taste of lingering memories, one carries back with him, of a place hidden in the hills, a place they call Sikkim…

Tags: beauties, british author, earthly paradise, fi nd, forested hills, gems, happy land, hidden secrets, highest mountain, james hilton, kanchenjunga, mahayana buddhism, misty mountains, mountain kingdoms, mystical land, mythical himalayan, protective deity, siliguri, sister states, state of sikkim, tiny state, weary travellers

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Spellbound… in Arunachal

If there is one place in the Northeast where nature seems to be at its best, it must be Arunachal Pradesh. Blue-green hills, gurgling streams, winding rivers, and breathtaking scenery – Arunachal Pradesh presents a serene and tranquil atmosphere, offering respite to weary souls.

Boarding a flight from Kolkata we reached Guwahati, from where we drove to Tezpur which is about 200 kilometres away. The very next morning we hit the trail, and 60 kilometres later, we arrived at Bhalukpong, the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh. It is still a restricted area; foreigners need a government permit and even Indians are required to carry an inner line permit. Located at the farthest point in the Northeastern part of India, Arunachal Pradesh occupies a strategic position amongst the other Northeastern hill states of the country. Known as the Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains, it shares its borders with Bhutan in the west, China in the north and northeast, and Myanmar (former Burma) in the east and southeast. Assam lies to its south.

AMAZING SIGHTS

Our destination for the day was Dirang via Bomdila. An interesting stop-over point is Tipi which boasts of some rare collection of orchids. The journey from Sessa and Neciphu (two sleepy hamlets), and Tenga (an army camp set in sylvan surroundings), was uneventful. But gradually, as the plains gave way to the rugged terrain, we began to ascend the hills at regular intervals. If at one point we were at 5500 ft, fifty minutes later we would descend to 2500 ft. Such a big difference in altitude was thoroughly supplemented by visual treats that were as amazing as they were almost unbelievable. The alpine features of the lofty Himalayan ranges are plenty, and the rocky formations are interspersed with streams and cascades that seemed to leap, dance and flash silver in the sunshine, lending an interesting slant to the mountainscape.

Two very beautiful rivers – the Kameng and the Tenga – provide a soothing sight to the eyes. The intense blue of the river waters finds a pale echo in the canopy of the sky. Turn in any direction and as far as you eye can see, the picture is a motif of a green stretch of vibrant flora. Even for the most absent-minded traveller, it is difficult to miss this amazing kaleidoscope of nature’s bounties.

BOMDILLA

Standing at an altitude of 8500 ft, Bomdilla – situated 109 kilometres from Bhalukpong – is surrounded by rolling hills. Adding charm and mystique to the town is the presence of two Buddhist monasteries : the upper monastery and the lower monastery. Sombre, holy and exclusive, the upper monastery is a world far different from the one we live in. In the lower monastery, a gaggle of young lamas adopt us as their new friends. The craft centre here is an interesting display of woodwork, carpet-weaving, spinning and items made of silver. But, perhaps the most stunning spot in the town – both for researchers and laymen, is the district museum.

Arunachal Pradesh with its screen of wilderness, hides a population of numerous tribes. And this museum, with its limited but valuable collections like pakcha, chandung, chuskar – which are native gadgets of the tribes – speaks volumes about their inscrutable world.

A mysterious and poignant note of melancholy floats in the air in Bomdilla. In 1962, the Chinese had reached up to this point, halted and retreated. They left behind a trail of destruction, and several hundred Army men who were martyred. Along the entire route are war memorials, erected in honour of the dead soldiers.

Further away from Bomdilla is Dirang located at 5500 ft. It provides a picture of idyllic bliss. The gurgling Dirang river and the foot suspension bridge present an amazing sight and are waiting to be savoured.

THE MONPAS

The route we are traversing belongs to west Kameng district, inhabited mainly by the Monpas. The age-old Monpa houses with orange corncobs, hanging in branches from verandah roofs, are a sight for sore eyes. Prior to our trip, our doubts about a potential language problem were laid to rest by officials who assured us that the Monpas understand Hindi perfectly. But, it would not have been difficult to converse otherwise in the universal language of smiles with which the Monpas greet a stranger.Th eir gestures are a stark reminder to the decreasing trend of cordial hospitality. Evidently, the world of Monpas is a nice balance between traditionalism and hi-tech modernism, a world not frozen in time but that which is tranquil.

Next morning after crossing Sangrila, an Army camp which is located at 11,000 ft, we are on our way to Se-La. La stands for pass in the local language. Sixty-four kilometres away from Dirang, it is a very diffi cult and rugged terrain. To add to our woes, our car had to negotiate the bends through a dense fog, making it almost impossible to see if we were going the right way. Inside the car, a chilling awareness engulfed us that invisible gorges were lying beside, and one wrong move would have meant certain death.

The sight of the entrance to Se-La was a pleasant relief to us. From here onwards, began our ascent to Tawang. At a height of 13,714 ft, you feel a biting cold in Se-La. As we raced towards Jang, we came across a martyr’s corner. In the war of 1962, rifleman Jaswant Singh gave away his life to save a place called Nuranang. A memorial has been erected here in his honour called Jaswant Garh – the Bastion of Sacrifice.

As we moved on, the sight of cool and mossy nooks gurgling with crystal springs, the winding hilly road, picture-perfect villages nestled on distant slopes and the sound of the crickets’ song – made us lose track of time. However, we realised later that this enchanting panaroma was just a preface, and that, an even more breath-taking scenery awaited us as we approached Nuranang waterfall. Cascading down a steep green rock, this milky-white, magnificent and majestic cataract merging into the azure Tawang river was enough to mesmerise us. I blinked several times to make sure it was not a dream.

Another eighteen kilometres later, we reached Lohu, a hamlet of pristine beauty. From here, Tawang was just twenty kilometers away

TAWANG

The origin of the name Tawang is steeped in a queer legend. The site for the local Gaden Namgyl Lhatse Monastery which is now more than 400 years old was initially spotted with the help of the horse of Mera lama. The lama gave the name Tawang to this place which means “blessed by the horse”.

From a distance, Gaden Namgyl Lhatse Monastery popularly known as Tawang monastery, looks like a fl oating ship. Once you enter it, the awesome interior makes you feel that it is a collage of mystery and aesthetic charm. The museum inside is a vast treasure-trove of rare manuscripts, scrolls, ivoryware, coins of Tibet and other curios.

The Tawang war memorial is also worth a visit, even if only to serve as a reminder of the army men who were martyred in the 1962 war. Photographs of the mortal remains of the soldiers being carried by yaks were a poignant reminder to us and a sadness gripped our hearts as we left the place.

Tawang town at a height of 10,800 ft is like any other found in the hills. But, excursions around the town will take you to peripheral places where one encounters sudden and inexplicable vistas of beauty.

Arunachal Pradesh receives the first rays of the morning sun. A dazzlingly bright sunny day greets us the moment we peep out of the window at 5:30 a.m., and we decide to head for Pankang Teng Tso (P. T. Tso – tso stands for lake) and Shungatser lake. Along the way, we could see abandoned bunkers on the road which are also a reminder of the war.

Stopping at Nagu-La, 16 kilometres from Tawang and standing at 14,500 ft was the frozen P. T. Tso, topped with snow. Never before had we seen such bewildering nuances of snow – snow like white satin, white lather, snow falling like tiny white balls and like white marble. The adjoining black and brown foothills, the seasonal flora with flaming and fi ery colours of red, yellow and green and the ravishing snow provided such a beautiful contrast – it was enough to keep our eyeballs popped.

SHUNGATSER LAKE

We had to move on as we had yet to see Shungatser lake. We reached Bumla point at a height of 14,615 ft which incidentally was the highest spot on the trip. After quite a long drive in another direction, one can reach the Chinese border. But, this zone is off -limits for civilians. A little later, we began descending the mountain and fi nally reached Shungatser lake. Nestled at a height of 13,500 ft, the sight makes you speechless. You can feel it, admire it but can never express it eloquently.

If you want to experience what ecstasy stands for, then Tawang is just the place for you. It is a place with music for the heart, soul and body. Here, every spot will off er you a stopover point to realize how much more incredible than dreams can reality be.

Tags: army camp, assam, beauties, breathtaking scenery, farthest point, hamlets, hill states, himalayan ranges, intense blue, kameng, rare collection, restricted area, river waters, rocky formations, rugged terrain, sessa, sylvan surroundings, tezpur, tranquil atmosphere, weary souls, west china

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A W E - R C H I D S

NESTLED IN THEIR RICH LUXURIANT FORESTS ARE THE MOST GUARDED TREASURES OF THE SEVEN SISTERS STATES AND THEIR BROTHER SIKKIM. NOWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD CAN ONE FIND SUCH BEAUTIES AND BEAUTIES INDEED THEY ARE. KNOWN AS GEMS IN THE FLORICULTURE WORLD BECAUSE OF THEIR CURIOUS SHAPE AND COLOUR, THEY ARE THE RARE AND ENDEMIC ORCHIDS OF NORTHEAST INDIA.

Orchids are flowers with rather unusual shapes, beautiful colours and a very delicate fragrance. And because they are rare, they are highly prized and sought after, and cultivating them is almost a cult among some of its aficionados. They are too delicate to be able to survive the onslaught of today’s environmental encroachments and consequent pollution and hence need the setting up of an orchidarium or arbour.

The most commonly known variety is Rhynchostylis which consists of a dense, elongated bunch and is also known as kopou. This grows profusely in the region and is often used in bridal decorations in Assam. Because of its long, bushy shape, it is also known as the foxtail orchid. It is estimated that about 1300 species of orchids are reported from India and Northeast India sustains the highest concentration of this with about 700 species. Moreover, as many as 34 species of orchids from this region are listed among the threatened plants of India.

What’s more interesting is that Northeast India forms a distinctive part of the Indo-Burma hotspot which ranks sixth among the 25 biodiversity hotspots of the world. It is also a prime location among the two such regions identifi ed for the Indian sub-continent.

Out of the eight orchid habitat regions in India, the two most important areas namely, the Eastern Himalayas and the Northeastern Region fall within the political boundaries of NER. More than 1/5th of the orchid species found in the region are endemic i.e. they are unique to the region and are not found anywhere in the world.

It is to be noted that some of the orchids featured here are endemic not only to this region but also to the home states in which they are found.

These are –

• Dendrobium spatella, Dendrobium parciflorum and the Luisia macrotis from Assam.
• Blue vanda and Dendrobium palpebrae from Arunachal Pradesh.
• Red chimney and Cymbidium tigrinum from Nagaland.
• Cymbidium eburneum from Meghalaya.
• Red vanda from Tripura.
• Dendrobium palpebrae from Mizoram.
• Epidendrum radicans from Manipur.
• Calanthe whiteana from Sikkim.

The region is also home to other interesting plant species such as the famous Pitcher plant of Meghalaya. The Pitcher Plant or Nepenthes khasiana occurring mainly in the Jarain area of the Jaintia Hills and the Baghmara area of the Garo Hills, remains an inexplicable phenomenon to the botanists even today.

Then we have the Siroi Lily which is a terrestrial lily grown only in the Siroy village in Ukhrul District, Manipur and nowhere else in the world.

The Orchid Research Centre located at Tipi in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district has been doing yeoman’s service in the preservation and propagation of these rare orchid varieties. This center on the bank of the river Jia Bharali is also Asia’s largest orchidarium and has more than 500 species of orchids.

A very interesting fact is that one of the orchid varieties found in these parts is known as the Lost Indian lady’s slipper– lost, because it was first discovered in the 1850s and was lost for a while before being rediscovered some five decades later; and lady’s slipper because of the shape of the flower.

Roaming around the hills of Meghalaya, one can feel the rich abundance of lovely orchids all around. Mawsmai and Mawmloo in Cherrapunjee contain the highest number of orchid species in the entire state. These are ‘sacred forests’– areas of the primary forests that are venerated and protected by the local people.

Taking a cue from such an innovative method to protect the fragile ecology we can and should devise ways to preserve for posterity, these lovely and endangered orchids of our region. They are the pride and beauty of our land and the onus is on us to protect them. The clock is ticking and tomorrow might be too late..!

Tags: assam, beauties, biodiversity hotspots, delicate fragrance, eastern himalayas, encroachments, gems, hotspot, indian sub continent, indo, luxuriant forests, Northeast India, northeastern region, onslaught, orchid species, orchidarium, political boundaries, prime location, seven sisters, species of orchids

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Great One-Horned Rhino Facing Threat

The majestic Great One Horned Rhino is a pride of Northeast India but its survival is at danger today. Human interference is one of the major factors responsible for putting the life of One Horned Rhinos at risk. Grazing of livestocks inside the protected areas makes the animals vulnerable to several fatal diseases. Unabated poaching activities mainly for it’s horn is pushing this animal to the brink of extinction. The horn is used as a medicine and an aphrodesiac. Medicinal purposes are as a pain reliever and a fever suppressant. For centuries, Asians have believed that powdered rhino horn could cure everything from fevers and nose bleeds to measles, diphtheria, and food poisoning. Many also believe powdered rhino horn helps retain the vigor of youth and contributes to sexual stamina. However, there are no scientific studies that show that rhino horn is affective for any of these purposes. In addition to the horn, rhino hide; blood, urine, and dung also have economic value.

Recent media reports from Kaziranga National Park on Great One Horned Rhino poaching are shocking and have put the government on tenterhooks. Given the present set of infrastructure that is available with the officials who stay on guard, they simply stand no match with sophisticated weapons the poachers carry.  A drastic remedial step against the menace of poaching is something that has to be sorted out today or tomorrow may just be too late when we tell our next generation by just holding a picture on our hands that “look kids this is how a One Horned Rhinos used to look like!”

The state of Assam is well acknowledged for its high ethno-cultural diversity and biological wealth. The state is the highest producer of tea and crude oil through out the nation having lots oil field and other mineral resources which not only enhance the national economy but also meet the need and aspiration of future wealth. Unlike the other region of the nation, the state harbours huge natural resources and provide habitat for many endemic floras and faunas which signifies the importance of biological diversity management in the state in particular and the nation as a whole. Among the important faunal species, The Great One Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis L.), found only in northern Pakistan, Bangladesh, Assam (India) and some parts of Nepal is one of the natural gift to the state and is a source of attraction for many local and foreign travelers. Rhinoceros the state animal of Assam, locally known as Garh is the pride of Kaziranga National Park with an area of 430 Km² located at Golaghat and Nagaon District of Assam

Taxonomy, Ecology and Behavior

Rhinoceros unicornis L. belongs to the Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata and    Class Mammalia. The great Indian rhinoceros is active throughout the day, although the middle of the day is spent wallowing and resting in the shade.  Wallowing takes place in lakes, rivers, ponds, and puddles, and is especially frequent in the hot seasons to cool off.  This activity is believed to be important with thermoregulation and the control of flies.  Drinking occurs almost every day, and mineral licks are visited regularly.  Population densities vary from 0.4-4.85 animals per square kilometer depending on the habitat.  Only the strongest males breed, and they have home ranges between 2-8 square kilometers in size.  These home ranges are not true territories, and overlap each other.  When disturbed, these rhinos generally flee, though they have been reported attacking, which they do with their head down. Smell is important in communication, with urine, feces, and glandular secretions carrying the messages. Rhinos have very poor eyesight, but their senses of smell and hearing are well developed. The Rhino’s horn is made of keratin, the same material as our hair and fingernails. Despite its thick skin, Rhinos can sun burn easily. Both male and female Rhinoceros unicornis have a single dark horn on the nose measuring up to 529 mm, which is made from agglutinated hairs.

Distribution

The greater one-horned rhinoceros is commonly found only in South Asia and South East Asia. Historically, the rhinos were distributed in the floodplain and forest tracts in Brahmaputra, Ganges and Indus river valley. Today, however, no more than 2,000 remain in the wild, with only two populations containing more than 100 rhinos: Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India (1,200) and Chitwan National Park (CNP), Nepal (600).

Habitat & Feeding

Alluvial plain is the primary and preferred habitat. Adjacent swamp and forest areas are also used. Rhinoceros are herbivorous in nature. They feed on grass, fruit, leaves, branches, aquatic plants, and cultivated crops. Tall reedy grasses are preferred to short species. When eating aquatic plants, Rhinoceros submerge their entire heads and tear the plant up by the roots. Foraging occurs at night, in early morning, or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. Rhinoceros unicornis drinks daily and is fond of mineral licks.

Reproduction

Breeding occurs throughout the year. Only dominant bulls mate, and it is believed that they can assess the reproductive status of females through scent. Courtship may seem aggressive. Males chase females and sometimes fighting often ensues. After a gestation period of 480 days, one young is born weighing 70 kg. Weaning usually occurs in one year, although it may last up to 18 months. Females have young at intervals of about three years. One week before the next birth, the female will chase away her previous calf. Sexual maturity is reached at an age of 9 years for males, and 4 for females. The lifespan is about 40 years.

Conservation Status and Threats

The great Indian rhinoceros is listed as endangered (EN B1+2cde) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) (1996).  The main source of danger for this (and all) rhinos is the Oriental belief that its horn, among other parts, has medicinal or magical properties. The Indian rhinoceros was already considered a ‘vanishing race’ by the beginning of the 20th century, primarily due to the conversion of alluvial plain grassland to cultivated fields. Hunting, was also a factor in the decimation of the population. Despite protection measures, poaching remains a serious threat today due to the demand for rhino horn in Oriental medicine; in 1994 for example, a kilogram of rhino horn was worth approximately US$60,000.

(Courtesy: Arunachal Front, Volume one No. 178, 24 February 2008.)

Tags: biological wealth, blood urine, cultural diversity, diphtheria, fatal diseases, future wealth, human interference, livestocks, medicinal purposes, national economy, Northeast India, nose bleeds, One Horned Rhino, poachers, rhino horn, rhinos, sexual stamina, sophisticated weapons, state of assam, tenterhooks

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Afforestation: An option for Combating Desertification

In the contemporary global milieu with colossal industrial revolution, cultural imperialism, and quantum bound in technology have increasingly estranged the human being from its natural environment and checking environmental degradation. One of the domino effect is incessant land degradation that in long run may lead to desertification. Though in recent past, desertification is not evident in north east India, but land degradation has been recorded in all the states of the region including Arunachal Pradesh, due to extensive exploitations of timbers and non-timber forest produces, and land resources for shifting agriculture.

Traditional communities and alien population inhabiting the region needs to learn a gigantic example from global desertification, and have to be in a genuine partnership in combating global desertification initiated by United Nation. Over the years, desertification occurs mainly in semi-arid areas bordering on deserts but can not be denied in north eastern India, if land degradation and bio-resources exploitation remain unchecked. It is matter of fact that some 10 to 20% of dry-lands are already degraded, and the ongoing desertification threatens the world’s poorest populations.

At this point of time, it is important for all section of society to know the immediate causes and measure to check the desertification. The main cause of desertification is the removal of vegetation, which in turn leads to unprotected, dry soil surfaces, which may blow away with the wind or are washed away by flash floods, leaving infertile lower soil layers that bake in the sun and become an unproductive hardpan. However, the other factors that can trigger desertification are the overgrazing, cultivation in marginal lands (i.e. lands on which there is a high risk of crop failure and a very low economic return), growing populations that increase pressure on fragile land resources and inappropriate agricultural technologies.

The factors leading to desertification are extremely evident in the north eastern India in general, Arunachal Pradesh in particular. For example removal of vegetation is a cultural practice in the region particularly for jhum cultivation, which is the livelihood sustenance of the upland traditional communities. In olden period it was sustainable due to long fallow age, however in recent past shortening of fallow age make vulnerable to soil degradation and desertification. The declining of forest cover in some state has already been recorded by the Forest Survey of India. During a decade (1991-2001), Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Meghalaya have lost nearly 802, 819, 844, 458 and 49 sqkm of forest respectively.

Scientific communities across the world have expressed concern over the desertification, which is one of the greatest environmental challenges today and constitutes a major barrier to meeting basic human needs. Estimates suggest that 35% of the earth’s land surface is at risk, and the livelihoods of 850 million people are directly affected. Nearly 75% of the world’s drier lands (45,000,000 sqkm) are affected by desertification, and every year 6,000,000 hectares of agricultural land are lost and become virtual desert. The United Nations Environment Programme has estimated that 4.5 billion dollars will be needed to be spent every year for the next twenty years to prevent the process of desertification.

Effective prevention of desertification requires management and policy approaches that promote sustainable resource use. Major policy interventions and changes in management approaches, both at local and global levels, are needed in order to prevent, stop or reverse desertification. The creation of a “culture of prevention” that promotes alternative livelihoods and conservation strategies can go a long way toward protecting the fragile north eastern region of India from desertification. It requires a drastic change in policy intervention and government attitude. Building on traditional ecological knowledge evolved through informal experimentation over centuries and amalgamation of location specific scientific innovations will be the possible option left to prevent desertification, which requires integration of policy planning, technologies and active participation of local communities.

To conclude it would not be incorrect to say that if we do not act now tomorrow may be too late. True that desertification in our part of the north east India is not an immediate danger. But the extent of environmental degradation that is taking place in the region may invite desertification in time to come. Lets wake up to the call and make the globally acknowledged biodiversity hotspots region and land of diverse traditional communities be a desert free world.

Meanwhile, it would be worth mentioning here that the North East Unit of G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development (GBPIHED) based at Itanagar in it’s endeavor has taken up research and development activities to scientifically evaluate, monitor and transfer a number of low cost and environmentally sustainable technologies that are based on agriculture in the mountain ecosystems. Jhum (shifting) cultivation, the most debated cause of deforestation, has been given special importance and technologies like Contour Hedgerow Farming and Modified Jhum System have been successfully tested wherein the agronomic yield and ecological sustainability have remarkably improved. The Unit has been providing training on these technologies to a number of stakeholders of the Northeastern states including Arunachal Pradesh to make the shifting agro-ecosystem sustainable thereby reduce deforestation and land degradation. On the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification under the theme “Desertification and Climate Change -One Global Challenge”, GBPIHED, Itanagar organized a plantation drive on 17th June 2007 with active participation of the villagers in the identified jhum fallow lands at selected villages. Some medicinally important plant sapling particularly of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Agar (Aquilaria agallocha) are planted on the occasion to encourage the villagers for afforestation with cash generation plant species that may help to create agro-forestry type human modified ecosystem for sustainable development.

[Courtesy: The Arunachal Times. 2007;19(12)]

Tags: Arunachal Pradesh, bio-resources exploitation, environmental challenges, jhum cultivation, land degradation, policy interventions, sustainable technologies., traditional communities, traditional ecological knowledge

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MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANT RESOURCES OF NORTHEAST INDIA

Introduction:

The use of plants in curing various human ailments is known since time immemorial. In recent past, despite considerable progress made in synthetic drugs, plant constituents are still considered as major sources of valuable medicines. It is estimated that close to 15% of the 70,000 known plant species have medicinal properties. Fransworth and Soejarto (1991) and Pei (2001) reported that about 70-80% of people worldwide rely chiefly on traditional, largely herbal medicine to meet their primary healthcare needs. India has a rich heritage of traditional system of medicine that is mostly based on formulations derived from herbs, shrubs, trees, vines and some animal products. The country has 45,000 different plant species and 15000 medicinal plants that include 7000 plants used in Ayurveda, 700 in Unani, 600 in Siddha, 450 in Homeopathy and 30 in modern medicines. The Himalayas and the Western Ghats are exceptionally rich in medicinal plants. A survey conducted by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Ethnobiology (AICRPE) during the last decade recorded over 8000 species of wild plants used by the tribals and other traditional communities in India for treating various health problems.

India, one among the 12 mega bio-diversity hotspot countries of the world having only 2 % of world’s total land area, accounts for over 11% of the recorded plant species of the world. Traditionally it produces enormous plant based raw material, which is used globally as ingredients or raw materials in various drugs, pharmaceuticals, perfumery, aroma chemicals and related industries. The Indian drug industry is estimated to have an annual turn over of Rs. 4000/- crores. The medicinal plant industry is on the verge of entering into a high growth phase particularly in herbs required for production of Ayurvedic medicines. As per a report of World Health Organization (WHO), there is about US$ 62 billion market turnover of herbal plant products and it is estimated to increase to US$ 5 trillion by 2050. The market of Ayurvedic medicines is estimated to be expanding 20% annually in India. Beside, it plays a significant role in the subsistence economy of the rural people, especially those living in the rugged and impoverished hills, mountains and rural interiors. Therefore the value of medicinal herbs to human livelihoods is essentially infinite.

Northeast India comprises the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim is known for its rich biological and cultural diversity and the unique Brahmaputra river system. Based on its physiography and biological composition, the region can broadly be differentiated into the eastern Himalayas, Northeast hills and Brahmaputra plains. Its unique situation at the confluence of the Indo-Malayan, Indo-Chinese and Indian bio-geographical regions coupled with its diverse physiography has generated a profusion of habitats, which harbours diverse biota with high-level endemism. The entire region is a part of Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, one of 25 such hotspots in the world. The region is home of over one hundred tribal communities with distinct socio-cultural settings and a large percentage of the population is dependent on traditional natural resource-based livelihood sustenance. Its strategic location at the confluence of south, southeast and East Asia made it an important gateway between peoples of the region as well as isolates it from the rests part of the country.

A wide range of physiography, eco-climatic conditions, varied vegetation and forest types adequately expressed themselves in giving rise to rich gene pool both of wild and cultivated plant species. The region exhibits innumerable varieties and kinds of orchids, horticultural plants, bamboos, canes, dye, fibre/resin yielding plants, wild relatives of cultivated plants and blessed with a matchless wealth of medicinal plant.

A cornucopia of herbal wealth is exists in different parts of northeastern states extending from the dry alpine scrub zone and sub-tropical zone in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim to tropical moist deciduous forest and tropical wet evergreen forest in Assam and Tripura. The physiographic divisions, viz. Meghalaya plateau, the northeastern hills and basins, and Brahmaputra valley along with the diverse ethnic groups with their own faiths, beliefs and experiences on plants, facilitate the region to be a veritable treasure house of medicinal plants and provide suitable conditions for growth.

Plant folk medicines used in northeast India alone represent more than 950 species reported as a result of more than 150 ethnobotanic case studies. There are over 20 most prominently used medicinal plant species found in North-east India. A large number of medicinal and aromatic plants having export potentialities and trade values are found in the region and are the source of some specific ingredients of reputed pharmaceutical values throughout the world.

Much of the tropical plants like Adhatoda zeylanica, Centella asiatica, Emblica officinalis, Piper mullesua, Terminalia bellirica, T. chebula and many others are found in lower and mid hill regions of all the states. The sub-tropical species such as Acorus calamus, Terminalia chebula, Sapindus pinnatus, Melia azadiracta, Solanum khasianum, Aspagarus racemosus, Rauvolfia serpentina, Dioscorea bulbifera, Aristolochia indica, etc. temperate species such as Swertia chirayata, Taxus baccata, Valerina wallichii, Angelica glauca, Glycyrriza glabra, Tagetus minuta, Viola odorata, Sapindus pinnatus, Rubia cordifolia, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Zanthoxylum armatum, Valerina jatamansi, Hippophae rhamnoides, Artemesia vulgaris, etc. and alpine species like Aconitum ferox, Podophyllum hexandrum, Picrorhiza kurrooa, Nardostachys jatamanshi, Bergenia purpurascens, etc.

Realizing the importance and potential of medicinal plants, North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) initiated a scheme of commercializing a few high value medicinal and aromatic plants such as Patchouli (Pogostamon cablin) and Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) as the starting crops as these plants are in demand at national/international markets. Cultivation and farming of medicinal plants require better understanding of the agro-climatic and edaphic condition, propagation and other management techniques. The indigenous communities have a tradition of practicing mixed farming systems that includes herbal species. Therefore, organic cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants especially applying and certified farming concepts has a greater scope in the region. Unlike the other parts of the country, in Northeast India medicinal plants are collected from wild sources and there is lack of effort on scientific farming. Many government organizations and research institutions like State Forest Research Institute (SFRI) Arunachal Pradesh, Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), Jorhat have come forward with suitable agro technology of about 35 medicinal plants in the region. However a full documentation of medicinal plants of the region and development of protocols for farming of each species are yet to be developed. The National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB) has identified and prioritized 32 species for large-scale cultivation, which are suited to diverse agro-climatic zones of the country. These plants can be grown in almost any type of land like homesteads, community and village lands, rural areas, vicinity of agricultural and horticultural fields, jhum fallows, forested locations, etc. in various altitudes. Recently, NEDFi has set up a state of art R & D centre for medicinal and aromatic plants near Guwahati in Assam and is the first of its kind in the region with an aim of deciphering this nature’s bounty into applicable wealth. However, successful cultivation and commercialization needs people participation and transparent financial back up by different financial institution or dynamic investors. It is thus necessary to maintain coordination between government agencies, developmental policies and biodiversity conservation strategies. Policies should maintain critical balance between the ideology of conservation and the imperatives of development to involve local communities as the principal stakeholders of bio-resources.

Tags: commercializing, ethnobiology, folk medicines, herbal wealth, livelihood sustenance, mega bio-diversity hotspot, primary healthcare, rich gene pool, synthetic drugs, World Health Organization

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Indian Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.): The wonder Plant

Morinda citrifolia, the Indian Mulberry or Indian Noni commonly known as great Morinda is a shrub or small tree in the family of Rubiaceae which usually grow upto a height of 6 m or more and the stem grows upto 13 cm or more in diameter at maturity. It is native to Southeast Asia and South Pacific and now has a pan-tropical distribution. The plant beans flower and fruit throughout the year. It has large evergreen leaves and its small white flowers sprout at various times during the year. The flowers then develop to a translucent-juicy-fruit. The greenish-white to pale-yellow, fleshy fruits are 5 to 7 cm long. The fruit has a lumpy texture and looks similar to a hand grenade. It has an unpleasant odour and has a rancid taste and smells when fully ripened. They contain a number of seeds of about 4 mm long. Noni is renowned in India for its unique ability to be used as a remedy in a number of ailments. The fruit of the Noni was an important source of food for the early Polynesians, who consumed it in times of famine. Australian aborigines were fond of the fruit and people in Burma cooked unripe fruits in curries and ate the ripened fruit raw with salt. The seed, leaf, bark, and root were also eaten by people versed in the healing properties of this unique. Amazingly, every part of the Morinda citrifolia plant is used. Distribution Morinda citrifolia is grown in a wide range of environments including rocky terrains, fertile lowlands and sandy areas but is found in most of the island terrains of the South Pacific of Tahiti, Hawaii, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Africa, Guam and West Indies. Although it grows naturally only a few meters above sea level, Noni can be cultivated on sites up to 800 m or more above sea level. Noni is most competitive on sands and loamy sands but will grow on soils of all other textures if planted and protected from competition. Noni grows naturally on the edges of mangroves in coastal forests, and on the landward side of beach strand vegetation. The species is grown in plantations as an ornamental and as a garden medicinal tree. The species is useful for coastal erosion control and it is planted as an ornamental in some areas. Noni also grows as a recent introduction around villages or in home gardens. Banana (Musa sp), Papaya (Carica papaya), Pandanus (Pandanus sp.) etc are the associated species of Noni. Distribution Morinda citrifolia is grown in a wide range of environments including rocky terrains, fertile lowlands and sandy areas but is found in most of the island terrains of the South Pacific of Tahiti, Hawaii, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Africa, Guam and West Indies. Although it grows naturally only a few meters above sea level, Noni can be cultivated on sites up to 800 m or more above sea level. Noni is most competitive on sands and loamy sands but will grow on soils of all other textures if planted and protected from competition. Noni grows naturally on the edges of mangroves in coastal forests, and on the landward side of beach strand vegetation. The species is grown in plantations as an ornamental and as a garden medicinal tree. The species is useful for coastal erosion control and it is planted as an ornamental in some areas. Noni also grows as a recent introduction around villages or in home gardens. Banana (Musa sp), Papaya (Carica papaya), Pandanus (Pandanus sp.) etc are the associated species of Noni. Propagation Noni is relatively easy to propagate from seeds, stem or root cuttings and air layering. The preferred methods of propagation are by seed and by cuttings made form the stem verticals. Fruits are harvested when they start turning white or even when they have become fully ripe, i.e., soft, translucent and characteristically odorous. For seed production, the riper the fruit the better is the production. Environmental Preferences for Noni

1. Mean annual rainfall: 250-4000 mm
2. Mean annual temperature: 20-350C
3. Mean maximum temperature of hottest month: 32-380C
4. Mean maximum temperature of coldest month: 5-180C
5. Minimum temperature tolerated: 120C
6. Soil
   • Drainage: It prefers well drained soils
   • Acidity: It can grow in a wide range of acidity levels from acidic to alkaline soils.
   • Tolerance: Tolerates shallow, saline and even infertile soils.
7. Drainage: It prefers well drained soils Acidity: It can grow in a wide range of acidity levels from acidic to alkaline soils. Tolerance: Tolerates shallow, saline and even infertile soils.
8. Drought: It can easily withstand drought for 6 months or more. Wild Noni grows in arid conditions and can spend their entire life in conditions of perpetual drought.
9. Shade: It can grow in a wide range of light intensities from full sun to 80% shade.
10. Fire: It can regenerate after fire by sprouting new foliage from roots or stems.
11. Water logging: It can withstand and even thrives in brackish tide pools.

Medicinal Use Over the last decade, a growing number of people has become interested in the medicinal uses of Noni juice, made from the fruit of Noni. Noni has been used in folk remedies by Polynesians for over 2000 years and is reported to have a wide range of therapeutic effects including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antitumor, antihelmin, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing effects. Noni fruit contains a number of enzymes (proteins) and alkaloids that are believed to play a pivotal role in maintaining a good health. Some of the health related compounds isolated from Noni are Morindone, Morindine, Acubin, Caprylic acid, Scopoletin, Damnacanthala and alkaloids. In 2003, Noni juice was approved by the European Commission as a novel food and was allowed to be commercialized in the EU. Hawaiian Noni is used as a remedy for joint pains, immune problems, pain relief, cellular regeneration and more. The following points out the traditional use of Noni as medicine for different ailments in different parts of the world. Parts of the Noni fruit are used as a tonic and against fever (China, Japan, and Hawaii). Leaves, flowers, fruit, and bark can treat eye problems, skin wounds and abscesses, gum and throat problems, respiratory ailments, constipation, and fever (Pacific Islands, Hawaii). Used to treat stomach pains and after delivery (Marshall Islands). Heated leaves are applied to the chest to relieve coughs, nausea, and colic (Malaysia India). Juice of the leaves is taken for arthritis (India, Philippines). The fruit is taken for lumbago, asthma and dysentery (India, China). Pounded unripe fruit is mixed with salt and applied to cuts and broken bones. Ripe fruit is used to draw out pus from an infected boil (Hawaii). Juices of over-ripe fruits are taken to regulate menstrual flow and ease urinary problems (India, Malaysia). The fruit can be used to make shampoo (Malaysia, Hawaii) and to treat head lice (Hawaii). Other exotic diseases treated with the plant include diabetes (widespread) and venereal diseases (Hawaii). Scientific studies have investigated Noni’s effect on the growth of cancerous tissue. One such study revealed that Noni inhibited and reduced growth of the capillary vessels sprouting from human breast tumor explants and, at increased concentrations, the Noni caused existing vessels to rapidly degenerate. Another scientific study showed one brand of Noni juice (”TNJ”) to have prevented formation of cancer cells in rats (using detection methods of bio-chemical markers called DNA adducts). It further showed to reduce the number of DNA adducts in rats induced with carcinogenic DMBA, in some cases, by up to 90%. Looking at the wide range of prospects that Noni can offer in terms of medicinal properties, it is quite clear that the plant can be exploited for the benefit of human race. Current trends reflect that people have a more inclination towards herbal medicines for its healing properties and no side effects. Noni best suits the current proposition where it has proved that it has got tremendous medicinal properties and is being used even in the treatment of cancer. Given the conditions that are required for the Noni to grow, it would be a good idea if its cultivation is encouraged in the state. If successful, it may give a boost to the local economy through commercialization.

[Courtesy: Indian Noni (Morinda citrifolia L): The Wonder Plant. Pub: Echo of Arunachal. 28th Feb, 2007; 88Vol XX, No. 8]

Tags: australian aborigines, coastal forests, fertile lowlands, fleshy fruits, healing properties, Indian Mulberry, juicy fruit, loamy sands, mangroves, morinda citrifolia plant, plant beans, polynesians, rubiaceae, sandy areas, seed leaf, southeast asia, unpleasant odour, unripe fruits, white flowers

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