Road communication is a matter of great importance in the Himalayan landscape as the roads are the main lifeline through which trade, industry, commerce and security flourish. However, during the days of heavy rainfall, it is difficult to keep the road communication open and the traffic has to be diverted to long torturous routes which cost much more economical burden not only to the state but also to the individual poor people. There were occasions when even the alternative routes were closed on account of landslides and erosion, thereby bringing all the movements to a deadlock. The damage on agricultural land caused by erosion or slides, in ordinary parlance, may not be considered to be serious economic loss as compared to road communication or other abitations, but for the poor farmers whose fields have been washed, it means the loss of livelihood for himself and his family. Besides the economic loss, there is unprecedented perturbation of environment due to constant landslide and soil erosion. For these reasons, the state has to face heavy demands from the afflicted farmers of different sectors/areas for soil conservation approach and protective remedies.
Considering the perpetual irksome impediments in day to day economy and social stress vis-a-vis environmental stress caused by landslide and erosion, the Forest Environment & Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim had approached the Ministry of Rural Development Department, Department of Land resources, Government of India to extend financial and technological support for the control of landslide and erosion on selected watershed area. The Department has provided financial grant-inaid under TDET programme to treat a few landslide areas in West District on Pilot Project basis, so that the findings and output of the project could be developed into a model for landslide and erosion control replicable to the Himalayan Landscape.
The report has been prepared on the basis of field experience for treating landslide and erosion of distinct dimension. The manifestation of the study indicates the impact of control on landslide and erosion; enhance biomass and resultant succession of vegetation through combined approach of bio-engineering technology. It suggest different parameters for contending landslides and supports sustainable economic vis-àvis social understanding of the landslide through synergized efforts of sensitization, awareness and extension exercises carried out during the project implementation. The advisory committee consists of Mines, Mineral & Geology Department, G.B.Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Pangthang, ICAR Tadong, and other organizations who have provided guidance and technical inputs for implementation of the projects. Their technical inputs and suggestions gave sound footing for effective control of landslide and erosion. There are similar projects being implemented in South and North District also. The report also provides recommendation on soil resources acceptable for certain species in degraded landslide and erosion stretch. It also measures the impact of dry paddy cultivation vis-à-vis wet cultivation and seeks social understanding of community on economic front with that of intangible impact on the ecosystem.
During the course of study, it was observed and noticed that the vegetation play a vital role for arresting landslide and erosion control which give long term stabilization.Therefore, I quote a line from the speech of His Excellency the then 1st Governor of Sikkim, Late Shri B. B. Lall.
“As far as man is concerned, I think he has to learn-perhaps through bitter experience- that forests and vegetation are his great friends and any denudation of them will cost him heavily in one form or the other”.
- C. Lachungpa