Darjeeling is an important segment of Lesser Himalayas. It comprises of three hill stations of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong and is situated in the northernmost part of West Bengal- one of the states in India. The shape of Darjeeling hills is an irregular triangle and is located between 24o 41′ North to the 27º10′ north latitude and between 87 o 59′East to 88 o 53′ East longitude. Darjeeling hills comprising of ridges, bold spurs, narrow deep valleys have been carved out by various agents of denudation. It is bounded on the north by Sikkim, in the south by Bangladesh and Siliguri,in the west by Nepal and on the east by Bhutan …show more content…
To highlight the rapid growth of urbanization in Darjeeling hills- with special reference to Darjeeling town.
3. To access the environmental degradation in the area and their major causes.
4. To analyse the present pattern of demography in Darjeeling hills .
5. To discuss the ecological impact arising from the economic development.
6. To suggest the remedial measures to mitigate the problems.
STUDY AREA- Darjeeling hills are situated in the tropical climatic zone. In general the area enjoys pleasant summer and heavy rainfall in rainy season. Heavy rainfall and moderate temperature favour the luxuriant vegetation cover. Flora of Darjeeling hills is characterized by its diversity and richness. There are eighty to ninety species of mammals. In addition to rich flora and fauna the exquisite scenic grandeur together with bracing climate have made Darjeeling a tourist paradise (P.K. Chakrabarty). Thus, it attracts a large number of tourists both from home and abroad. However, Darjeeling hills are ecologically frazile and the quality of environmental resources are degrading day by day. Various natural and anthropogenic factors are adversely affecting the whole of Darjeeling Hills.
CAUSES OF ENVIRNOMENTAL DEGRADATION IN DARJEELING …show more content…
Senchale Wildlife Sanctuary serves as the major source of water supply to Darjeeling town and surrounding area. There are two artificial lakes-North Lakes having the total capacity of 20 millian gallons(MG) built in 1910, other one is the South lake having the capacity of 13.5 MG built in 1932. The other sources of water in Darjeeling Town are Khang Khola, Rani Khola(streams) and Simdhap( 3rd Lake with 4.85 MG storage capacity). Inspite of these water sources , Darjeeling town faces the problem of water scarcity. This is mainly due to immense increase in the population of the