Pokhri Sanrakshan Samiti

Sikkim Government Gazette Notification

Lake Conservation Guidelines

Date and Publication

  • Date: 11th August 2006

  • Gazette Number: 244

  • Department: Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management, Sikkim

  • Notification Number: 355/F

  • Notification Date: 31.7.2006

Introduction

  • The Sikkim Forest Department initiated numerous projects promoting nature conservation and ecotourism.

  • Lakes in Sikkim are vital for environmental, cultural, spiritual, and economic reasons.

  • They serve as key ecotourism sites, benefiting local communities.

  • Threats include unplanned tourism, unregulated pastoralism, and other human activities impacting ecological security.

  • Most lakes are situated in remote, high-altitude areas, thus local community involvement is critical for long-term protection.

Objective

  • To collaborate with Gram Panchayats and Pokhri Sanrakshan Samitis (PSS) for lake conservation efforts.

  • The notification establishes a framework for local involvement in decision-making related to conservation.

Guidelines for Lake Conservation

1. Identification and Constitution of PSS

A. Identification of the Lake

  • Conservation actions are to be identified by the Divisional Forest Officer or local communities willing to cooperate.

B. Constitution of the PSS

  • The PSS is constituted by the gram sabha (village council) in consultation with relevant members and the Divisional Forest Officer.

  • If a village-based institution can do the job, it shall serve as the PSS; otherwise, households near the lake form the PSS.

  • Membership includes all households in the vicinity, and joint membership for spouses is encouraged.

C. Registration and Roles

  • The Ward Panchayat Member shall serve as the ex-officio President unless otherwise decided.

  • The President will apply for registration to the Forest Department, and upon approval, appoint lake guardians from PSS members.

  • Meetings of the PSS must occur quarterly, facilitated by the President.

  • Conflicts within the PSS will be resolved by the Assistant Conservator of Forests in consultation with the Panchayat President.

  • Legal status of lake land and catchment areas remains unchanged after PSS formation.

2. Conservation Plan and Capacity Building

A. Lake Conservation Plan Preparation

  • Within a year of PSS registration, a conservation plan must be prepared, covering:

    • Map of the lake and catchment area

    • Water quality assessments

    • Identification of threats and impacts (e.g., waste, tourism, habitat degradation)

    • Metrics on wildlife populations

    • Ecotourism impact quantification

    • Conservation action plan with targets and timelines.

B. Capacity Building

  • The Forest Department is responsible for building PSS capacity in administration and surveys.

  • Other entities are encouraged to assist in the training of PSS members.

C. State Level Federation

  • Establishment of the Rajya Pokhri Sanrakshan Sangh for PSS presidents to coordinate on conservation issues annually.

3. Functions of PSS

  • Maintain a register of members with their details.

  • Document meetings and annual gatherings.

  • Operate a revolving fund bank account, with shared responsibility between the President and Secretary.

  • Develop and report on the Annual Lake Conservation Plan in partnership with the government.

  • Fund uses include honorarium for guardians, waste management, conservation activities, and community development.

4. Duties of PSS

A. Protection and Conservation

  • Protect forests, wildlife and biodiversity in designated areas.

  • Ensure no disturbance to migratory birds and their habitats.

  • Collaborate with the Forest Department on development activities in conservation areas.

  • Promote community awareness about nature conservation.

B. Assistance in Ecotourism

  • Manage tourism to mitigate waste and disturbances, ensuring fair economic benefits to locals.

  • Educate visitors on conduct and rules within lake areas.

5. Powers of PSS

  • Issue identification cards to lake guardians.

  • Guardians have authority to apprehend wildlife offenders and report to the authorities.

  • PSS to create and enforce a local code of conduct approved by the gram sabha and the Divisional Forest Officer.

6. Ecotourism Benefits

  • PSS can levy a conservation fee on tourists, which supports the revolving fund and state environment initiatives.

7. Penal Actions and Reconstitution

  • Non-compliance can lead to penal measures or dissolution of PSS.

  • The gram sabha holds authority to act against PSS if necessary.

Conclusion

  • This notification aims to enhance lake conservation through active local community involvement, ensuring both environmental protection and economic opportunities in Sikkim.