Numbers
150
Total Area (In Hector)
2000
Land Usage
Ecological Information
Important Species
Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded Leopard in wetland-associated forest ecosystems
Amphibians and freshwater biodiversity (frogs, hill stream fishes)
Rich orchid diversity (~300 species) and aquatic macrophytes
Bird species: hornbills, pheasants, woodpeckers associated with wetland habitats
Ecosystem Services
Water supply: Streams and wetlands feed rivers like Teesta, Relli, Neora
Biodiversity support: Critical Eastern Himalayan habitat (global hotspot)
Soil conservation: Prevent erosion in fragile hill slopes
Climate regulation: Maintain microclimate and hydrological balance
Tourism: Eco-tourism sites (Lava, Lolegaon, Jaldhaka, Rishop)
Seasonal Hydrology
Mostly rain-fed + spring-fed wetlands
Strong monsoon dependency (June–September recharge)
Streams from Neora Valley National Park act as major water sources
Dry season flow maintained through subsurface seepage
Socio Economic Importance
Drinking water source for rural settlements
Supports agriculture & horticulture (cardamom, orange, floriculture)
Tourism economy (eco-tourism, homestays)
Cultural importance in Lepcha & hill communities
Supports small-scale fisheries & livestock use
Wetland Converted
Encroachment & land-use change (urban expansion, tourism pressure)
Water scarcity in dry season due to climate variability
Pollution from tourism & settlements
Landslides & erosion affecting wetland stability
Name of Wetlands
Information
Samsing–Suntalekhola Wetlands
Located in the foothills of Kalimpong, these stream-fed wetlands are surrounded by dense forests and tea gardens. They support rich biodiversity, including birds, insects, and amphibians. The area is an eco-tourism hotspot and plays a key role in maintaining local hydrology and soil stability.
Rishop–Lava Wetlands
These high-altitude seasonal wetlands occur within forested landscapes near Lava and Rishop. Fed by rainfall and mountain springs, they are crucial for amphibians and small wildlife. They help regulate local water cycles and are ecologically significant within the Neora Valley landscape.
Gorubathan Wetlands
Located in the lower hills, Gorubathan wetlands are associated with river catchments and tea garden landscapes. They provide water for irrigation and support aquatic biodiversity. These wetlands play an important role in sustaining agriculture and maintaining hydrological balance in the region.
Lolegaon Wetlands
Situated within dense forest zones, Lolegaon wetlands are small, scattered, and often seasonal. They support diverse flora, birds, and insects, contributing to the region’s ecological richness. These wetlands also aid in groundwater recharge and are important for sustaining nearby forest ecosystems.
Pedong–Reshi Wetlands
These wetlands are primarily community-dependent and linked to small streams and springs. They support agriculture, livestock, and local water needs. Ecologically, they contribute to biodiversity and help maintain soil moisture and microclimate in the surrounding hilly terrain.
Major Stakeholders
| No. | Organization | Related Links |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hill Social Welfare Society | kalimponghsws.org |
| 2 | Kalimpong Himalayan Organic Product Promotion Society | himalayan-organic-product-promotion-society.ueniweb.com/ |
| 3 | HOPE (Himalayan Organisation for Peoples Education) | Info 3 |
| 4 | Save The Hills | Info 4 |