‘Dzumsa’ in Lachung, North Sikkim in India and its role in Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

Abstract

The indigenous people residing in the Lachung, North Sikkim are called Lachungpa. The community of Lachungpa has the traditional institution called Dzumsa. This is the social administrative institution bestowed with power to executive the development activities and implements decision in the area. Under the purview of Dzumsa and the Forest Development Agency, the  development activities are undertaken in the Shinga Rhododendron Sanctuary, Sikkim, India. Some data obtained in the microplanning of the area are included and found interesting.

Dzumsa, the epitome of Panchayanti System has been set up for the overall development of region since time immemorial. The developmental activities of the region are under the pivot of Dzumsa, which are its characteristics. The role and responsibility of Dzumsa is very appreciative that allows the developmental activities to the undertaken in the regions.

Sikkim’s larger alpine region is represented by the Northern part especially Lachung  and Lachen valleys. These regions are bestowed with natural vegetation that is suitable for the endangered species of the regions. It is noted that the region has innumerable species that is fostered by the nature in the given critical condition. The maintenance of this condition, thus, is inevitable. In case of such imbalance in the ecological condition, the biological change might occur. Here the roles of Dzumsa come in picture that would care the developmental activities and coordinate with the agencies for the proper implementation of schemes.

The data related with the wildlife habitat, avalanche sites, threat etc. are tabulated in this paper. This paper also contains some recommendations for the prospective development of the region.