Jalpaiguri: Six years after its declaration, the process of transferring land for the Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary in Gajoldoba has begun. The Jalpaiguri district administration has taken possession of 1,028.881 acres from the Irrigation department and started transferring it to the Forest department. Despite its sanctuary status, the Forest department has yet to assume control, delaying comprehensive conservation plans. Once the transfer is complete, the state government will decide which division of the Forest department will manage Pakhibitan.
The sanctuary encompasses water bodies and forests of the Teesta Barrage in Gajoldoba, spread across Malbazar and Rajganj blocks. It is bordered by the Teesta River basin in Saugaon to the north, the Teesta Barrage in Gajoldoba to the south, Odlabari forest compartments and Baikunthapur’s Targhera range to the east and Baikunthapur Jungle and Mahananda Sanctuary to the west. The land includes 185 acres in Mal Block, with the remainder in Rajganj Block. Notably, 75 per cent of the sanctuary’s land belongs to the Irrigation department, with minimal Khas or Forest department land.
A joint survey conducted by the Forest department and an environmental organisation earlier identified around 150 species of birds in Gajoldoba. Current estimates suggest over 500 species, including purple swamp hens, kingfishers, northern pintails, greylag geese and ferruginous pochards. The area’s ecological significance has grown, making it an attractive destination for bird enthusiasts and researchers.
Raja Raut, Secretary of the Jalpaiguri Science and Nature Club, highlighted the region’s ecological significance: “Gajoldoba, connected to the Teesta by the Baikunthapur forest and Mahananda Sanctuary, attracts domestic and foreign birds annually.
The area’s natural environment is an ideal habitat for birds, making Pakhibitan an appealing destination for tourists and researchers alike.” Pakhibitan’s designation as a wildlife sanctuary also considers the presence of elephants, bison and deer due to its proximity to Baikunthapur and Mahananda.
The Forest department has emphasised the need for specialised management by the Wildlife Division to address the challenges posed by this
diverse ecosystem.
Dwija Pratim Sen,
Divisional Forest Officer of Gorumara Wildlife Division, remarked: “The area is surrounded by wildlife habitats, with forests like Baikunthapur and Mahananda offering abundant biodiversity. The decision on whether Baikunthapur Forest Division or Gorumara Wildlife Division will manage the sanctuary lies with Navanna.”