Perception Study on the Effect of Sivok-Rangpo Railway Project on the Geo-environmental Issues of Darjeeling Himalaya

Effect of tunnelling on massive landslide has been experienced through the recent phenomena happened near Joshimath in Uttarakhand due to the ongoing construction work by NTPC hydro-project. With this concern, an earnest attempt has been made to focus on the perception of local people and stakeholders on the possible impact of the Sivok-Rangpo Railway Project on triggering landslide of Darjeeling Himalaya, which is a proposed railway line in India that would connect the town of Sivok in the state of West Bengal to the town of Rangpo in the state of Sikkim. The line would traverse through steep and rugged terrain, including several areas that are prone to landslides and other natural hazards. One of the major challenges of the project is ensuring the stability and safety of the railway line in the face of these natural hazards. The primary objective of this paper is to know the perception of the local people and stakeholders on this railway project as a cause of landslide triggering factor and possible impact on environment and local livelihood. The perception data has been collected through schedule survey after interaction with 106 respondents from different locations, who are directly or indirectly stakeholder of this project. Random Sampling has been followed to select the respondent; however, the location of survey was chosen as per the hot-spots of tourism industry of Sikkim. A major concern is generated among the local people and environmentalists for the possibility of landslide triggering and disturbing local biodiversity for this project. In particular, approximately 58% and 55% of people of this region, respectively, concur that the Sivok-Rangpo Railway Project (SRRP) may cause landslides and reduce the region’s biodiversity. Nevertheless, about 89% local stakeholders of this project are strongly believed that this project will significantly help to increase the tourism industry of Sikkim by attractive new tourists and corresponding development of new hotels and homestays, essential infrastructure, travel business etc.