Jalpaiguri, July 5 -- After a gap of 17 years, UNESCO has revived the process of considering Neora Valley National Park for World Heritage status by asking the Government of India to submit a comprehensive scientific justification for the park's nomination.

The proposal for the inscription of Neora Valley on the UNESCO World Heritage List was first submitted in 2009, but remained pending. UNESCO has now sought a detailed, evidence-based report from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change explaining why the park deserves the coveted recognition.

Speaking at a wildlife conservation awareness programme for school students organised by an NGO at Prayas Hall in Jalpaiguri on Sunday, Bhaskar J.V., Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), North Bengal, said the Forest Department has begun compiling scientific data, photographs and biodiversity records for submission.

"The proposal seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for Neora Valley National Park was submitted in 2009. UNESCO has now asked for a more comprehensive report backed by scientific evidence and photographs. The proposal will be sent through the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, while the required documents will also be forwarded to the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India," he said.

Located in Kalimpong district along the India-Bhutan-Sikkim tri-junction and administered by the Gorumara Wildlife Division, Neora Valley is regarded as West Bengal's last remaining virgin forest. Declared a national park in 1992, it is known for its rich biodiversity and pristine ecosystem.

A preliminary survey by the State Wildlife Wing has found that nearly 80 per cent of the park remains scientifically unexplored. The surveyed areas have documented several rare wildlife species, unique forest ecosystems and medicinal plants, many of which are listed on the IUCN Red List.

The park is home to 33 species of mammals, 308 bird species and several endangered animals, including the red panda, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, Asian elephant, Indian pangolin and Royal Bengal tiger. Wildlife expert Shyamaprasad Pandey welcomed UNESCO's renewed interest, saying he hoped the Forest Department would now complete the necessary documentation to secure the coveted World Heritage status.

Dwijapratim Sen, Divisional Forest Officer of the Gorumara Wildlife Division, said UNESCO recognition would strengthen conservation efforts, promote scientific research and help attract international funding for the park's long-term protection.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.