Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (also called the Darjeeling Zoo) is a 67.56-acre (27.3 ha) zoo in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The zoo was opened in 1958, and an average elevation of 7,000 feet (2,134 m), is the largest high altitude zoo in India. It specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions, and has successful captive breeding programs for the snow leopard, the critically endangered Himalayan wolf and the red panda. The zoo attracts about 300,000 visitors every year. The park is named after Padmaja Naidu (1900–1975), daughter of Sarojini Naidu. The zoo serves as the central hub for Central Zoo Authority of India's red panda program and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

History

A zoo was established on August 14, 1958 in the Birch Hill neighbourhood of Darjeeling under the Department of Education of the Government of West Bengal with a goal to study and preserve Himalayan fauna. Its first Director and founder was Dilip Kumar Dey. Mr. Dey, who belonged to the Indian Forest Service was on deputation to the Department of Education for the express purpose of establishing a high-altitude zoological park specializing mainly in Himalayan flora and fauna. The park's prized possessions were a pair of Siberian (Ussuri) tigers presented to the Government of India by Soviet Premier Nikita Khruschev in 1960. Over the years famous names in the world of Conservation have been attracted to and have visited the HZP. The zoo now contains endangered animals like snow leopards, red pandas, gorals (mountain goat), Siberian tigers and a variety of endangered birds. However, there has been concern regarding the fact that the Himalayan animals may face a threat due to rising temperatures in the hilly area.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a town and a municipality in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located in the Mahabharat Range or Lesser Himalaya at an elevation of 6,700 ft (2,042.2 m). It is noted for its tea industry, the spectacular views of Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darjeeling is the headquarters of Darjeeling district which has a partially autonomous status within the state of West Bengal.

The development of the town dates back to the mid-19th century, when the colonial British administration set up a sanatorium and a military depot. Subsequently, extensive tea plantations were established in the region, and tea growers developed hybrids of black tea and created new fermentation techniques. The resultant distinctive Darjeeling tea is internationally recognised and ranks among the most popular of the black teas.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects the town with the plains and has one of the few steam locomotives still in service in India.

Darjeeling (disambiguation)

Darjeeling is a hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal

Darjeeling may also refer to:

Darjeeling (Vidhan Sabha constituency)

Darjeeling (Vidhan Sabha constituency) is an assembly constituency in Darjeeling district in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Overview

As per orders of the Delimitation Commission, No. 23 Darjeeling (Vidhan Sabha constituency) covers Darjeeling municipality, Darjeeling Pulbazar community development block and Dhootria Kalej Valley, Ghum Khasmahal, Sukhia-Simana, Rangbhang Gopaldhara, Pokhriabong I, Pokhriabong II, Pokhriabong III, Lingia Maraybong, Permaguri Tamsang, Plungdung and Rangbull gram panchayats of Jorebunglow Sukhiapokhri community development block.

Darjeeling (Vidhan Sabha constituency) is part of No. 4 Darjeeling (Lok Sabha constituency).

Members of Legislative Assembly

Election results

2011

In the West Bengal state assembly election, 2011, Trilok Dewan of GJM defeated his nearest rival Bim Subba of GNLF.

1977-2006

In the 2006 state assembly elections, Pranay Rai of GNLF won the Darjeeling assembly seat defeating his nearest rival Amar Lama, Independent/ABGL. Contests in most years were multi-cornered but only winners and runners are being mentioned. D.K. Pradhan of GNLF defeated Sawan Rai, Independent/CPRM, in 2001. Nar Bahadur Chhetri of GNLF defeated Kamala Sanskrityayan of CPI(M) in 1996. Narendra Kumai, Independent, defeated J.D.S. Rai of ABGL in 1991. Dawa Lama of CPI(M) defeated P.P. Rai, Independent, in 1987 and J.D.S. Rai in 1982. Deo Prakash Rai, Independent/ABGL, defeated Sadgopal Lepcha of CPI(M) in 1977.