Massive bee losses reported in West Sikkim;cause unknown

KUSH HANG LEEWANG

GEYZING,: The rising incidence of widespread bee deaths due to unknown causes in parts of West Sikkim, particularly under Yuksam-Tashiding constituency, has emerged as a serious concern for apiculturists, ecologists and environmentalists alike.

Several beekeepers from the region have reportedly lost numerous hives, with the exact cause of the deaths yet to be determined. Farmers fear the possibility of large-scale extinction if a thorough assessment is not conducted and timely remedial measures are not implemented.

Beekeepers in Yuksam, Gerethang and other parts of the constituency, many of whom have been trained in apiculture and engaged in bee farming for several years, areuncertain about the reasons behind the continuous loss of bees. While some have speculated that the flowers of Chinese teak, believed to be toxic to bees, may be contributing to the mortality, others have dismissed this claim, noting the absence of such trees in the affected areas.

Ganga Dahal, a beekeeper from Gerethang, has lost five to six hives since the outbreak of the unknown disease. According to Dahal, experts suggested that the deaths could be linked to changing climatic conditions, the presence of toxic flora or inadequate feeding practices.

He further observed that bees reared in scientifically designed hives, provided under government schemes, have been particularly affected, resulting in significant losses this season. “Bees in scientifically prepared hives have suffered greatly, whereas those kept in traditional, locally made hives remain safe so far,” he said.

D.S. Limboo, zilla adhyakshaof Geyzing district and an apiculturist, also lost three hives despite following recommended treatment and feeding practices. He rejected the theory linking bee deaths to Chinese teak, reiterating that such trees are not found in the Yuksam-Tashiding region.

Describing the symptoms, Limboo said that affected bees exhibit dysentery, swollen abdomens, sluggish movementand disorientation before dying. “The disease appears epidemic in nature. An urgent and detailed assessment by experts is required,” he stated.

Another beekeeper, Den Hang Limboo from Gerethang, echoed similar concerns. He informed that the disease is spreading rapidly and poses a serious threat to the bee population. He emphasized that many families in the area depend on apiculture as their primary source of income and warned that continued losses could severely impact livelihoods.

Sushil Chettri, a mellitologist and apiculturist associated with the State government, confirmed receiving reports of increasing bee mortality in parts of the constituency. He informed that he would soon visit the affected areas to assess the situation and assist farmers.

Chettri indicated that sudden weather changes and climatic variability could be contributing factors, along with other risks such as queen bee loss, improper feeding, and disease. “A detailed assessment will be conducted to identify the root cause. Beekeepers will also be sensitized on best practices for effective hive management,” he said.

Meanwhile, ecologists and environmentalists in the district have expressed deep concern, highlighting the critical role of bees in maintaining ecological balance through pollination. They have called for immediate scientific investigation into the causes of the large-scale bee deaths in the region.

Reports of similar incidents have also emerged from Kalimpong, Darjeeling and neighbouring Nepal in recent weeks, with the underlying cause still unknown. Beekeepers in Yuksam stated that they are in contact with farmers from other regions in hopes of finding a solution to the crisis.