The Jharkhand government has approved 24 key proposals given in a recent cabinet meeting, which include the long-awaited declaration of a 314.65 square kilometre patch of the Saranda forest in West Singhbhum district as a wildlife sanctuary. This action is in accordance with an instruction by the Supreme Court, which had ordered the state government to declare the area a sanctuary within a week. The ruling is a milestone in environmental conservation and preservation of biodiversity in one of the most ecologically diverse and rich forests in India.
Elephants, various endangered species are found in the Saranda forest, which is full of sal trees and various wildlife. Its recognition as a wildlife sanctuary is to maintain the ecological situation in the area and prevent the further destruction of the forests and uncontrolled industrialization. The ruling by the government is in tandem with the national conservation objectives and in response to the increasing environmental fears about the exploitation of forest resources in the mineral-rich region. Meanwhile, the cabinet has given assurances that mining operations that are already under lease and legally approved will not be affected by the stoppage; therefore, the industrial activities in the area will go on under controlled terms.
The cabinet passed this with the month-long consultation and discussion among the people, since the region has been a subject of dispute between the conservationists and economic activity. Although the decision has been welcomed by environmentalists, most tribal and local communities in and around Saranda have raised concerns about how the status as a sanctuary will impact them financially. Such forest communities are dependent on forest produce, grazing, and small scale agriculture to survive. The state government has made it clear that the declaration will not result in the displacement and limitation of the rights of residents under the Forest Rights Act. It has made it clear that even after the notification is implemented, the social, cultural and economic practices of people will be preserved.
The Saranda forest has gained centre of focus in the country owing to its enormous natural resources, biodiversity and iron ore reserves. The Jharkhand administration has struggled to balance conservation and development in a bid to protect the environment and, at the same time, not compromise the livelihoods of locals. Having the decision of the cabinet on the table, Jharkhand has now made a significant step towards the reinforcement of its ecological policies, as well as adhering to legal requirements. Reclassification of Saranda as a wildlife reserve is likely to lead to the development of a new trend of sustainable forest management and other responsible developments in the state.
