The Supreme Court of India has recently issued a pivotal directive to the Jharkhand government, urging the declaration of the Saranda Forest as a wildlife sanctuary. This landmark decision underscores the essential need to conserve the forest's unique biodiversity and tribal heritage amid escalating developmental pressures.
Located in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, the Saranda Forest spans an area ranging from 820 to 900 square kilometers. Known as Asia’s largest natural Sal (Shorea robusta) forest, it is often referred to as the "land of seven hundred hills" due to its rolling, hilly landscape.
Positioned in the Chhotanagpur bio-geographic zone, Saranda forms a continuous forest belt with adjoining regions in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. It serves as a vital habitat for numerous rare and critically endangered species, including the Sal forest tortoise, four-horned antelope, Asian palm civet, and wild elephants. The forest is also a cultural epicenter for Adivasi communities such as the Ho, Munda, and Uraon tribes, who rely on it for sustenance, medicinal resources, and spiritual practices.
Declaring Saranda a wildlife sanctuary will bring it under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, facilitating stricter controls on industrial activities, habitat destruction, and poaching. This legal protection is vital given the rising ecological threats from mining and encroachments.
The sanctuary status will aid in the scientific management of wildlife corridors, particularly for migratory species like elephants. Additionally, it will enhance the conservation of lesser-known species such as the Sal forest tortoise, which is exclusive to this region.
Sanctuary recognition also offers a framework for community-led conservation. Involving Adivasi communities in protection efforts will uphold both biodiversity and indigenous cultural traditions, given their historical role in safeguarding these forests.
Ambaji isn't the only area where ecological and economic interests intersect. The Saranda Forest, while a biodiversity hotspot, contains 26% of India’s iron ore reserves, leading to extensive mining operations. Many of these activities have been criticized for causing deforestation and environmental degradation.
The Supreme Court’s directive signals a policy shift towards conservation over unchecked extraction, likely influencing future mining clearances. This decision represents a significant step in balancing ecological preservation with economic interests, ensuring the protection of one of India’s most treasured ecological zones.
Kutos : AI Assistant!
