Supreme Court has ordered the Jharkhand government to officially notify 31,468.25 hectares of the Saranda Game Sanctuary as the Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary within 90 days. The decision aims to protect one of India’s best sal forests, while ensuring the rights of tribal communities living in the region are not harmed.
Supreme Court Orders Jharkhand to Notify Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary in 90 Days
Court Order and Legal Background
The court reminded the state that the area was already declared a game sanctuary in 1968 by the former Bihar government. Jharkhand later reversed its earlier commitment to notify a larger sanctuary area, so the court intervened.
The Supreme Court said that ecological conservation must be balanced with development needs, and that legal protection is essential because of the forest’s rich biodiversity.
Ecological Importance of Saranda Forest
Saranda Forest is known as one of the most intact sal ecosystems in Asia with nearly 70% of forest cover still preserved. The region is home to:
Mammals (23 species) including:
- Asiatic Elephant
- Four-horned Antelope
- Mouse Deer
- Sloth Bear
Birds (138 species)
The court also directed that no mining will be allowed inside the sanctuary or within 1 km of its boundary to protect habitats.
Protection of Tribal Rights
The area is home to several Adivasi communities including:
Ho
Munda
Oraon and allied groups
These communities depend on forest resources for culture, livelihood, and survival.
The court said that their individual and community forest rights must not be affected. The region falls under the Fifth Schedule and is governed by PESA law, which gives Gram Sabhas the power to decide on matters impacting tribal rights.
Compliance Concerns and Conservation Value
The court criticised the state for changing its stand and reducing the proposed sanctuary area. Conservationists welcomed the order, noting that shrinking the protected zone would threaten the ecosystem.
The directive is expected to improve:
- Habitat protection
- Forest monitoring
- Traditional conservation practices led by Adivasi communities
Exam-Oriented Notes
- SC ordered Jharkhand to notify 31,468.25 hectares as Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary within 90 days.
- Original declaration as game sanctuary: 1968 Bihar notification.
- Mining banned inside sanctuary and 1 km around it.
- Forest houses 23 mammal and 138 bird species including Asiatic elephants.
- Tribal groups: Ho, Munda, Oraon; area covered under Fifth Schedule & PESA Act.
Question & Answer
Q1. Which state has been directed by the Supreme Court to notify the Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary?
(a) Odisha
(b) West Bengal
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Chhattisgarh
Answer: Jharkhand
Q2. What is the total area to be notified as Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary?
(a) 14,200 hectares
(b) 31,468.25 hectares
(c) 25,000 hectares
(d) 40,510 hectares
Answer: 31,468.25 hectares
Q3. The original notification declaring Saranda a game sanctuary was issued in which year?
(a) 1956
(b) 1968
(c) 1975
(d) 1982
Answer: 1968
Q4. Mining is banned within how much distance from the sanctuary boundary?
(a) 500 meters
(b) 1 kilometre
(c) 2 kilometres
(d) 5 kilometres
Answer: 1 kilometre
Q5. Which of the following tribal communities live in the Saranda Forest region?
(a) Bhil and Gond
(b) Ho, Munda, Oraon
(c) Bodo and Santhal
(d) Khasi and Garo
Answer: Ho, Munda, Oraon
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