๐ณ Saranda Forest Wildlife Sanctuary: Jharkhand’s Amazing New 314 Sq Km EcoโTreasure
๐ Key Decision: Jharkhand cabinet approved 314.65 sq km of West Singhbhum’s Saranda as a Protected Wildlife Sanctuary, preserving one of India’s densest Sal forests while ๐ฅ safeguarding tribal rights.
๐ Key Highlights of Saranda Forest Wildlife Sanctuary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ๐บ๏ธ Sanctuary Area | 314.65 sq km in West Singhbhum district |
| ๐ก๏ธ EcoโSensitive Zone | 1 km buffer for regulated activities |
| ๐ฟ Forest Type | Dense Sal; critical Asian elephant corridors |
| ๐ฅ Tribal Protection | FRA rights ensured; no displacement |
๐๏ธ Background: Why Saranda Matters
The Saranda forest is one of Asia’s largest and densest Sal forests, home to Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and hundreds of bird species. This sanctuary status strengthens conservation while balancing community livelihoods and existing mining operations. Learn more about Wildlife Sanctuaries of Jharkhand.
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- 1 km buffer around sanctuary
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- Regulated activities; zero-tolerance for ecoโdamage
- Focus on mitigation and monitoring
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- Customary livelihoods continue
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- Access to all govt schemes
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- No displacement (CM’s assurance)
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- Existing SAIL and licensed mines continue
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- Supreme Court guidelines applicable
- Strict compliance + ecological safeguards
๐ Ecological Benefits
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- Protection of elephant corridors; reduced conflict
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- Conservation of dense Sal landscape
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- Safeguard for predators and 100+ bird species
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- Watershed security for downstream communities
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- Carbon sink for climate mitigation
โ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the Saranda Forest Wildlife Sanctuary?A: A newly approved protected area (314.65 sq km) to conserve Sal forest and wildlife. See our detailed coverage.Q2. Will tribal communities be displaced?A: No. Rights under FRA continue.Q3. What happens to existing mining operations?A: Per Supreme Court guidelines, licensed operations continue with safeguards.Q4. Which wildlife species are protected?A: Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, and diverse avifauna.Q5. What is the ESZ?A: A 1 km buffer to minimize ecological impact via regulated activities.
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- Area: 314.65 sq km (West Singhbhum)
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- ESZ: 1 km buffer
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- Legal: Forest Rights Act (FRA) โ rights protected
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- Fauna: Asian Elephant + key carnivores; Sal ecosystem
- Policy: Mining continues per Supreme Court guidelines
๐ข “It will be ensured that no forest dweller is displaced… while honoring the rights of our tribal communities.” โ CM Hemant Soren
โ Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
The sanctuary balances conservation with tribal rights and development. With ongoing dialogue and robust ESZ management, Saranda can be India’s model for inclusive conservation.
Stay Updated: Follow our blog for more updates on Jharkhand’s environmental initiatives, tribal welfare programs, and conservation efforts. Together, we can protect our natural heritage! ๐ณ
