Supreme court orders Jharkhand to notify Saranda as wildlife sanctuary within three months
Context:
The Supreme Court has directed the Jharkhand government to notify 31,468.25 hectares (≈ 314 sq km) of the Saranda forest as a wildlife sanctuary, after examining the interplay between:
Biodiversity protection,
Rights of Adivasi communities, and
Ongoing iron ore mining, vital for national steel production.
What triggered the case?
Jharkhand initially proposed sanctuary status only for 24,941.64 ha.
Civil society petitions argued that the ecologically crucial area was larger and mining was expanding unsustainably.
Amicus curiae submitted that an over-expansive sanctuary could affect mining employment.
State finally admitted in court that 31,468.25 ha across 126 compartments had no mining and no non-forest use, making it eligible for sanctuary notification.
Supreme Court’s Directions
State must declare the entire 31,468.25 ha as Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary.
State cannot avoid statutory obligations under forest and wildlife laws.
Must ensure:
No adverse impact on individual or community forest rights of the Ho, Munda, Uraon and allied Adivasi communities.
Wide public awareness guaranteeing non-violation of FRA rights.
Ecological Significance of Saranda
Among the world’s most pristine sal (Shorea robusta) forests.
Part of the larger Singhbhum Elephant Landscape.
Habitat for critically endangered and threatened fauna:
Sal forest tortoise (endemic)
Four-horned antelope
Asian palm civet
Wild elephants
High biodiversity with specialised sal-dominated ecosystems and unique microhabitats.
Mineral Importance
Saranda Forest Division contains 26% of India’s iron ore reserves, making it central to:
SAIL (RMD mines)
Tata Steel operations
National steel capacity is highly dependent on this region.
Legal Framework
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Section 18 empowers the State to notify wildlife sanctuaries.
Once notified, mining and non-forest land use require strict statutory approvals.
Forest Conservation Act, 1980 & Forest (Conservation) Rules
Restrict diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
Ensure ecological assessment before clearance.
Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA)
Recognises:
Individual forest rights
Community forest resource rights
Any change in forest governance (including protected area declaration) must:
Not dilute these rights
Follow free, prior, informed consent of Gram Sabhas
Court re-emphasised protection of tribal rights.
Constitutional Principles
Article 48A: State must protect forests and wildlife.
Article 51A(g): Fundamental duty to protect the environment.
Supreme Court highlighted States’ positive obligation to notify ecologically fragile areas.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Saranda forest:
It is one of the largest contiguous sal forests in India.
It forms part of the Singhbhum Elephant Landscape.
It is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Saranda is among the world’s largest sal forests and part of a major elephant landscape. It is not a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Q. Saranda forest is ecologically important primarily because:
It hosts endemic and critically endangered species.
It contains one of India’s densest sal forest ecosystems.
It supports hydrological services feeding tributaries of the Subarnarekha.
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 and 3 only
Answer: C
Explanation:
Saranda’s sal-dominated landscape provides biodiversity and watershed support.
Q. Which of the following species specifically strengthen the case for wildlife sanctuary status in Saranda?
Sal forest tortoise
Four-horned antelope
Asiatic lion
Asian palm civet
Select the correct answer:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation:
Asiatic lions have no presence in eastern India.