SC Orders Jharkhand to Declare Saranda Forest a Wildlife Sanctuary

The Supreme Court has directed the Jharkhand government to notify 31,468.25 hectares of the Saranda Game Sanctuary as the Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary within 90 days. The order aims to protect one of India’s most intact sal forests while ensuring that the rights of tribal communities inhabiting the region remain secure.

Directive to Notify Sanctuary Within 90 Days

The court instructed the state to abide by the 1968 notification issued by the erstwhile Bihar government, which had originally declared the area a game sanctuary. The bench noted that earlier commitments made by the state to notify a larger area had been reversed, prompting judicial intervention. The directive emphasised the need to balance ecological preservation with developmental considerations, given the forest’s rich biodiversity.

Ecological Significance of Saranda Forest

Saranda Forest is home to 23 mammal species, including the Asiatic elephant, four-horned antelope, mouse deer and sloth bear, along with 138 bird species. About 70% of the forest cover remains intact, making it one of the finest sal-dominated ecosystems in Asia. The court reiterated that mining activities will not be permitted within the sanctuary or within one kilometre of its boundaries, reinforcing stringent habitat protection.

Safeguarding Tribal Rights and Cultural Heritage

The region has long been inhabited by the Ho, Munda, Oraon and allied Adivasi communities, whose lives, culture and subsistence depend on forest resources. The Supreme Court directed that neither individual nor community rights of forest dwellers should be adversely affected. Observers noted that the area falls under the Fifth Schedule and is governed by PESA, which empowers Gram Sabhas in Adivasi areas to decide on matters affecting their rights. Experts highlighted that recognising these rights is essential for both conservation and social justice.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Saranda Forest area to be declared a wildlife sanctuary within 90 days.
• Total area notified: 31,468.25 hectares as per 1968 Bihar notification.
• Mining banned within the sanctuary and 1 km around its boundary.
• Forest hosts 23 mammal and 138 bird species, including the Asiatic elephant.

Compliance Issues and Conservation Implications

The bench criticised the state for inconsistent positions on sanctuary notification, noting that earlier submissions proposed a larger protected area. Conservationists welcomed the order as a turning point, stressing that recent proposals to shrink forest limits posed risks to habitat integrity. The directive is expected to strengthen legal protection, ensure better monitoring and uphold traditional forest stewardship practices that have helped sustain the landscape for centuries.