SC bats for protection of pristine sal forest in Jharkhand’s Saranda, Pg13

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court directed the Jharkhand government to declare 31,468.25 hectares of the Saranda forest as a wildlife sanctuary.
• Saranda forest is recognized as one of the world's most pristine sal forests, housing endangered species.
• The court balanced biodiversity protection with the need for sustainable iron ore mining in the region.
• The Jharkhand government initially proposed a smaller area of 24,941.64 hectares for the sanctuary.

Detailed Insights:

• Saranda forest is home to endangered species like the sal forest tortoise, four-horned antelope, and wild elephants.
• The forest is inhabited by Adivasi communities like the Ho, Munda, and Uraon, whose lives are linked to the forest.
• Saranda holds 26% of India’s iron ore reserves, crucial for steel plants like SAIL and Tata.
• The court emphasized the State's duty to protect forests and wildlife by declaring ecologically significant areas as protected.
• The court clarified that the judgment would not adversely affect the individual or community rights of tribals and forest dwellers.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area reserved for the conservation of animals and their habitats.
• Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
• Sustainable Mining: Extracting resources in a way that minimizes environmental damage and ensures long-term availability.