Declare Saranda forests as wildlife sanctuary: SC, Pg22

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court directed the Jharkhand government to declare Saranda forests as a wildlife sanctuary and conservation reserve.
• Mining activity is prohibited within a one-km radius of the sanctuary's boundary.
• The ruling allows Jharkhand to exempt six compartments under the Management Plan for Sustainable Mining (MPSM).
• The court referenced Articles 48A and 51A(g) of the Constitution and Section 26A of the Wildlife Protection Act.
• The order protects the rights of tribals and forest dwellers under the Forest Rights Act.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court emphasized the need to balance environmental protection with development needs.
• The court overruled the state's plan to declare only a part of the forest as a sanctuary, citing the Wildlife Institute of India's report.
• The court reiterated its direction from the 2023 Goa Foundation case regarding mining restrictions near National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• The Supreme Court criticized the state government for repeatedly changing its stance on the extent of the area to be declared a wildlife sanctuary.
• The National Wildlife Action Plan 2017-31 recognizes the need to enhance the protected area network and demarcate boundaries for protected areas.
• The judgment mandates the state government to widely publicize that the rights of tribals and forest dwellers will not be adversely affected.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Wildlife Sanctuary: An area reserved for the protection of wild animals, where activities like hunting are prohibited.
• Conservation Reserve: Areas designated for protecting flora and fauna, often involving community participation.
• Forest Rights Act: Legislation protecting the rights of tribal communities and forest dwellers to access and manage forest resources.