'Sanctuary' status for forests of Saranda: why this matters, case before SC, Pg19.

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court (SC) directed the Jharkhand government to notify 314.68 sq km of the Saranda forest as a wildlife sanctuary on October 10.
• The Jharkhand government initially sought a 60 sq km exemption from the directed area.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had previously ordered the Jharkhand government in 2022 to consider declaring Saranda a sanctuary.
• Illegal mining activities, as highlighted by the Justice M B Shah Commission in 2013, have led to a decline in wildlife and biodiversity in Saranda, with approximately ₹14,403 crores worth of iron ore illegally extracted.

Detailed Insights:

• Saranda forest, located on the border of Jharkhand and Odisha, is a biodiversity hotspot known for its Sal forests and diverse fauna, including elephants and tigers.
• The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) assessment indicates that anthropogenic pressures have fragmented Saranda's habitats, leading to a reduction in butterflies, mammals, and birds.
• The Jharkhand government cited the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution and the rights of Adivasi communities, including Ho and Munda, arguing that sanctuary notification could impact their subsistence activities.
• Amicus K Parameshwar assured that the rights of tribals will not be encroached upon by the sanctuary notification.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area designated for the conservation of wild animals and their habitats.
• Fifth Schedule: Constitutional provision dealing with the administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes.
• Anthropogenic Pressures: Environmental changes caused or influenced by people, either directly or indirectly.