Supreme Court Directive on Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary

The Supreme Court of India, led by the Chief Justice, has ordered the Jharkhand government to formally announce a new wildlife sanctuary in the Saranda region, a biodiverse area known for its lush Sal forests and past illegal mining activities.

Background of the Case

• The case originated from a plea to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in July 2022, demanding the declaration of Saranda as an eco-sensitive zone.
• The petitioner pointed out that the area was declared a "game sanctuary" in 1968 under undivided Bihar, asserting that under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, it should be considered a sanctuary.
• Despite NGT's acknowledgment of the area's ecological significance, the Jharkhand government did not act, leading to a Supreme Court intervention.

Supreme Court Proceedings

• The Supreme Court mandated the Jharkhand government to declare a 314 sq km area as a wildlife sanctuary.
• The court criticized the state's delays and demanded explanations for reviewing the proposed sanctuary's boundaries concerning mining interests.
• Jharkhand government assured the court of its commitment but later proposed a reduced area for the sanctuary to protect community rights, which the court agreed to review.

Ecological and Economic Significance of Saranda

Saranda, meaning "seven hundred hills," is a biologically rich forest division in Jharkhand, covering around 856 sq km. It supports diverse wildlife, including elephants and sloth bears, and serves as a crucial ecological corridor.

Impact of Mining

• Illegal mining has considerably reduced wildlife density and biodiversity in the region, as reported by the Justice M. B. Shah Commission and other studies.
• Saranda is home to significant iron ore reserves, contributing 26% of India's total, thus highlighting the economic implications of mining activities.

State Concerns and Tribal Rights

• The Jharkhand government emphasizes the need to balance sanctuary declaration with the protection of tribal rights and subsistence activities, as per the Forest Rights Act and other legal provisions.
• The Saranda region is under the fifth schedule, inhabited by tribal communities like the Ho and Munda groups.

Mining Controversies

The Saranda region has been historically embroiled in mining controversies. Unlawful extraction activities were highlighted under the UPA government, leading to significant illegal profits from iron ore and manganese.

Sustainable Mining Initiatives

• The Union Environment Ministry, following the Shah Commission's findings, developed a sustainable mining plan for Saranda, outlining 'go and no-go' areas and setting a mining cap.