SC Orders Sanctuary Status for Saranda Forest

Supreme Court Pushes Sanctuary Status for Saranda Forest

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court has directed the Jharkhand government to notify 314 sq. km of Saranda Forest as a wildlife sanctuary, citing ecological degradation and loss of biodiversity. This decision highlights the challenges of global governance in balancing conservation efforts with local development needs. The state seeks partial exemption, citing tribal rights and mining revenue concerns, reflecting the complex interplay between national policies and international cooperation on environmental issues.

Supreme Court’s Directive and State’s Response:

• The Supreme Court ordered Jharkhand to declare Saranda Forest a wildlife sanctuary to protect its unique biodiversity, aligning with global efforts to preserve critical ecosystems.
• Despite multiple SC warnings, the state delayed compliance, seeking exemption for 60 sq. km of the notified area, illustrating the tensions between local interests and broader international community goals for environmental protection.
• The court’s directive follows a 2022 NGT order urging the government to consider the region’s ecological importance, reflecting a growing trend of judicial activism in environmental matters across the global governance architecture.
• Saranda, meaning “land of seven hundred hills,” spans over 850 sq. km in West Singhbhum, bordering Odisha, and represents a microcosm of the challenges faced by emerging economies in balancing development with conservation.
• The state argues that the forest lies within the Fifth Schedule area, home to Ho, Munda, and other tribal groups, highlighting the need for multilateral governance approaches that respect indigenous rights while addressing global environmental concerns.

Ecological and Mining Concerns in Saranda

• Saranda is one of India’s richest Sal (Shorea robusta) forests, hosting elephants, antelopes, sloth bears, and several bird species, making it a crucial area for biodiversity conservation in the context of global governance challenges.
• Over time, mining and deforestation have caused habitat fragmentation, forcing wildlife like elephants to migrate to Odisha and Chhattisgarh, exemplifying the need for regional organizations to coordinate on cross-border environmental issues.
• The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) reported significant declines in mammals, butterflies, and birds due to anthropogenic pressures, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing biodiversity loss.
• The Justice M.B. Shah Commission (2013) revealed illegal extraction worth over ₹14,000 crore in iron ore and ₹138 crore in manganese, highlighting the challenges of enforcing international law and UN accountability in resource-rich regions.
• Activists warn continued mining will permanently damage the hydrology and biodiversity of this crucial forest corridor, calling for stronger multilateral institutions to support sustainable development practices.