SC Directs Jharkhand to Notify Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary: A Victory for Forest Conservation and Tribal Rights

SC Orders Jharkhand to Declare Saranda Forest a Wildlife Sanctuary
In a landmark ecological ruling, the Supreme Court has ordered the Jharkhand government to declare 31,468.25 hectares of the Saranda Forest as a notified Saranda Wildlife Sanctuary within 90 days . The directive reinforces long-standing conservation commitments while safeguarding the rights of Adivasi communities who have lived in the region for generations.

Court Mandate Based on 1968 Notification

The bench referred to the 1968 Bihar government notification , which had originally designated the area as a game sanctuary. Noting inconsistencies in Jharkhand’s recent submissions—especially proposals to shrink the protected area—the court intervened to ensure legal compliance and ecological integrity. Officials were reminded that development cannot override statutory conservation obligations.

Ecological Richness of Saranda Forest

Saranda, one of Asia’s most pristine sal-dominated forests , retains nearly 70% intact cover . The ecosystem supports 23 species of mammals , including the Asiatic elephant, sloth bear, four-horned antelope and mouse deer, along with 138 bird species .
The Supreme Court has explicitly banned mining within the sanctuary and within 1 km outside its boundary , closing the door on commercial extraction in this biodiversity hotspot.

Protection of Tribal Rights Under Fifth Schedule & PESA

The forest is home to the Ho, Munda, Oraon and related tribes , whose cultural identity and livelihoods depend on customary forest access. The court clarified that no individual or community forest rights should be curtailed by the sanctuary notification. With the region governed under the Fifth Schedule and PESA Act , Gram Sabhas must retain decision-making authority over matters affecting their rights and lands.

Exam Facts

• Saranda Forest to be notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary within 90 days.

• Total area: 31,468.25 hectares (as per 1968 Bihar notification).

• Mining prohibited within the sanctuary and 1 km around it.

• Forest hosts 23 mammal species and 138 bird species .

Compliance Challenges & Conservation Impact

The bench criticised Jharkhand for shifting positions on forest boundaries, warning against attempts to dilute protection. Conservationists welcomed the order as critical for preserving elephant corridors, sal diversity and tribal stewardship practices. The ruling is expected to enhance surveillance, restrict destructive activities and reinforce long-term ecological resilience in one of India’s most threatened forest landscapes.