Supreme Court Directive
Saranda Forest Conservation Push: The Supreme Court Bench has directed the Jharkhand government to provide an undertaking to notify a new wildlife sanctuary in the Saranda Forest region. This order comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental protection and safeguard endangered wildlife species in India’s forests.
The Green Heart of Jharkhand
Located in West Singhbhum district, the Saranda Forest is known as the largest Sal (Shorea robusta) forest in Asia. The word ‘Saranda’ translates to ‘the land of seven hundred hills’, reflecting its unique terrain and rich biodiversity. The forest covers an area of over 820 square kilometres, forming a vital ecological zone in eastern India.
Static GK fact: The Sal tree is a moist deciduous tree widely found in central and eastern India, especially in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
Rich Flora and Fauna
The Saranda region is home to diverse species of flora such as Sal, Kusum, Mahua, and mushrooms, supporting both wildlife and local livelihoods. Among its fauna, it shelters elephants, flying lizards, and other endangered species, making it a crucial biodiversity hotspot.
Static GK fact: The Asian elephant is listed as Endangered under the IUCN Red List and enjoys the highest protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Tribal Communities and Culture
Nearly 80% of the human population living around Saranda belongs to the Ho, Munda, and Oraon tribes, along with some primitive tribal groups. These communities depend heavily on the forest for livelihood, food, and cultural practices. Their traditional knowledge has been instrumental in maintaining the ecological balance of the forest.
Static GK Tip: The Ho tribe speaks the Ho language, written in the Warang Citi script, and is recognized as one of the scheduled tribes of Jharkhand.
Threats and Need for Protection
Despite its ecological and cultural significance, the Saranda Forest faces multiple threats such as illegal mining, deforestation, and habitat fragmentation. Iron ore extraction in the region has severely impacted the forest’s biodiversity and water sources. The Supreme Court’s intervention aims to ensure stricter monitoring and promote sustainable forest management.
Static GK fact: The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 regulates the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes in India.
Way Forward
Declaring Saranda as a wildlife sanctuary will enhance legal protection for its flora and fauna, strengthen eco-tourism potential, and preserve the cultural heritage of its tribal inhabitants. It represents a critical step toward balancing development and environmental sustainability in mineral-rich regions like Jharkhand.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Saranda Forest Conservation Push:
| Topic | Detail |
| Location | West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand |
| Forest Type | Moist deciduous Sal forest |
| Area | Around 820 sq km |
| Major Trees | Sal, Kusum, Mahua, Mushroom |
| Key Fauna | Elephants, flying lizards |
| Major Tribes | Ho, Munda, Oraon, primitive tribes |
| Meaning of Saranda | The land of seven hundred hills |
| Legal Protection | Proposed Wildlife Sanctuary status |
| Related Law | Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 |
| Threats | Mining, deforestation, habitat loss |
