Saranda Forest
Context:
The Supreme Court has directed the Jharkhand government to declare 31,468 hectares of the Saranda forest area as a wildlife sanctuary
About Saranda Forest:
The forest is located in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand
It is known as Asia's biggest Sal forest and is also considered one of the world's most pristine Sal forests.
Sal and Teak are mainly found in abundance
The area is characterized by hilly terrain and steeply sloping hills, valleys, and plateaus
The Saranda Forest division accounts for 26% of India's iron ore reserves, and the area is famous for the Kiriburu and Meghahataburu iron-ore mines governed by SAIL
Geographical Conditions:
Climate:
The Saranda Forest has a tropical climate, with hot summers, cool winters, and heavy monsoon rainfall, supporting dense deciduous forest vegetation.
Soil:
The soil profile varies from rocky on hills, red loamy on slopes and plateaus, to black clayey soil in lowlands.
Biodiversity:
The forest comprises two main types:
Tropical moist deciduous
Tropical dry deciduous
Flora: Important species include Sal, Teak, Mangoes, Jamun, Piar, Akasmani, kusum, Mahua, Tilia, and Jackfruit
Fauna: The forest is home to critically endangered species, including the endemic sal forest tortoise, four-horned antelope, Asian palm civet, and wild elephants.
Tribal Inhabitants: For centuries, the area has been inhabited by the Ho, Munda, Uraon and allied Adivasi communities.
Procedure for Declaring Wildlife Sanctuaries:
Guided by Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
The State Government first determines that an area has ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or zoological significance, suitable for protecting wildlife.
The Government publishes a notification of intention to constitute the area as a sanctuary, by specifying the location and boundaries.
District collector takes up the settlement and Acquisition of rights over the land identified for the wildlife sanctuary.
Difference
Wildlife Sanctuary
National Park
Purpose / Objective
Protects wildlife species and their habitat.
Protects the entire ecosystem—flora, fauna, landscape, historical objects.
Human Activities
Limited human activities allowed (grazing, collecting forest produce, agriculture, etc.).
All human activities strictly prohibited unless specially permitted by authorities
Public Access
Generally open to the public; permission usually not required.
Entry is restricted; official permission required.
Boundaries
Boundaries are not fixed and may change.
Boundaries are fixed and defined legally.
Level of Protection
Moderate level of protection.
Highest level of protection with strict rules.
Allowed Rights
Some private rights and limited grazing allowed.
No grazing, no private rights allowed; no exploitation of wildlife.
Legal Declaration
Can be declared by State or Central Government order.
Created by legislation (State or Central Legislature).
Upgrade/Downgrade
Can be upgraded to a National Park.
Cannot be downgraded to a Sanctuary.
Conservation Scope
Protects animals, birds, insects, and other wildlife.
Protects entire biodiversity: flora, fauna, landscape, and cultural elements.
IUCN Category
Category IV protected area.
Category II protected area.