The Supreme Court on Monday reserved its verdict on the Jharkhand Government’s request to reduce the proposed Saranda Sanctuary’s area from 310 Sq. Km. to 250 Sq. Km., seeking exclusion of 60 Sq. Km. of forest land inhabited by Tribals. The State said the move aimed to protect forest dwellers’ rights, schools, and local institutions situated in the region. A Bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran heard the arguments before directing all parties to submit written notes by Friday.
Debate Over Tribal Rights and Mining Interests
Amicus curiae and senior advocate K Parameshwar told the court that the sanctuary status would not affect forest dwellers’ rights and alleged that the real intent behind the exclusion plea was to benefit mining lobbies. He noted that Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), whose mines operate in the area, already enjoys exemption under prior court orders. Referring to earlier State affidavits, Parameshwar said Jharkhand had earlier stated that all 126 forest blocks of Saranda were free from tribal habitation.
Also Read: Supreme Court Granted Jharkhand One More Day to File Affidavit in Saranda Case
State’s Justification and Court’s Observations
Senior advocate Kapil Sibbal, appearing for Jharkhand, countered that the Government was addressing a sensitive local situation, asserting that Saranda no longer had significant wildlife presence. He said the proposal to exclude certain forest areas was meant to safeguard tribal livelihoods and educational infrastructure. The Bench, however, noted the State’s inconsistent positions over the sanctuary’s extent but assured that both the rights of Tribals and existing mining operations would remain protected until the final decision.
Also Read: Cabinet Approved Wildlife Sanctuary Status for Part of Saranda Forest in West Singhbhum
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