THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Ranchi, August 25: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report tabled in the Jharkhand Assembly has revealed a decline in forest land with tree cover and a fall in wildlife population in the state.
The report attributes the situation to a shortage of staff in the department, improper use of funds, delays in completing projects, and lack of effective conservation measures.
Forest Cover Declined by 2.60% Between 2017 and 2021
According to the report, forest land with tree cover decreased by 2.60% between 2017 and 2021. In contrast, vacant forest land increased by 13.51% during the same period, while construction areas rose by 22.35%.
The decline in forest cover is linked to the failure of implementing regional master plans in ecologically sensitive areas, inadequate security measures, and insufficient conservation efforts.
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No Improvement in Wildlife Population
The audit also found no improvement in the population of wild animals in reserved forest areas. The reasons cited include the absence of safe and undisturbed habitats for wildlife, lack of adequate grazing grounds for herbivores, and limited action against poaching of carnivores.
Sharp Fall in Wildlife Numbers in 2018–19
Data shows that the total wildlife population dropped from 20,028 in 2017–18 to 19,882 in 2020–21. In 2018–19 alone, the number of wild animals decreased by 7,660—about 38% of the total population.
However, in 2020–21, the wildlife population recorded a sudden 64% rise, with an increase of 7,778 animals. The report states that such wide discrepancies indicate negligence in the department’s wildlife census.
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Palamu Tiger Reserve on the Verge of Losing Tigers
The situation is most alarming in the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR). Between 2000 and 2005, the reserve had between 34 and 46 tigers. By 2022, this number dropped drastically to just one tiger.
The estimated prey base in PTR, which was 85,666 in 2012–13, plummeted to 4,411 in 2022–23, leading to the steep decline in tiger numbers. The report warns that tigers in PTR are now on the verge of extinction.
