SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Mar 21: The Jharkhand Biodiversity Board (JBB) celebrated the International Day of Forests on March 21 by organizing a workshop at Palash Bhawan in Doranda. The workshop focused on the sustainable use of forest resources for livelihood development.
Chief Speaker Highlights Role of Forest Resources in Livelihood
The chief speaker of the event, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Member Secretary of the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board, Sanjiv Kumar, addressed the gathering and urged the members of the biodiversity management committees, including their chiefs, deputy chiefs, and students from various districts, to utilize available forest resources to enhance their livelihoods.
“Tasar silk, lac, bamboo, herbs, and other forest resources can be developed for livelihood, and the Biodiversity Board will assist in turning these resources into employment opportunities,” stated Sanjiv Kumar.
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Tasar and Bamboo Farming as Livelihood Opportunities
Sanjiv Kumar also highlighted the declining status of Tasar silk in the state, mentioning that it is on the verge of extinction and is only cultivated in Dumka and Giridih districts. He emphasized that Tasar farming could be a major livelihood source.
He further noted that Saranda holds the highest concentration of Tasar resources in the world, with tribal women from the area earning significant incomes from it.
Additionally, he pointed out that bamboo farming and handicraft production could also serve as important livelihood sources.
Felicitating Local Contributors to Biodiversity Preservation
The workshop recognized several individuals for their contributions to preserving and promoting the use of forest resources for livelihood. Among those felicitated were Mahveer Mehil from Dahu village in Ranchi, Tejnarayan Ganju, Ramesh Chandra Kummhar, Jahana Praveen, Nitu Tirki, Anita Tirki, Arun Kumar Mahli, Dinesh Tigga, Akash Kumar Mahto, Ummey Amara, and Manisha Shankar.
All the felicitated individuals pledged to encourage their respective Panchayats to make use of forest resources for sustainable livelihoods.
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Members of the biodiversity management committees expressed their gratitude to the Member Secretary for his guidance in fostering livelihood opportunities through sustainable use of forest resources. They assured their commitment to working towards the preservation and conservation of the region’s biodiversity.
