PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Nov 10: A major public agitation is taking shape in the Saranda region, where local villagers have announced a ‘Rail Roko’ protest on November 16 to oppose the Union government’s proposal to declare Saranda as a wildlife sanctuary.
The move, they argue, threatens traditional land rights, livelihood sources, and the socio-cultural fabric of the tribal communities living in and around the dense forest belt.
The proposed sanctuary status—intended to strengthen wildlife protection in one of India’s richest sal forests—has triggered widespread concern among villagers who fear restrictions on movement, minor forest produce collection, and customary practices.
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Community leaders asserted that the region’s tribal population has been dependent on the forest ecosystem for generations and that “any unilateral decision without local consent is unacceptable.”
Meetings held across several villages over the past week have witnessed large participation, with residents forming joint action committees to coordinate the protest.
They have also alleged that declaring Saranda a sanctuary could pave the way for future displacement and loss of land, despite official assurances that no such step is immediately planned.
Local organisations and village leaders have submitted memoranda to the district administration, urging the government to withdraw the proposal and initiate open consultations before taking any such decision.
With the rail route through West Singhbhum serving as a critical freight corridor, especially for iron ore transport, the proposed ‘Rail Roko’ has drawn attention from security agencies and railway officials, who are preparing contingency plans to ensure safety and prevent disruptions.
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The agitation is expected to intensify in the coming days, with more public meetings scheduled across the Saranda forest villages.
The November 16 protest will be a decisive moment, as locals intend to send a strong message that “Saranda is not just a forest, but home.”
