THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Oct 8: The Supreme Court has granted relief to the Jharkhand government in the matter of declaring Saranda as a wildlife sanctuary, allowing 31,468.25 hectares to be officially notified. The court also directed that SAIL and valid mining leases should be kept outside the sanctuary’s influence zone.
Additionally, the government has been asked to file a related affidavit within a week.
The order was passed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran.
During the hearing, the court inquired about the increase in area compared to the order given by the NGT. Representing the state, Kapil Sibal referred to a report and map submitted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). He explained that WII had initially requested eight years and ₹3 crore to conduct a study and submit the report.
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Subsequently, WII sent a map proposing 5,519.41 hectares for consideration as a sanctuary. The proposal moved through the DFO to the PCCF, but the state government did not give its consent. The Forest Secretary had shared this information through an affidavit.
The government stated that there is no objection to declaring 31,468.25 hectares as a sanctuary in line with NGT directions. The court accordingly permitted the notification of the 31,468.25 hectares while ensuring that mining operations are not affected.
Amicus Curiae opposed the request for re-demarcation, arguing that the government had already acknowledged in its affidavit that the 31,468.25 hectares, comprising 126 compartments, had been marked, and no mining activity is currently taking place in this area. Therefore, no additional time should be given for re-demarcation.
After hearing the arguments of the state government, SAIL, and Amicus Curiae, the court allowed the notification of 31,468.25 hectares as a sanctuary. During the proceedings, SAIL requested that the court ensure that its mining operations are not affected, as mining is prohibited within one kilometer of a sanctuary.
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Considering the importance of steel production and SAIL’s contribution to national projects, the court directed that the sanctuary notification should not impact SAIL or valid mining leases. The court also exempted the state Chief Secretary from personally appearing in court, although he was present during the hearing.
