A cabinet meeting focused on the proposal to declare the Saranda region of West Singhbhum district as a Wildlife Sanctuary. To deliberate on this, a Group of Ministers has been constituted to advise the government. The state government will use the group’s recommendations to make its decision. The Group of Ministers will analyze the economic and social dimensions related to the sanctuary, and present their findings to the state government. Input from all relevant departments and stakeholders will also be considered before the matter returns to the cabinet.
In related news, a police encounter in Gumla, Jharkhand, led to the death of three JJMP militants.
The proposed sanctuary will encompass an area of 575.19 square kilometers, including the villages of Ankuwa, Samta, Karampada, Gudlibag, Trikoshi, and Thalkuwad in West Singhbhum. Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel provided these details following the cabinet meeting, where a total of 27 proposals were approved.
The Saranda forest is recognized for its significant ecological value, acting as a habitat for the endangered flying lizard, alongside over 40 mammal species, 162 bird species, nine amphibian species, and 33 reptile species. The area’s wild elephants are also a notable feature.
Further decisions from the cabinet include the rehabilitation of 780 families affected by the Mandal Dam and Palamu Tiger Project, with each family receiving ₹15 lakh and one acre of land. The cabinet also approved a one-year extension of service for assistant police personnel in the state, based on existing terms. Additionally, ₹97 crore 65 lakh 82 thousand 500 was sanctioned for the construction of the Government Polytechnic College building in Ranchi.