In Brief
The Supreme Court held that the State of Jharkhand must declare Saranda Forest as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Despite the State's repeatedly changing positions, the Court found that 126 forest compartments (31,468.25 hectares, minus six mining-zone compartments) are scientifically established as ecologically critical for elephant corridors and biodiversity. Articles 48A and 51A(g) of the Constitution impose a mandatory duty to protect forests and wildlife. The Court rejected concerns about tribal rights, finding that the Forest Rights Act, 2006 explicitly protects community habitation, forest produce collection, and cultural practices even within protected areas. The State must notify the sanctuary within three months and impose a one-kilometre mining prohibition zone. Mining ancillary infrastructure for existing operations remains permissible under the Forest Rights Act provisions for government facilities and services.
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