A recent cabinet meeting focused on designating the Saranda region of West Singhbhum district as a Wildlife Sanctuary. To facilitate this, the cabinet established a Group of Ministers to advise the government on the matter. The state government’s decision will be informed by the group’s recommendations. The Group of Ministers will undertake a study of the economic and social factors related to the area, and their findings will be presented to the state government. Relevant departments and stakeholders will also provide their input before the matter is brought back to the cabinet.
In addition to the sanctuary discussion, the cabinet also acknowledged the police encounter in Gumla, Jharkhand, which resulted in the death of three JJMP militants.
The proposed sanctuary will encompass 575.19 square kilometers, including the villages of Ankuwa, Samta, Karampada, Gudlibag, Trikoshi, and Thalkuwad in West Singhbhum. Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel confirmed these details to the press following the meeting, where 27 proposals were approved.
The Saranda forest is renowned for its biodiversity. It serves as a habitat for the endangered flying lizard, over 40 mammal species, 162 bird species, nine amphibian species, and 33 reptile species. The area’s wild elephants are also widely recognized.
Additionally, the cabinet approved the rehabilitation of 780 families affected by the Mandal Dam and Palamu Tiger Project. Each displaced family will receive ₹15 lakh and one acre of land. Furthermore, the cabinet extended the service of the state’s assistant police personnel for an additional year, maintaining the previous terms and conditions. The construction of the Government Polytechnic College building in Ranchi was also approved, with an allocation of ₹97 crore 65 lakh 82 thousand 500.