Comprehensive Action Plan Developed, Consultant to be Engaged for Demarcation and Mapping of Corridor in Human-Populated Areas
The Forest Department in Jharkhand has set in motion preparations for the establishment of a wildlife corridor, aiming to safeguard the state’s rich and diverse wildlife population.
JAMSHEDPUR – In a significant step towards wildlife conservation, the Forest Department has meticulously crafted an action plan outlining strategies to protect the state’s fauna through designated corridors within regional and restricted forest areas.
The comprehensive plan, once finalized, will involve the engagement of a consultant who will oversee the crucial process of demarcating and mapping the proposed wildlife corridor.
Targeting Human-Populated Areas for Corridor Demarcation
The demarcation and mapping process will specifically focus on human-populated areas along the periphery of Seemanchal in Jharkhand.
This targeted approach underscores the importance of striking a balance between human habitation and wildlife conservation, ensuring that the corridor effectively serves its purpose of protecting the state’s biodiversity.
The establishment of the wildlife corridor is a key component of Jharkhand’s long-term conservation strategy, emphasizing the vital role of preserving wildlife habitats for the sustainability of the ecosystem.
Legal Recognition and Community Participation
Once the wildlife corridor is established, it will receive legal recognition, guaranteeing its protection and proper management.
The Forest Department will identify and manage ecological entities within the corridor using technical expertise, ensuring the preservation of critical habitats and the well-being of the wildlife population.
The success of this initiative will heavily rely on the active participation and support of local communities residing in the vicinity of the proposed corridor.
The Forest Department aims to foster a harmonious co-existence between humans and wildlife, promoting sustainable conservation practices that adhere to scientific principles.
Jharkhand’s Expanding Forest Cover
Jharkhand has witnessed a remarkable increase in forest cover in recent years, with the current forest area spanning an impressive 23,721 square kilometers, constituting approximately 29.76 percent of the state’s geographical area.
Reserved forests account for 18.58 percent, protected forests for 81.28 percent, and unclassified forests for 0.14 percent of the total recorded forest area.
Over the past two years alone, Jharkhand’s forest cover has expanded by 109.73 square kilometers, with significant growth observed in key forest areas such as Saranda and Kolhan.
This positive trend in forest expansion sets a promising backdrop for the establishment of the wildlife corridor, as it demonstrates the state’s commitment to environmental conservation and the preservation of its rich biodiversity.
As the Forest Department moves forward with the development of the wildlife corridor, it is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding Jharkhand’s wildlife population, promoting sustainable conservation practices, and ensuring a harmonious balance between human activities and the natural ecosystem.
The engagement of a consultant for the demarcation and mapping process marks a significant milestone in this endeavor, paving the way for the effective implementation of the action plan and the long-term protection of Jharkhand’s invaluable wildlife resources.
