Order of the National Green Tribunal (Eastern Zone Bench, Kolkata) in the matter of R. K. Singh Vs Union of India & Others dated 13/12/2021.

The applicant has alleged that the government of Jharkhand and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change have failed to declare the eco-sensitive zone in respect of Sasangada/Saranda Sanctuary in west Singhbhum district, Jharkhand. Rejoinder affidavit, December 11, 2021 filed on behalf of R. K. Singh (applicant) has filed the Third Revised Working Plan 1936-37 to 1955-56 for the Reserved and Protected Forests, Saranda Division.

The Revised Working Plan mentions that the Sasangda Game Sanctuary has almost lost its existence due to coming up of two massive Iron Ore Mining Projects, namely, Kiriburu and Maghehatuburu. It is mentioned that these two projects have very badly disturbed the habitat of wild animals in this locality.

The NGT, December 13, 2021 directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to file reply on the fact whether the Saranda/Sasangada Game Sanctuary has been declared as ‘Sanctuary’ under Section 26A of the Wildlife (Sanctuary) Act, 1972 and whether it would be construed to be a deemed ‘Sanctuary’ under Section 66 (3) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and if so, whether the provisions of the Eco-Sensitive Zone would come in-force if the ‘Sanctuary’ is construed to be a deemed ‘Sanctuary’ before the next date of listing (February 7, 2022).