Latest news with #JharkhandBiodiversityBoard
Time of India
06-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Awareness prog on biodiversity conservation
Sanjeev Kumar, member secretary of the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board, organised an awareness programme at Jagannathpur Mela in Dhurwa. He focused on biodiversity conservation, plastic elimination, and de-addiction, distributing over 200 local saplings. The event included training in species identification and an oath-taking ceremony for a drug-free, plastic-free life. Attendees and committee members widely appreciated the programme.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
State biodiversity board launches anti-plastic drive
Ranchi: In the lead-up to World Environment Day on June 5, the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board has launched a statewide initiative where BMC will identify and clean plastic-prone areas to combat plastic pollution. The initiative aligns with the 2024 World Environment Day theme of "Eliminating Environment Pollution. " The campaign is being implemented in close coordination with Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the local level, focusing on both urban and rural regions. In the initial phase of the month-long campaign, BMCs from 50 panchayats were assigned the responsibility of surveying and cleaning up plastic waste in their respective areas. These panchayats are located in five districts: Ranchi, Chatra, Palamu, Giridih, and Hazaribag, where BMCs will work to identify plastic-littered zones, including public areas, forest patches, and biodiversity-sensitive locations. Once collected, the plastic waste will be deposited in designated recycling dustbins. Member secretary and chief executive officer of the JBB, Sanjeev Kumar, stated, "The goal is to reduce plastic waste, promote community awareness, and strengthen the practice of plastic recycling across the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo The campaign is not just about clean-up, but also about building awareness of the ecological damage caused by single-use plastics." The campaign encourages the active participation of local volunteers, school students, self-help groups, and panchayat members. Educational sessions, street plays, art and quiz competitions, and public awareness rallies are also being organised in several villages to amplify the message of plastic reduction and proper waste disposal. Kumar added, "As this is a month-long campaign, the awareness activities and plastic collection drives will gradually be extended to other districts across the state beyond the initial five. Additional panchayats will be mobilised in the coming weeks to conduct similar plastic surveys, community engagement programs, and recycling efforts."
Time of India
03-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
‘Documenting tribal wisdom key to biodiversity conservation'
1 2 3 In a conversation with Kritika Tiwary, the principal chief conservator of forests and member secretary of the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board , Sanjeev Kumar, highlighted the efforts to conserve biodiversity. He emphasized on the state's growing focus to evolve local communities and preserve both ecological and indigenous knowledge systems Q. When did efforts to document and conserve biodiversity officially begin in the state? Were there any key turning points? A: The formal journey began with the establishment of the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board in 2007, marking the start of systematic documentation. A significant turning point came in 2024 when the board launched a campaign to identify Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS). With Biodiversity Management Committees' (BMCs) involvement, over 100 such sites have been identified. Q. Is there an ongoing effort to document tribal and indigenous knowledge systems related to biodiversity and traditional practices? A: Yes, documenting tribal and indigenous knowledge is central to the state's biodiversity conservation strategy. Currently, 4,689 People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) are maintained with BMC's support. These are regularly updated, and local BMC members receive training to document indigenous knowledge and practices, preserving traditional wisdom for future generations. Q. Are there any endangered species in the state that have been officially identified? A: Yes, surveys by the Botanical Survey of India and Zoological Survey of India have identified several threatened species. These include 24 plant species such as Salai and Bija Sal, and five fauna species, including the dolphin, white vulture, and gharial. Q. What specific steps are being taken to conserve biodiversity? A: The Jharkhand Biodiversity Board actively involves local communities through regular capacity-building programmes in panchayats, colleges, and universities. Educational materials are available in local languages, and resource persons from farming and tribal communities receive training on sustainable forest-based livelihoods. The initiative emphasizes women empowerment and youth engagement through school nurseries and upcoming internship and certificate courses. Q. What are the future plans or policies to enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of biological resources in state? A: The board's roadmap includes managing over 100 identified Biodiversity Heritage Sites with site-specific plans. Conservation efforts focus on keystone species like Ficus spp and tigers, along with 29 threatened plant and animal species. Ongoing scientific studies with the Botanical and Zoological Survey of India will continue. A pilot Biodiversity Credit Programme is being considered for climate finance. Mining companies must develop conservation and livelihood plans for affected areas. School-based indigenous plant nurseries promote awareness, while the state is working towards conserving endangered Tasar silk varieties like Sarihan eco-race. The goal includes restoring 30% of degraded land by 2030 and updating all 4,689 People's Biodiversity Registers to document lost crop varieties, including over 100 traditional rice types.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Time of India
Jal, Jungle & Jameen - Mantra for biodiversity conservation
The state's name, Jharkhand, is a name derived from the Hindi words "Jhar", meaning forest and "Khand" — land or simply, "land of forests". Historically, the term was used to refer to the forested land between Babadham (Deoghar) and Puri (in Odisha). Jharkhand has also been home to 32 major tribal groups that associate their identities with "jal-jungle and jamin" (water, forest and land). With a rich endowment by nature coupled with its nature-loving people, it is no surprise that the state conserves some of the pristine and oldest natural sites of ecological importance — the fossil parks of Rajmahal hills in Sahibganj district. It hosts plant and animal fossils from the Jurassic era (150-200 million years ago). Noted geologist Birbal Sahni established the area as a global palaeontological site. In 2022, chief minister Hemant Soren inaugurated the Rajmahal hills, the state's first fossil park, to preserve the Jurassic era plant and animal fossils, describing them as a treasure trove. Meanwhile, the life of indigenous people of the state revolves around trees — Saal (Shorea robusta) and Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) — the two important varieties, the former being used during festivals like Sarhul and the latter forming a part of day-to-day life as a source of nutrients and raw material for brewing alcoholic drinks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Among the myriad fauna in the state, Jharkhand boasts of being home to the world's smallest wild pig — pygmy hog (Sus salvanius) — and also to the majestic Asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus). Sadly, the pygmy hog has almost vanished from the Jharkhand forests and the elephants face the challenge of shrinking corridors. While the Malabar pied hornbill is also a treat to the eyes, the silk moth and lac insects (Kerria lacca) are exclusive to the region and add to the richness of the biodiversity, besides supporting the livelihood of several thousand people. At the same time, Jharkhand is home to 40% of the country's mineral and 29% coal reserve, extraction of which often threatens the ecology and biodiversity. The state's forests, classified into eight distinct types under the Champion & Seth classification, are home to diverse flora, fauna, and indigenous tribal communities, including the Munda, Oraon, Ho, Santhal, and Paharia, who maintain a deep connection with nature. Traditional festivals like Sarhul and Karma celebrate this bond with forests. Currently, the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board is intensifying conservation efforts through documentation, community engagement and awareness initiatives. Key ecological hotspots under focus include Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Betla National Park, Parasnath Hills and biodiverse zones in places, including Gumla, Ranchi and Palamu districts. To balance development with ecological sustainability, the board plans to collaborate with major mining companies like CCL, BCCL, ECL, and NTPC. These companies will submit conservation strategies, survey reports, and restoration plans for mined-out areas with some to be designated as OECMs (Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures). "We have outlined key strategies to strengthen biodiversity conservation in the face of expanding mining activities," said Sanjeev Kumar, the principal chief conservator of forests and member secretary of the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board. The board's initiatives included planting rare, endangered, and threatened (RET) species in degraded lands and updating people's biodiversity registers with corporate support. Plans also included organising exposure visits for biodiversity management committee members to successful restoration sites and implementing livelihood programmes for mining-affected tribal communities. "The aim is to turn ecological restoration into a vehicle for community empowerment. Companies must undertake conservation efforts in mining zones to ensure that development doesn't compromise biodiversity," Kumar emphasised. At the same time, recent data shows over 690 hectares of forest land were diverted for non-forestry uses between January 2015 and February 2019. Currently, only 2.74% of the state land falls under the protected area network, comprising one national park and 11 wildlife sanctuaries.
