In a significant move towards sustainable development and ecological conservation, XLRI Jamshedpur and the Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Government of Jharkhand, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to prepare a “Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) for the Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary.”
The MoU was signed in the forest department office near Sonari Sai Mandir, Jamshedpur. Present on the occasion were Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Saba Alam Ansari and XLRI Director Father S George, S J.
Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) SR Natesha, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF) Singhbhum Smita Pankaj, DFO Dalma cum Jamshedpur Saba Alam Ansari, and other officials were among those present on the occasion.
The ESZ of Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a vast area of 522.98 square kilometers, incorporating 136 villages spread across the Patamda, Jamshedpur, and Golmuri blocks of East Singhbhum district, as well as the Chandil and Nimdih blocks of Saraikela-Kharsawan district. This ambitious initiative aims to balance ecological preservation with the economic and social aspirations of the local communities, fostering sustainable development in the region.
The preparation of the ZMP will be spearheaded by XLRI’s Fr. Arrupe Centre for Ecology & Sustainability, a renowned multi-disciplinary center of excellence. Prof. Raghu Ram Tata, a distinguished scholar and environmental expert, will serve as the Principal Investigator for this pivotal project.
In developing the ZMP, XLRI will adopt a highly inclusive, consultative, and consensus-building process. This approach will involve extensive stakeholder interactions, including consultations with Gram Sabhas, villagers, and various stakeholders within the ESZ. Additionally, collaborations will be established with multiple state departments, such as Forest & Environment, Urban Development, Tourism, Local Urban Bodies, Urban authorities, Revenue, Agriculture, Irrigation, and Groundwater.
To ensure a comprehensive and data-driven approach, XLRI will deploy household and village surveys, Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and advanced data analytics. These tools will facilitate a thorough understanding of the region’s ecological and socio-economic dynamics, enabling the creation of a robust and forward-looking ZMP.
The activities within the ESZ will be classified into Prohibited, Permitted, and Regulated categories, in accordance with the guidelines and directives issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) and the Honourable Supreme Court of India. XLRI will meticulously follow these regulations to ensure compliance and uphold the principles of environmental conservation.
The ZMP for the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is projected to be completed within a two-year timeframe. This comprehensive plan will lay the groundwork for harmonizing ecological security with the economic and social well-being of local stakeholders, paving the way for sustainable development in the region.
