The Fast Depleting Hinterland of Jharkhand

What have we achieved in mowing down mountain ranges, harnessing the energy of mighty rivers, or moving whole populations about like chess pieces, if we ourselves remain the same restless, miserable, frustrated creatures we were before? To call such activity progress is utter delusion. We may succeed in altering the face of the earth until it is unrecognizable even to the Creator, but if we are unaffected wherein lies the meaning? 

-Henry Miller

Touched a raw chord dint it?

But what misery lies untold is misery double-fold. These were the words that crept into my mind when I read about the depleting forests of Jharkhand. Jharkhand, the land synonymous with forests, the land whose visage we imagine is green with smiling brightly hued tribals whose cause for celebration begins and ends in the forest. The land that celebrates life in jungles, under the thick canopy of trees, the green-lungs of the Eastern belt, the land that is rich in mineral resources- you name it they have it in short all those elements which can produce billions and billions of dollars. But then you utter Jharkhand and the screaming headlines of a Madhu Koda or a Shibu Soren stares back at you. But there is never any mention of the fast-depleting-at-the-blink-of-of-an-eye huge tracts of trees and with them the endangered species of flora and fauna!

Jharkhand is now 12 years old. But the forests that give it its identity, give no cause for celebration. While the state is forging ahead with its grand plans of industrial development tapping into the rich mineral resources, the forest ranges of the Santhal Pargana are fast disappearing. Reasons..well they are myriad in number.

Careless and illegal human activity heads the list. Man’s insatiable greed has taken him to gobble the dense mountainous forests and all its richness within. The huge expanse of 5470 square miles of solid lung space has been home to several indigenous tribes for centuries. Tribes who have lived with wisdom that has been passed down from generation to generation, communities who have lived in harmony with the forests that provided them with sustenance of such magnitude and importance that the so called modern way of living seemed inconspicuous and insignificant. These forests have been home to hundreds of rare species of birds and animals, making them the destination of numerous enthusiasts, researchers and bird watchers worldwide.

Way back in 1910, the West Bengal Gazetters published a book written by L S O’Malley, that reveals the large presence of wild animals in Dumka, Godda, Pakud, Sahebganj, Devghar and Jamtada forests. Malley also states that the clash between man and animal began around 1790-1810 when the Santhal tribes began to claim the forests for their own.

There has been drastic change of scene and since the last 11-12 years the Santhal Pargana that was once home to the Asian Elephants, has all but wiped it out. The gentle pachyderm’s 11 ft huge skeleton stands as a mute testimony of its presence in the Museums of Kolkata. Pattabadi and Dumka forests no longer echo with the trumpeting and groans of these wise animals. Who is to be blamed?

Life still continues and wild pigs, bears, rabbits, wild cock, royal peacock, wild cats, hyenas, jackals and bucks still inhabit these forests. But woe to the greed of man again, these are marked! What was once considered to be a favorite pastime of kings and zamindars continues to attract the upper echelons of society, whose modern weapons make the killing in large numbers. Making matters worse is the huge demand for skins, bones, teeth, horns and meat of rare species in the international market. Animals straying into human habitations and getting caught or killed are again a matter for grave concern. Those that have been killed or maimed or captured or sold are never brought to the notice of the forest officials, and the numbers get screwed.

Research into the numerous varieties of birds and animals in the forests are bound to bring cheer in to the hearts of many wildlife enthusiasts. But those familiar with the forests believe that the government officials are hand-in-glove with the poachers and hunters of the region. Illegal killing of rare birds and animals is rampant and in such an alarming way that many are not sure if these did exist in the first place!

Strapped for funds, civil society organizations, natural wildlife groups feel that with no active support or any massive drive ordained to save wild animals, birds and trees, the extinction of several rare species of flora and fauna from these forests is just a matter of time. Time may come when Jharkhand meaning the land-of-jungles may soon seek to change its name!