Jharkhand, one of the youngest states of India, is home to forests and woodlands that occupy more than 29% of the state. This makes it a very important part of the environment and its resources.
A large part of Jharkhand’s population is dependent on forest resources for their livelihood. The Adivasi people have an age-old symbiotic relationship with the forest and its resources.
They Provide Food
Almost 50 percent of the people living in Jharkhand depend on forests for their livelihood. Among these, 70% are tribals. They collect leaves, barks, gums, roots, fruits, flowers, and whole plants for their income.
They also provide essential products such as timber, pulp, charcoal wood, firewood, round wood and matchwood. These are used in various ways, including construction and as fuel.
Forests help to keep the environment clean, making it healthier. They also keep pests at bay and prevent soil erosion.
The forest is a good place to grow food crops such as rice, sugarcane, and corn. This is because they have low water requirements and are resistant to diseases. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Aside from this, the forest also provides a safe place for children to play and grow up. This is why many people prefer to live in the forests.
Another reason why the forest is so important is that it helps to protect people from landslides. This is because the forest keeps rainwater off the ground. This helps to avoid flooding and reduces damage to buildings.
These forests also help to protect the wildlife. They are home to various species of animals, including elephants and tigers.
Similarly, they are home to trees and plants that have medicinal value. They can help to cure different types of diseases and even prevent cancer.
The forest also gives people a sense of belonging and pride. It is important to know the history of the land and to respect it. This can make them more able to care for it.
Some people have long-standing traditions of living in the forest. These traditions can be very powerful when it comes to influencing resource use decisions.
One way to achieve this is by creating a strong community-based management system. These systems can include rules and regulations that allow people to participate in the decision-making process and protect the forest from abuse.
Fortunately, the government has made some progress on this front. This year, the government has distributed titles to 800 villages for community forest rights under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
They Keep the Environment Clean
Jharkhand is known as the ‘Land of Forests’, and this state is home to numerous waterfalls, towering mountains, historical temples, and tourist hotspots. If you are planning a trip to this state, make sure you visit the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries here.
The forests in Jharkhand are a significant part of the state’s identity, and it’s an area where people have a long relationship with nature. They understand that the world is not just an object to be shopped for and bought, but that it’s also a living ecosystem that must be protected and preserved in order for us all to survive.
This is why forest departments need to work with the people who live in the forests and know them best. Whether they’re in the Amazon or in Pashchimi Singhbhum, these communities understand that their well-being is linked to the health of forests and their biodiversity.
These forest-dwelling tribes have a long history of reverence and worship of trees, which they use as a primary resource. They’re a vital part of keeping the environment clean, and they have a long track record of protecting their own forests.
But their way of life is under threat. They’re being exploited by a timber mafia who chop down trees for their own gain. Mining is another problem, with iron ore mining in particular devastating the Saranda forest.
It’s crucial for Jharkhand’s forest department to collaborate with these local communities, who have a long, symbiotic relationship with the forests that they protect. If they don’t, the elephants and other wildlife that inhabit these areas will be threatened.
One of the most effective ways for the Jharkhand forest department to protect these local communities is by empowering them. They need to be allowed to manage their own resources in a manner that’s sustainable and based on sound ecological knowledge.
The forest department in Jharkhand is doing its part, but it’s still battling the timber mafia and the mining industry. It’s also facing the challenge of trying to maintain a high moral standard while dealing with violence from Naxals.
They Provide Water
The state of Jharkhand is known for its mighty forests and has a variety of trees, plants, and other flora. Many of these forests are found in the southwestern part of the state, where the Chota Nagpur plateau is located. The mountains are home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants and tigers.
These animals are important for the ecosystems of Jharkhand, as they help keep the flora and fauna healthy. For example, they disperse seeds of various fruits throughout their dung, which provide nutrition and nourishment to animals and flora. They also dig water holes to accumulate and conserve water, which is important for animals that live in the forests.
Moreover, they help rejuvenate the river systems. When the rivers are rejuvenated, they can be used for other purposes, such as irrigation. This helps improve the quality of water and make it more sustainable.
In addition to providing water, forests in Jharkhand are also important for biodiversity. They contain a variety of different plants and animals, including fungi and insects.
Forests are also important for the livelihood of many people in the state. They are a major source of income for rural people, and they are especially important during times of unemployment. They are also a source of firewood and wood for construction.
Some of the most important forest products in Jharkhand include sal, gambhar, jackfruit, jamun, kendu, shisham, Katha, pesar, lac, mahua, mango, baheda, aasan, and bamboo. In addition to the important tree species, forests in Jharkhand are also home to medicinal and other types of plants that can help people.
These plants can be used to treat a wide range of ailments and illnesses, as well as to enhance the health of people who are already ill. For example, the leaves of kendu can be used to help heal wounds and ulcers, while the bark of shisham can be used to treat stomach pains.
Despite these benefits, some of the forests in Jharkhand are still not fully protected. This is why it is important to protect them, and to make sure that they are not destroyed. The Jharkhand government should take steps to ensure that the forests in the state are protected and kept healthy. They should also do everything they can to protect the wildlife that lives in them.
They Protect People
Jharkhand is a state that has a special relationship with forests, both literally and symbolically. The name ‘Jharkhand’ means “land of forests.” It is one of the most biodiverse places in the world and contains a wide range of flora and fauna.
Forests protect people and the environment by providing clean air, water, food, and habitat for animals. They are also important in keeping the climate stable.
The government of Jharkhand has a responsibility to ensure that forests are managed properly. It needs to involve local communities in conservation efforts and make the forest department work closely with them.
This is especially true in areas where the state has not been able to grant rights to communities who have been displaced. Many tribes have been forced out of their land, and some are being pushed into illegal migration.
Besides, the state is home to Naxals who are taking refuge in the forests. This is a challenge for the forest department, but it can be overcome by winning the trust of the local communities.
In Jharkhand, tribals have a special bond with forests. They worship trees and protect them. These groups include the Munda, Oraon, Ho, Santhal, Paharia, Chero, Birjea, and Asura.
As part of their worship, the tribals create sacred groves known as sarnas. These patches of forests with sal trees and a cluster of other tree species are important to the tribes. They have been a major part of their culture and heritage since prehistoric times, and they are now threatened by the state government’s plan to conserve them by erecting boundary walls around each sarna.
The tribals are fighting back by organizing rallies and demonstrations across the state. They have drafted a memorandum of demands that they submitted to the Governor Draupadi Murmu. They are hoping that she will support their demand.
The tribals also have a strong belief that the government is not doing enough to conserve their forests. They want the government to stop destroying their lands. They also want the government to help them preserve their cultural heritage. They believe that if they do not have their land protected, they will not be able to survive.
