https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

A Comprehensive Look at Jharkhand’s Forest Conservation Success: Garhwa North and Dumka Lead the Way

Jharkhand recorded an increase of 13.71 square kilometers in forest cover in the 2023 report. Among this, Garhwa Forest Division contributed a significant 11.58 square kilometers, accounting for 85% of the state's total increase. Dumka Forest Division also played a crucial role, contributing 8.95 square kilometers to this growth.
Indian Masterminds Stories

The 2023 India State of Forest Report (ISFR), released on December 21, 2024, by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, provides a detailed account of the country’s forest health, covering aspects like forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, growing stock, and carbon stock. It also sheds light on instances of forest fires, agroforestry, and other key metrics to assess the state of India’s forests. The report reveals that India’s total forest and tree cover stands at 8,27,357 square kilometers or 25.17% of the country’s geographical area. This includes 7,15,343 square kilometers of forest cover and 1,12,014 square kilometers of tree cover, marking an increase of 1,445 square kilometers compared to the 2021 assessment.

In Jharkhand, the 2023 ISFR results were particularly impressive. Garhwa North, a region previously with lower forest cover, topped the list for the highest increase in forest cover, while Dumka secured the second spot. Both regions have made notable strides in forest conservation, despite facing significant challenges such as extreme climate conditions, staffing shortages, and human-wildlife conflicts.

Overall, Jharkhand recorded an increase of 13.71 square kilometers in forest cover in the 2023 report. Among this, Garhwa Forest Division contributed a significant 11.58 square kilometers, accounting for 85% of the state’s total increase. Dumka Forest Division also played a crucial role, contributing 8.95 square kilometers to this growth.

GARHWA NORTH: A MODEL OF COLLABORATIVE FOREST MANAGEMENT

Garhwa North’s remarkable achievement in forest cover expansion can be attributed to several key factors, including robust government support, the implementation of diverse plantation activities, and effective protection measures. IFS Anshuman of the 2020 batch, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Garhwa North, attributes much of the success to the cooperation between the central and state governments. “The support from both levels of government, especially the funding through campaigns like CAMPA,CAMPA has been instrumental in carrying out large-scale plantation and habitat enrichment activities. The central government’s financial backing combined with the state’s commitment to forest conservation has created a strong foundation for the district’s growth,” Mr. Anshuman shared with Indian Masterminds

Garhwa North’s strategy has focused not only on increasing forest cover through plantations but also on enriching the habitat by improving water bodies and other ecological aspects of the forest. The region benefitted from the availability of vacant land, which allowed for large-scale plantation efforts. Additionally, the forest department worked on strengthening its staff, particularly by enhancing the technical knowledge of frontline staff, including forest guards, to prevent illegal activities like mining and tree felling.

While Garhwa North saw great success, challenges remained. The region faced issues such as extreme temperatures, which can reach 45–46°C, making plantation activities difficult, especially during the hottest months. Moreover, irregular rainfall patterns disrupted the growth of saplings, and the overpopulation of Neelgai (antelope) threatened the survival of young plants. Another significant hurdle was the shortage of forest staff, which increased the workload of existing personnel.

However, Mr. Anshuman highlights the role of local communities in overcoming these challenges. “We actively engaged local communities through various projects, which not only helped with plantation efforts but also ensured that the community felt a sense of ownership in the conservation work. Their involvement has been crucial in mitigating some of the challenges we faced,” he says. 

Despite these obstacles, Garhwa North has made great strides in expanding its forest cover and empowering local communities, and projections suggest that the region will continue to see growth in the years to come.

DUMKA: A SUCCESS STORY OF AFFORESTATION AND PROTECTION 

Dumka, another district in Jharkhand, also demonstrated significant progress in forest conservation. Ranked second in the state for increased forest cover, Dumka’s success can largely be attributed to a multifaceted approach that combined afforestation, stringent protection measures, and widespread awareness campaigns. 2018 batch IFS Satwik Vyas, the DFO of Dumka, underscores the importance of protecting existing forests, saying, “While afforestation is important, the protection of existing forest cover is just as critical. We focused on curbing illegal activities such as the operation of illegal sawmills and tree felling to ensure that the forests we already have are preserved.”

One of the challenges Mr. Vyas highlighted was the shortage of staff, which affected the department’s ability to fully implement its conservation strategies. However, this gap was addressed through the training of contractual staff and green warriors, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to carry out plantation and protection activities effectively. “Training our staff was essential in ensuring that all involved were well-versed in the laws and regulations governing forest conservation. It made a significant difference in executing our initiatives,” Mr. Vyas told Indian Masterminds

Several key projects played a role in Dumka’s success, including riverside and roadside plantations, Ganga basin plantations, and bamboo gabion plantations. These initiatives not only expanded the forest cover but also helped protect the existing ecosystems. However, Mr. Vyas acknowledges that the true challenge lies in the protection of the saplings after they are planted. “Planting a sapling is relatively easy, but ensuring its survival through every season is the real challenge. Our team in Dumka rose to this challenge and ensured that the saplings were protected throughout the year,” he says.

The achievements of Garhwa North and Dumka in forest conservation have set an example for other districts in Jharkhand and across India. Both regions have demonstrated that effective forest management requires a combination of government support, community involvement, and proactive protection measures. While challenges like climate extremes and staff shortages remain, the success of these regions proves that with the right strategies and dedication, forest cover can be expanded and protected.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
ACC_Appointments Committee of Cabinet
ACC Approves Major Reshuffle: 15 Bureaucrats, Including 12 IAS, Promoted to Additional Secy; Sudeep Jain Named NCW Member Secy
IAS Aunjaneya Kumar Singh IAS Anjaneya Singh
IAS Aunjaneya Singh Stays in UP, Centre Approves One-Year Extension After 48-Hour Exit
Chhattisgarh CM Investment Japan visit (3)
Chhattisgarh Woos Japanese Investors in Osaka, Signs $11.45 Million MoU with Sartaj Foods
MP Power Sector Recruitment 2025
MP CM Mohan Yadav to Distribute Appointment Letters to 1,060 Power Sector Recruits in Bhopal on August 26
UPSC Easy paper
UPSC Mains Essay Topics 2025: A Test of Thought Leadership, Not Just Writing Skills
Mumbai Chalta Hai MGL Par
MGL Launches Brand Campaign ‘Mumbai Chalta Hai, MGL Par’ to Celebrate Its Vital Role in City’s Pulse
Sonali Mishra motivates
UP Cadre IPS Sonali Mishra Inspires NCC Cadets in Bareilly, Emphasizes Power of the Uniform
NHPC Resized
NHPC’s Solar Expansion: 300 MW Bikaner Project Full Commissioning Now Due in September
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-25 at 13.56
Operation Hunt: IPS Dr. Karanraj Vaghela’s Mission to Nab Valsad’s Most Wanted
Dr
Resisted Flawed Schemes, Transferred Thrice In Three Months, Found Solace In Writing
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
IAS SVR Srinivas on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Tough Calls, and the Real Power of IAS Officers | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Minnu P M
“Lazy, Sleepy, Yet Determined”: Minnu P M’s Honest Take on Cracking UPSC
Minnu PM, once a clerk in Kerala Police, cleared UPSC with AIR 150 after five years of struggle. Her...
IPS Ashish Tiwari
From IIT and Investment Banking to Public Service, Meet IPS Ashish Tiwari 
Ashish Tiwari, IIT graduate and former investment banker, chose public service over global finance. As...
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-12 at 7.27
First Attempt IRS, Fourth Attempt IPS: The Relentless Pursuit of Jitendra Kumar Yadav Who Cracked UPSC 3 Times
IPS Yadav is originally from Chhattisgarh. He was first selected for the IRS through UPSC and later for...
Social Media
Masahiro Hara
From Go Board to Global Use, How QR Codes Changed the World: IRAS Officer Ananth Rupanagudi Spotlights Masahiro Hara’s Vision
IRAS officer Ananth Rupanagudi shared a video on Masahiro Hara, the inventor of QR codes, highlighting...
IFS Susanta Nanda Video
A Mother’s Duty: Tigress Watches Over Cubs Splashing in Waterhole — Heartwarming Video Shared By Retd. IFS Officer Susanta Nanda
A tender wildlife video shared by Retd. IFS officer Susanta Nanda shows a tigress keeping watch over...
Mohanmala
Kaziranga Mourns: Beloved Elephant Mohanmala Passes Away After Five Decades of Service
Kaziranga National Park mourns the loss of Mohanmala, a beloved elephant who served over 50 years as...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
ACC_Appointments Committee of Cabinet
ACC Approves Major Reshuffle: 15 Bureaucrats, Including 12 IAS, Promoted to Additional Secy; Sudeep Jain Named NCW Member Secy
IAS Aunjaneya Kumar Singh IAS Anjaneya Singh
IAS Aunjaneya Singh Stays in UP, Centre Approves One-Year Extension After 48-Hour Exit
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-25 at 13.56
Dr
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT