Forest Dept on High Alert to Stop Sendra Festival Hunting in Dalma

Jamshedpur: The Forest Department has intensified its vigilance in the Dalma region ahead of the annual Sendra (hunting) festival. On Monday, senior officials convened a meeting at the Van Chetna Bhavan with members of Eco-Development Committees (EDC) from 85 surrounding villages. The meeting primarily aimed to enforce a total ban on hunting during the festival while educating villagers on maintaining the ecological balance alongside their traditions.

Strict Warnings from Senior Officials

Several senior forest officials attended the meeting, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Sanjeev Kumar, PCCF (Wildlife) Ravi Ranjan, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) SR Natesh, and RCCF Smita Pankaj.

The officials issued a stern warning: hunting wild animals is a legal offense, and the department will not tolerate it under any circumstances. They urged committee members to raise awareness within their respective villages and take an active role in protecting the forest and its wildlife.

Balancing Tradition with Conservation

Chief Guest Sanjeev Kumar emphasized that while Sendra is a traditional festival, the community must celebrate it through the lens of nature conservation in the modern era. He stressed that tribal society should continue its customary forest rituals and prayers, but must refrain from killing animals. He noted that protecting wildlife is essential for environmental stability and human survival.

A Pledge for Protection

During the session, Forest Department staff and Eco-Development Committee members took a formal oath to conserve wildlife. Participants pledged to safeguard the forests and cooperate fully to stop all hunting activities. This initiative signals improved coordination between the local administration and the villagers.

Distribution of Surveillance Equipment

To assist in forest monitoring and protection, the Forest Department distributed equipment to committee members, including:

• Torches and Solar Lamps for night surveillance.
• Pollution-free Stoves to promote sustainable living.

Officials from various forest ranges unanimously agreed that the Sendra festival must remain peaceful and strictly adhere to legal regulations. By fostering better synergy with the local community, the administration aims to respect cultural traditions while ensuring the safety of Dalma’s wildlife.