Dalma under scrutiny as ‘Sendra’ sparks poaching concerns

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, April 27: The annual traditional hunting festival ‘Sendra’ was reportedly observed once again this year inside the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, raising serious concerns over the safety of wildlife in the protected area. Spread across 193.22 sq km under the elephant reserve project, the sanctuary allegedly witnessed the entry of hundreds of tribal participants armed with bows, arrows, spears, and traps, venturing deep into the forest for ritual hunting.

The development comes barely two months after the Forest and Environment Department relocated around 75–86 spotted deer (chital) from the Maithon Deer Park to Dalma.
Initially kept in a fenced enclosure near Chhotka Bandh, the deer were later released into the open. Soon after gaining freedom, several of them reportedly strayed into forest fringes and nearby villages, making them vulnerable.

Local accounts suggest that some of these newly introduced deer were chased—and possibly killed—by wild dogs, while others were captured and relocated to a deer enclosure near Makulakocha check post. There is growing suspicion that during the Sendra festival, some of these same deer may have fallen prey to traps or traditional weapons used by hunters.

However, forest officials have strongly refuted allegations of poaching. RCCF Smita Pankaj and Dalma DFO Saba Alam Ansari stated that no hunting took place this year. They attributed this to heightened awareness campaigns and strict preventive measures, including the installation of multiple check posts and intensified patrolling across the sanctuary.

No animals killed during Sendra festival, says DFO

Jamshedpur, April 27: Responding to a call by the Dalma Buru Sendra Committee, members of the tribal community gathered in large numbers at Dalma Hills on Monday to celebrate the traditional Sendra festival.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Dalma, Saba Alam Ansari, said no incidents of wildlife killing were reported during the festival. Speaking to the media, he congratulated members of the Dalma Eco-Development Committee and villagers for their cooperation.

“First of all, I would like to congratulate all the members of the Dalma Eco-Development Committee. With their support, no wildlife has been killed during Sendra festival today,” Ansari said. He also credited the villagers of Pichasi village for their responsible participation.

The DFO further thanked forest officials and workers for conducting continuous awareness campaigns. “We are happy to see the results, as no such incidents have been reported,” he added.

Earlier, several tribal groups had entered the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday to observe the traditional hunting ritual. The Dalma Buru Sendra Samiti had also organised prayers at Fadulgora in the foothills on Saturday.