Saranda (West Singhbhum): A far cry from the Naxal den that it once was, the scenic Saranda forests a.k.a. The Land of Seven Hundred Hills’ is witnessing numerous tourists desirous of exploring the area in West Singhbhum District’s southwestern part.
The Saranda Division has Porahat and Kolhan divisions to its north, Chaibasa South and Kolhan on the east, Odisha’s Kendujhar District on the south and southeast, Sundargarh District on the west and northwest.
Created from Porahat Division on April 1, 1924; Saranda Division consists of more than 80,000 ha reserved jungle and almost 40,000 ha protected ones. It comprises the Samta, Koina, Sasangda and Gua ranges.
The terrain presents an alluring vista of hill after hill with densely-wooded valleys and streams. The lion’s share of the division is between 300-610 m altitude with the highest point being at 927 m. An approximately 25 kmlong ridge boasts iron-ore deposits. There are at least a dozen peaks that are higher than 600 m. Saranda and neighbouring tracts form a part of the Singhbhum Elephant Reserve. Shorea robusta trees are a predominant feature of the bio-diverse forests that are also rich in fauna besides manganese reserves.
The forest belt, due to its density and landscape, supports less animal life therefore direct sighting is uncommon. However, the healthy jungle and ample water supply round the year in the form of perennial rivers and streams support wildlife. Members of the Ho tribe, who dwell within and around Saranda besides Odisha; target boar, hare, deer, dogs, birds, etc.
The division is home to elephants, bears, jackals, monkeys, snakes, etc. Winged wonders include woodpeckers, partridges, owls, red jungle fowl, grey hornbills and nightjars. Data reveals the presence of more than 150 elephants. The fact that the colossal Singhbhum Reserve’s core is relatively less disturbed, coupled with numerous migratory paths in the buffer area, plays a key role in harbouring a significant number of such pachyderms. It facilitates exchange of genes with tusker populations in neighbouring elephant reserves.
Streams and rivers in the region create breathtaking pools and cascades. Tourists from Odisha, West Bengal and other parts of India are observed in Chiria, Manoharpur, Meghahatuburu, Tholkobad, etc. A paradise for botanists is the Ligirda Swamp that boasts floral diversity.
The Forest Department is planning an online booking system for guesthouses. It recently reconstructed one each in Baraiburu and Tholkobad. Two others in Kumdi and Jaraikela have been renovated. The foursome had been targetted by Maoists – Tholkobad was worst hit – and were inoperable for nearly ten years. The Tholkobad guesthouse offers the cutest view.
With the department planning to streamline booking and upgrade other facilities to ensure comfortable stay, the reserve is expected to record better footfall. A plan to promote ecotourism values of the jungles includes enhancing the number of guesthouses, creation of huts and tree houses, construction of watchtowers and offering adventure tourism activities such as trekking and climbing.