About Bokaro Forest Region
The Bokaro Region is one of the six administrative regions of Jharkhand Forest Department and came into existence by bifurcation of Hazaribag region in the year 2013 . The region extends between Latitude 23⁰36′ to 23⁰48′ N and Longitude 85⁰ 12′ to 86⁰ 49′ E.
It consists of 5 forest divisions namely Bokaro, Dhanbad, Ramgarh, Giridih East and Giridih West forest divisions encompassing the forest area falling in 4 districts viz., Bokaro, Dhanbad, Ramgarh and Giridih districts of Jharkhand. The said five divisions have been organised in to 2 circles namely Bokaro Circle covering Bokaro, Dhanbad and Ramgarh divisions and Giridih Circle covering Giridih East and Giridih West Divisions.
The region is headed by Regional Chief Conservator of Forest, the Circle is headed by Conservator of Forests, and each Division is headed by Divisional Forest Officer.
The details of area falling under each division is given as follows:
| Bokaro | 543.9335 | Peterwar, Gomia, Bermo, Tenughat,Chas, Bokaro | ||
| Dhanbad | 206.4648 | Dhanbad, Tundi, Topchanchi | ||
| Ramgarh | 503.7837 | Mandu, Kujju, Ramgarh, Gola, Patratu |
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| Giridih East | 1220.4252 | Parasnath, Dumri, Giridih, Khurchutta, Gawan |
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| Giridih West | 162.4201 | Jamua, Doranda, Dhanwar, Giridih Affn, BengabadAffn, DumriAffn |
Bokaro region encompasses a wide range of forest types, including tropical dry deciduous forests with predominant species being Sal (Shorea robusta), mixed forests, and scrub forests. These forests are rich in bio diversity with variety of flora and fauna many of which are endemic to the region. The forests of Bokaro region besides providing timber, fuelwood, fodder, NTFP etc to local people, perform critical ecological functions.
They act as carbon sinks, sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate climate change. The forests positively influence microclimate and play a crucial role in facilitating cloud formation, condensation of water vapour and receiving good amount of rainfall in vegetated areas, recharging groundwater, and maintaining streamflow. They also prevent soil erosion, promote soil fertility, and provide important ecosystem services such as pollination and seed dispersal.
The primary objectives of the forest divisions falling under the Bokaro region is to protect and conserve these forests and their biodiversity. This involves taking up various administrative and legal measures like regular patrolling, arrests, seizure, prosecution, confiscation etc to prevent and control illegal felling, encroachment, poaching, forest fires etc, development and enrichment forests by plantations, sivicultural works, Soil and Moisture Conservation works etc. Plantation is carried out both on degraded forest lands and outside forest areas, to increase green cover and combat deforestation. These initiatives help in carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Further, local people are involved in the forest protection and management by raising awareness among them about the importance of conservation. Local communities are involved through a mechanism of Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), which consist of local villagers and forest officials working together to protect and manage forest resources. Every division provides training and capacity-building programs to these committees, enabling them to participate actively in decision-making processes and benefit from sustainable livelihood options like non-timber forest produce.
By recognizing the value of forests and their services, the Bokaro Region contributes to the larger goal of creating a sustainable and greener future for the region and the planet as a whole.
