Jharkhand Bans Deep Boring In Forest Areas; Roads, Towers, Mining Projects Affected

The Jharkhand government has imposed a significant ban on deep boring for construction work in forest areas. Recently, the Environment Department and the Biodiversity Board made a recommendation to the government in this regard, which has been accepted. 

Deep boring (more than 300 feet) will be prohibited for central and state government road projects, the installation of towers for power and communication facilities, and for the cleaning of ores in mining areas. Additionally, for any activity, the administration of the respective forest area must be informed before taking water from a river or dam flowing through the area. 

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For any new project, an assessment of the water to be used must also be submitted by the concerned organisation before obtaining environmental and forest clearance. Following this, approval will be granted based on the local availability of water. The construction of roads or permanent structures on forest land is prohibited. 

However, deep boring has been carried out on forest land for construction taking place in adjacent areas. The state has received above-average rainfall this year. Consequently, the groundwater level has also risen. 

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Water recharge from small streams and natural check dams in the forests is also higher compared to previous years. The Forest and Environment Department is formulating new rules to maintain this natural opportunity.