Running for Gajraj: Dalma’s Marathon March Toward Wildlife Protection
Celebrating Wildlife Week in India — Spotlight on Jharkhand and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary’s Inspiring Conservation Marathon
Every year, Wildlife Week is celebrated across India in the first week of October to promote awareness about the protection of wildlife and the preservation of biodiversity that is crucial to our planet’s future. It is a time for individuals, communities, and institutions to reaffirm their commitment to conservation and to be inspired by the unique initiatives happening across the country.
India’s Rich Wildlife Heritage
India is blessed with a diverse array of flora and fauna, hosting some of the world’s most iconic and endangered species. From the majestic Bengal tiger and Indian elephant to countless birds, reptiles, and plants, our ecosystems sustain livelihoods, cultural heritage, and ecological balance. Wildlife Week is a reminder of the vital role these species play in our world and the urgent responsibility we all share to protect them.
Jharkhand: Nature’s Hidden Gem
Jharkhand, with its dense forests and rolling hills, is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking wildlife habitats. Among them, the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary stands out—not only for its scenic beauty but also its critical status as a migration corridor and habitat for the Asian elephant. Spread over 193 sq. km, Dalma’s forests are a sanctuary for elephants, leopards, deer, birds, and unique plant life.
Dalma Marathon: Running for Gajraj — Conservation Through Community Empowerment
This year’s Wildlife Week in Jharkhand is marked by a spectacular event—the Dalma Marathon, themed “Run for Gajraj” (the revered elephant), being organized by the Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Government of Jharkhand, under the Elephant Project, Jamshedpur.
What makes this event truly remarkable is the leadership and vision of DFO Jamshedpur, Mr. Saba Alam, IFS, who has been a torchbearer for wildlife conservation and public engagement in the region. His initiative unites people of all ages and backgrounds in a 16 km marathon at the Saharbeda Football Ground, Dalma, dedicated to raising awareness about elephant conservation and supporting harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife.
Why Such Initiatives Matter
- Community Involvement: Events like the Dalma Marathon serve as powerful platforms to involve the public, especially youth, in conservation efforts, blending fitness, fun, and purpose.
- Spreading Awareness: Highlighting the plight and importance of elephants, the marathon draws attention to issues like habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the need for sustainable solutions.
- Celebrating Forest Stakeholders: Recognizing those who protect our green treasures, such events foster local pride and stewardship, motivating communities to participate in and support conservation year-round.
- Positive Impact: Beyond awareness, the Dalma Marathon offers cash prizes, recognition, and an opportunity to experience the sanctuary’s natural beauty, fostering a deeper bond with nature.
The Broader Impact
By participating in or supporting such events, every individual becomes an ambassador for the wild. Initiatives like these, especially led by visionary officers like Saba Alam, create ripples of positive change—building a conservation culture that reaches far beyond the sanctuary’s boundaries.
Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary — Jharkhand’s Living Paradise of Wildlife and Adventure
Nestled in the hills near Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a vibrant testament to India’s dedication to conservation and eco-tourism. Spanning nearly 195 sq. km, the sanctuary, since its inception in 1975, has been a haven for diverse flora and fauna, especially the iconic Asian elephant.
Wildlife and Unique Ecosystem
Dalma’s verdant forests host herds of elephants, sloth bears, leopards, barking deer, pangolins, wild dogs, and the charismatic giant squirrel. Birdwatchers can spot crested serpent eagles, plum-headed parakeets, paradise flycatchers, peafowl, and dozens of other species. The richness of reptiles and snakes, including bamboo pit vipers and copper-headed trinket snakes, further enhances its ecological diversity.
Annual elephant migrations, where groups traverse dense forests to water holes, create a wildlife spectacle admired by researchers and tourists alike. Recently, the sanctuary even recorded the presence of a tiger migrating from the Palamu Tiger Reserve, underscoring its critical role as a wildlife corridor.
New Attractions and Facilities
Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is experiencing a renaissance in eco-tourism and visitor amenities:
- Tourism Makeover:The Government of Jharkhand announced a massive Rs 200 crore development plan. Major attractions include a 200-foot long glass bridge near the Shiva temple on Dalma Top, a ropeway, and new tourist cottages at Makulakocha and Pindabeda—promising breathtaking aerial views and unique stays for visitors.
- Canopy Walk:By early 2025, the sanctuary launched a 100-meter canopy walk, giving nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers wider access to view and study wildlife from above the forest floor.
- Grassland Development:The Forest Department has begun developing 10 hectares of grassland within the sanctuary to support herbivore populations, strengthen the food chain, and minimize human-wildlife conflict in nearby villages.
- Hideouts and Water Holes:Numerous natural water holes, artificial ponds, and hideouts have been constructed to facilitate close-up wildlife viewing and ensure animals have access to water.
Educational and Adventure Experiences
Dalma is more than just wildlife; it offers trekking routes for all levels, picnicking at scenic spots, and cultural experiences at a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva atop the hills. Educational trips are fostered by nature information centers and regular wildlife censuses involving community volunteers.
Accommodation and Accessibility
Forest guesthouses, new treehouses, bamboo huts, and eco-friendly resorts provide a range of accommodation choices for families, solo travelers, and adventure seekers. The sanctuary is just 10 km from Jamshedpur and easily accessible by rail (Chandil station).
Conservation and Community Impact
Dalma is surrounded by over 85 villages, and its conservation-driven developments—especially under proactive officers like DFO Saba Alam—have improved both animal and human lives. Water harvesting structures and soil moisture conservation support rice cultivation in neighboring areas, while annual events like the Dalma Marathon mobilize youth and communities for conservation causes.
Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary today stands as a shining model for the symbiosis of nature, adventure, education, and community-driven conservation. With new facilities and ongoing protection efforts, it invites everyone to experience, learn from, and ultimately protect India’s magnificent wild heritage.
Visit Dalma—where every step is closer to nature, and every moment is an adventure!
Conclusion
As we mark Wildlife Week 2025, let’s celebrate the spirit of conservation evident in Jharkhand’s Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and salute the proactive leadership of those striving to make a difference. May every step taken in the Dalma Marathon echo our commitment to protecting India’s priceless natural heritage, ensuring that “Gajraj” and countless other species continue to thrive for generations to come.
Run for Gajraj. Run for Wildlife. Run for India’s Future.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Singh, 9431309542
Editor-In-Chief –Pashudhan Praharee & Content Writer-Jharkhand Biodiversity Board (JBB)
