Koderma Reserve was first notified in 1890 and placed under the Palamu Forest Division for management. In 1920, Hazaribagh Forest Division was created to manage the forests of Koderma. In 1932, this Division was abolished and the Koderma forests were reverted to Palamu Division for administration. Koderma also had forests of Ramgarh Estate which were looked after by the Private Estate Forest Officer under the Direction Division. With the creation of Hazaribagh Forest Division on November 1st, 1943, forests of Koderma Reserve and Ramgarh Estate were brought under it. Koderma Forest Division was carved out and became operational from 24th April, 1957 (Govt. notification no. c/F-7014/56-2348 R dated 5/10/1956). After re-adjustment of certain areas in 1961, 2002 and 2008 it took its present shape.
Koderma is surrounded by Nawada and Gaya districts of Bihar in north and west respectively, and by Hazaribagh and Giridih districts of Jharkhand in east and south respectively. The Division lies in the northern part of the Jharkhand state and is bounded by the longitudes 85026’0” and 85054’16” E and latitudes 24015’46” and 24040’18” N. Koderma district is spread over an area of 1500 sq km of which 40.28% area is covered by forests of which Koderma Forest Division has an area of 667.04 sqkm. Koderma district also has a sanctuary namely Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary which comes under the jurisdiction of Hazaribagh Wildlife Division
The forest division is also involved in the implementation of various government schemes related to forestry, such as the National Afforestation Programme (NAP), the Integrated Forest Protection Scheme (IFPS), and the National Bamboo Mission (NBM). These schemes aim to promote sustainable forestry practices, increase forest cover, and provide livelihood opportunities to the local people.
The Koderma Forest Division is also involved in the conservation of endangered species such as tigers and leopards. The division conducts regular surveys to monitor the population of these animals and takes measures to prevent poaching and other activities that are harmful to the wildlife.
Geography
Koderma is the part of Chotanagpur plateau. The Division consists of undulating topography comprising hills, hillocks, plains and mounds. Ground configuration varies considerably from place to place. Some are plain while some are undulating and hilly. Slopes are moderate and at few places precipitous also. The general slope of Koderma is from north to south. Average elevation of Koderma district is 397 meters above mean sea level. Altitude varies from 300 meters to 677 meters. There are numerous peaks and ridges of different heights and slopes of varying steepness. The highest peak of the district is Debour Ghati (677 meters) which is in Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary and is the state boundary of Jharkhand.
Altitude and aspect of the area have a pronounced influence on the climatic factors, which in turn influence the type and composition of the vegetation and its growth. Temperature in winters falls down to 5 degrees or even lower. In contrast summer is hot and unpleasant, with temperature rising up to 44 degrees. Annual average rainfall of Koderma is 1126 mm. Mainly Barakar and Sakri River and their tributaries drain the district of Koderma. The flow of Barakar is from west to east and it is in the southern part of the district. The rivers Pachkhero, Keso, Akto, Gauri and Gokhnaiya flow from west to east and are the tributaries of Barakar river. Sakri River is the main river in the northern part of the district that flows from southeast to northwest. Ghagra and Chhotanari rivers are the tributaries of Sakri river. Tilaiya dam was constructed as the first of the four multi purpose dams of India on Barakar river in 1953. Tilaiya dam reservoir is a major water resource of the district. A small dam on Pachkhero river is also constructed serving local needs.
Forest and Wildlife
According to Champion’s and Seth classification, the Division belongs to the subgroup B i.e. northern tropical dry deciduous forests, subtypes under which include dry peninsular sal forests, northern dry mixed deciduous forest, dry deciduous scrub forest and Boswellia forest. Sal is the major flora of the Division. Top storey of Koderma forests have species like Sal, Asan, Sidha, Bija, Salai, Dhaura, Piar, Kend, Jamun etc while middle storey has Dudhkhoriya, Kachnar, Amla etc. Shrubs include Harsingar, Ber, Masondha, Putus etc, herbs and grasses have species like Blumea, Petalidium, Arundinella etc while Mahulan, Latpalas, Dulalia etc are climber species. Important fauna of the Division includes migrant Elephants, Leopard, Sloth bear, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Barking deer, Wild boar, Pangolin, Porcupine. Critically endangered and endangered species of vultures are spotted in the district too namely White Backed Vulture, Indian Vulture, Himalayan Vulture, and Egyptian Vulture. Other bird species like Peacock, Eagles, Grey Hornbill, Koel, Myna, Munia, Kingfishers, Oriole, Minivet, Teal, Robin, Sunbird, Parakeet, Owls etc are found. Tilaiya multi-purpose dam becomes home to migratory birds from Siberia, Europe, China, Mangolia e.g. Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Bar Headed Goose, Storks, Cormorant etc making it one of the most important bird sites of Jharkhand.
Demography
Once known as the Mica Capital of India, Koderma is endowed in mineral resources like mica, quartz, feldspar, asbestos, blue stone, white stone and moon stone. As per 2011 census, Koderma had a population of 7,16,259 of which males and females were 3,67,222 and 3,49,037 respectively. Its population growth over the decade 2001-2011 was 32.59%. The district had a population density of 427 persons per sq km. Koderma had sex ratio of 949 females for every 1000 males. The literacy rate of the district was 68.35%. Scheduled Caste population was 15.2% while Scheduled Tribe population was 0.96%. Languages spoken in the district are Hindi, Khortha and Santhali.
Eco Tourism
Koderma is endowed with natural beauty making it an attractive tourist destination. Tilaiya dam constructed as the first multi purpose dam of India becomes home of thousands of migratory birds specially during winters making it one of the most important bird sites of Jharkhand and India. People come here in large numbers for boating, trekking and bird watching. There are two major falls namely Petro in Satgawan Range and Vrindaha in Gajandi Range. These are notable for being surrounded by deep forests making visitors feel immersed with nature. Dhwajadhari Dham, Mata Chanchala Shakti Peeth, Jharnakund Dham, Makomara Pahad, Karmababa Dham situated in forests and Ghodsimar Dham are major religious destinations of Koderma.