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Sacred Groves of Rajasthan
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Recently, a unique yatra was taken out through
remote villages and hamlets in western Rajasthan to raise
demand for the protection of orans or sacred groves.
About
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The participants in the march travelled for 225 km
with the pledge to preserve the sacred groves as the lifelines
for the desert.
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Tradition dictates that no tree or plant in the
groves is cut and only seasonal grazing of livestock is
allowed.
Significance of Orans:
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Named after local deities and medieval warriors,
orans hold religious and social significance as small forest
patches in the middle of the mighty Thar desert.
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The orans have a rich diversity of traditional
flora and fauna and water bodies and are considered sacred and
preserved by the locals.
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Orans also form the natural habitat for India’s
most critically endangered bird, the Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
Concerns:
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The adverse impact of fast-paced
industrialisation and encroachment of pasture land on the trees, wildlife,
people’s livelihood and the local ecosystem.
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The orans or sacred groves are facing the threat
of destruction with their land being allotted for renewable
energy infrastructure and high-tension power lines.
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GIBs have died during
the last few years because of collisions with power lines.
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The land was also diverted for
agriculture and other projects of the administration.
Way Ahead:
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The oran land’s allotment for setting up solar
plants can be stopped if it is recognised as protected land in
the gair mumkin category