Context:
Communities, particularly those in western Rajasthan, are concerned about the state’s proposal to classify orans (sacred groves) as deemed forests.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Orans in Rajasthan
- Understanding Sacred Groves
About Orans in Rajasthan
Definition:
- Orans are traditional sacred groves located in Rajasthan.
- These are community-managed forests preserved through cultural and religious significance.
Management and Preservation:
- Rural communities actively manage Orans.
- Preserved through institutions and codes, often considered sacred.
- Local deities are associated with Orans.
Characteristics:
- Rich in biodiversity.
- Typically include a water body.
- Serves as a communal space for herding, festivals, social events, and congregations.
Connection to Communities:
- Communities in Rajasthan have conserved Orans for centuries.
- Lives of these communities are intertwined with these sacred spaces.
Wildlife Habitat:
- Natural habitat for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
- GIB is a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Understanding Sacred Groves:
Definition:
- Relic forest patches protected by communities out of reverence for a deity.
- Essential for biodiversity conservation, providing refuge for diverse plant and animal species.
National Presence:
- India boasts over 13,000 documented Sacred Groves.
- Found across the country, notably in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Regional Names:
- Known by various regional names such as Kavu/Sarpa Kavu in Kerala, Devarakadu/Devkad in Karnataka, Deorai/Devrai in Maharashtra, Jahera/Thakuramma in Odisha, etc.
-Source: Indian Express
