Sacred Orans of Rajasthan: Protection vs Community Control
Why in the news
Rajasthan’s orans got formal protection from December 2024 in line with a Supreme Court judgment, but critics fear it may weaken village-level governance.
About orans
- Sacred groves guarded by communities since ancient times, each tied to a deity.
- They support biodiversity, recharge groundwater by trapping runoff and aid watershed management.
Legal routes and drawbacks
| Route | Drawback |
|---|---|
| Forests under Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 | 2023 amendment allows diversion for zoos, safaris, ecotourism; community access may shrink |
| Community Reserves under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 | Committees would hold little power; State control; informal bodies undermined |
| Common Forest Land under Forest Rights Act, 2006 | Only eligible claimants count, so informal groups may be excluded; delays likely |
Way forward
- Do not replace community institutions with State ones.
- Replicate working informal governance models.
- Involve communities, civil society and government; the State should be a backstop while communities decide.
Exam angle
- Orans = Rajasthan’s sacred groves; laws: FCA 1980, WPA 1972, FRA 2006.