CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Rajasthan has begun the formal process of designating its traditional community-managed Oran lands as forests, in response to a directive issued by the Supreme Court of India. This move aims to enhance legal protection for these ecologically and culturally significant areas under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
Avbout Orans
Orans are sacred groves found predominantly across Rajasthan. These forest patches are protected and managed by local rural communities as part of a long-standing socio-religious tradition. Typically dedicated to local deities or spiritual beliefs, Orans are integral to village culture and ecological heritage.
They act as focal points for community life hosting religious festivals, fairs, and rituals that are held on fixed dates every year. These sacred spaces reflect the deep interconnection between culture, spirituality, and ecology in Rajasthan’s arid landscapes.
Ecological And Livelihood Importance
Rajasthan has an estimated 25,000 Oran groves, collectively covering around 6 lakh hectares. These lands are vital to sustaining the rural economy, particularly the pastoral and livestock sectors. Local communities rely on Orans for grazing, collection of minor forest produce, and water availability, thereby supporting biodiversity as well as human livelihoods.
Many Orans feature important water resources such as:
Talabs (large ponds)
Nadis (small ponds)
Open wells
Seasonal streams
These water bodies are essential for both livestock and wildlife, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions like the Thar Desert.
Cultural And Archaeological Significance
Some Orans in the Thar Desert also contain ancient petroglyphs or inscriptions (Shilalekh) near water sources, underscoring their long-standing historical and spiritual significance. For instance, the Bhadariya Mata Oran in Jaisalmer spans over 17,800 hectares, making it one of the largest community-conserved lands in the state.
Home To Great Indian Bustard
Crucially, Orans provide a natural habitat for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), one of the most critically endangered birds in the world. The GIB is also the State Bird of Rajasthan and is protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act. Conserving Orans is key to the survival of this iconic species.
Policy And Legal Developments
The Rajasthan Forest Policy 2023 had earlier identified Orans as general community lands, which fell short of offering them adequate legal safeguards. Concerns over encroachment, land degradation, and biodiversity loss led to demands for stronger conservation measures.
In a landmark judgment on December 18, 2024, the Supreme Court of India recognized Orans as forests under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Following this decision, the Rajasthan government is now implementing steps to ensure these lands receive full legal forest status, providing a much-needed boost to their protection and ecological restoration.
Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.
For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board
For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section
For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section
For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section
For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section
