Rajasthan's Bold Step for 'Oran' Conservation: 3,666 Hectares Reserved in Jaisalmer
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jaipur, April 16 (NationPress) In a pivotal move aimed at environmental preservation while honoring cultural practices, the Rajasthan government has launched a significant initiative to allocate land for 'Oran' (sacred groves) in the Jaisalmer district, ensuring ecological stability in the arid landscape.
'Oran' is a traditional system deeply embedded in socio-religious beliefs, where local communities safeguard sacred groves by abstaining from damaging trees or other natural resources within these protected areas.
Historically, tree cutting and the use of axes in these zones are strictly forbidden, allowing these ecosystems to flourish and remain intact across generations.
These sacred sites symbolize a remarkable intersection of faith and conservation.
As part of this initiative, a total of 3,666.2139 hectares have been set aside across multiple villages in Jaisalmer for 'Oran' conservation.
In Ramgarh tehsil, 124.9502 hectares have been earmarked in Dilawar Ka Gaon, 1,084.8043 hectares in Kuchhdi, and 583.9876 hectares in Poonamnagar. In Fatehgarh tehsil, 952.2752 hectares in Bhimsar and 96.7716 hectares in Binjota have been designated as 'Oran' zones.
Furthermore, in Jaisalmer tehsil, land has been allocated in Mokla village across three blocks totaling 187.364 hectares, 256.2511 hectares, and 253.4034 hectares, in addition to 126.4065 hectares in Birma Kanod.
The state is also actively working on reserving more land for 'Oran' preservation, which includes 1,457.4991 hectares in Mokla village (Jaisalmer tehsil), 225.03 hectares in Askandra village, 229.5067 hectares in Didhu village (Nachna tehsil), and 333.9165 hectares in Mohanagarh Barani/Pannodharay village.
The term 'Oran' originates from the Sanskrit word 'Aranya', meaning an untouched forest. These areas not only embody ancient cultural and religious traditions but also play a vital role in combating desertification and conserving biodiversity in dry regions.
This initiative is anticipated to bolster conservation efforts in Jaisalmer while safeguarding traditional spiritual sites and enhancing the greenery and biodiversity of the desert ecosystem.