The Supreme Court directed the Rajasthan government to protect sacred groves, or Orans, as "forests" and conduct district-wise mapping based on their ecological and cultural significance. Orans are traditional sacred groves in Rajasthan managed by rural communities through sacred practices and codes. They are biodiversity-rich spaces often featuring water bodies and are associated with local deities. Communities have conserved Orans for centuries, integrating them into their cultural, social, and agrarian lives. Orans serve as grazing grounds for livestock and venues for communal gatherings, festivals, and rituals, reinforcing environmental conservation efforts.
This Question is Also Available in:
हिन्दीमराठीಕನ್ನಡ