Q. Which state government recently issued a notification declaring ‘Orans (sacred groves)’ as deemed forests?
Answer:
Rajasthan
Notes: Rajasthan State governments recently alarmed community dwellers by designating 'orans' as deemed forests, sparking fears of restricted access to forest resources. Orans, sacred spaces abundant in biodiversity with water bodies, are community-managed forests sustaining traditional water resources. These areas serve as vital spaces for herders, communal gatherings, festivals, and daily resource extraction, impacting the livelihoods of rural communities. The notification has raised concerns about the potential loss of access to essential forest produce for villagers.