A recent notification from the state government of Rajasthan has instilled fear among community dwellers regarding potential loss of access to forest resources and livelihoods. This notification particularly concerns the classification of sacred groves, known as orans, as deemed forests.
Notification Details
- Released on February 1, 2024, the notification proposes the classification of orans, Dev-vans, and Rundhs as deemed forests, following directives from the Supreme Court.
- Locals were given until March 3, 2024, to raise objections or issues regarding this proposal.
Community Concerns
- Sumer Singh from Savata village in Jaisalmer highlights objections raised by the community through the organization ‘Gauchar Oran Sanrakshak Sangh Rajasthan’.
- The orans hold cultural and religious significance for the villagers, serving as essential resources for cattle herding, pastures, and sustenance.
- Approximately 5,000 camels and 50,000 sheep depend on the Degray oran in Savata village.
- The villagers rely on forest produce and wild vegetables from orans for their livelihoods and daily needs.
Anticipated Impact
- Community members fear deprivation of forest produce and access for herds and sheep if orans are declared as deemed forests.
- Concerns extend to potential displacement of villagers and disruption of religious practices and events associated with orans.
Lack of Consultation
- Allegations are made that the government did not consult with the community before proposing the classification.
- Discrepancies are noted between the Kapoor Committee report of 2004 and the recent government notification.
Legal Perspective
- Deemed forests, as defined by the Supreme Court, include areas with forest-like characteristics but not officially recognized as forests.
- Restrictions under Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, prohibit certain activities without permission, aimed at preventing further degradation of such lands.
Current Status
- An intervention application in the Godavarman matter awaits a hearing scheduled for March 11, 2024.
- Concerns persist regarding lack of clarity on the impact of the notification and the rights of the affected communities.
Recommendations
- Calls for clarity from the Rajasthan government regarding the implications of the notification and assurance of the preservation of community rights.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What is the primary concern of the Rajasthan community regarding the state government’s notification?
- a) Loss of cultural heritage
- b) Potential displacement
- c) Environmental degradation
- d) Economic instability
- Answer: b) Potential displacement
- What is the significance of orans to the community in Savata village?
- a) Religious and cultural importance
- b) Source of medicinal plants
- c) Protection against natural disasters
- d) Recreational area
- Answer: a) Religious and cultural importance
- What action did the organization ‘Gauchar Oran Sanrakshak Sangh Rajasthan’ take in response to the notification?
- a) Filed a lawsuit against the government
- b) Submitted objections to the district collector
- c) Organized protests in affected villages
- d) Initiated a public awareness campaign
- Answer: b) Submitted objections to the district collector
- What legal provision restricts certain activities on deemed forest lands?
- a) Forest Rights Act
- b) Environmental Protection Act
- c) Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
- d) Wildlife Protection Act
- Answer: c) Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
- What is suggested as a necessary step for the Rajasthan government to address community concerns?
- a) Increase forest conservation efforts
- b) Implement compensation programs
- c) Provide clarity on the implications of the notification
- d) Enforce stricter regulations on land use
- Answer: c) Provide clarity on the implications of the notification