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Groves’ neglect hits desert life

Special Correspondent

JAIPUR: Neglect of “Orans”(sacred groves) and the destruction of “gochars”(common grazing land) over a period of time have adversely affected the life of people of the Rajasthan desert.

“Orans” and “gochars”, once the mainstay of the healthy ecology as well as sustainable economy of the village life, are under severe stress thanks to the population pressure and the wanton destruction of woodlots for the purpose of farming and development of human habitations, says a study of 4,631 villages in Jodhpur division, now published in a book form.

The sustainable lifestyle practiced by the desert people in the past and the common resource pool in the villages in the form of “Orans” and “gochars” had made the Thar desert one of the most livable dry lands in the whole world, the book “Oran Hamara Jeevan”(Oran our life), authored by Bhuvanesh Jain, the Barmer-based regional coordinator of the Nehru Yuvak Kendra, points out.

Congress general secretary Ashok Gehlot released the book, along with another publication on the desert life, “Registhan Mein Lok Jeevan”, in Barmer on Thursday. A non-governmental organization, Society to Uplift Rural Economy, has published the books, based on the field studies conducted by 30 youths for over five years.

“The books deal with the basics of desert life. The studies would help society to preserve the traditional wisdom of the desert which is fast disappearing from the memories of the people,” Mr.Gehlot said on the occasion.

The book claims that through the revival of “Orans” an area of 1.35 lakh hectares of land in 1,759 villages in Jodhpur division, comprising Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Pali, Jalore and Sirohi districts, could be developed to sustainable levels.

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