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Sign in to searchTraditional Sacred Groves (Orans)
The recent decision of the Supreme Court to examine granting legal and constitutional protection to traditional sacred groves such as Orans marks an important development in India’s environmental governance. Sacred groves are patches of forest traditionally protected by local communities due to religious and cultural beliefs. In Rajasthan, Orans are dedicated to local deities like Gogaji and Devnarayan, and have historically functioned as community-conserved ecosystems.
Historically, sacred groves have existed across India under different names—Sarna (Bihar), Dev Van (Himachal Pradesh), Kavu (Kerala), and Devarakadu (Karnataka). Despite their ecological importance, they were often excluded from formal legal protection and classified as “wastelands” in revenue records, making them vulnerable to encroachment and developmental pressures.
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Sacred groves (Orans) are community-protected ecosystems gaining legal recognition for biodiversity conservation. Explore their ecological importance and policy framework.
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