State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 29 May 2025

Oran Lands Classified as Forests

Why in News? 

The Rajasthan government has initiated the process of classifying the community-protected ‘Oran’ lands as forests. Following this, these sacred groves will be officially notified as “community reserves” under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Key Points 

• About Oran Lands: 
  • ‘Orans’ are sacred forest patches in Rajasthan, traditionally protected and managed by rural communities. 
  • These groves are dedicated to local deities as part of a deep-rooted socio-religious tradition. 
  • Rajasthan is home to nearly 25,000 Oran sites, collectively covering over 6 lakh hectares across the desert landscape. 
    • In Rajasthan, orans are also called– deora, malvan, deorai, rakhat bani, deo ghats, mandir van and baugh. 
  • Orans also hosts a significant number of Khejri trees (Prosopis spicigera), deer, blackbuck and nilgai which are also sacred to the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan. 
    • These communities living in these oran lands have historically played a pivotal role in protecting these forests from being cut down. 
  • These lands support grazing, provide forest produce, aid natural water filtration, and sustain livelihoods through livestock economy. 
• Related Supreme Court Judgement: 
  • In a landmark judgment delivered on 18 December 2024, the Supreme Court directed the State government to conduct a detailed mapping of the Oran lands. 
  • SC directed the State to implement the 2005 recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) for classifying ‘Orans’ as forests. 
  • However, the Rajasthan Forest Policy, 2023 classified ‘Orans’ as general community lands, a status considered inadequate for legal protection, leaving them vulnerable to encroachment and ecological degradation. 
    • The SC’s ruling addresses these gaps by strengthening legal safeguards through formal forest classification. 

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 

• The Wild Life (Protection) Act, of 1972 provides a legal framework for the protection of various species of wild animals and plants, management of their habitats, regulation, and control of trade in wild animals, plants, and products made from them. 
• The act also lists schedules of plants and animals that are afforded varying degrees of protection and monitoring by the government. 

Central Empowered Committee (CEC) 

• About: 
  • The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) was originally constituted by the Supreme Court in 2002 and later reconstituted in 2008. 
  • It functioned as an ad hoc watchdog body to monitor environmental conservation and compliance with court directives and environmental laws. 
• Recent Reform:  
  • As per a 2023 notification by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the CEC is proposed to be converted into a permanent statutory body. 
  • This move aims to give the CEC institutional continuity and legal authority to handle key environmental issues on a long-term basis.

Ker Sangri Received GI Tag

Why in News? 

Ker Sangri, Rajasthan’s famous dish, has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officially recognising it as a unique regional product prepared using traditional methods.

 

Key Points 

• Ker Sangri: 
  • About:  
    • Ker Sangri is a traditional Rajasthani dish made using two indigenous desert plants: 
      • Ker – a small, wild berry. 
      • Sangri – a bean that grows on the Khejri tree, native to arid regions. 
    • These ingredients grow naturally in the dry, sandy terrain of the Thar Desert. 
    • Historically, Ker Sangri emerged as a survival food during droughts, when fresh vegetables were unavailable. 
      • Over time, it evolved into a beloved delicacy and cultural symbol of Rajasthan. 
    • The Khejri tree, which yields the Sangri bean, holds deep cultural and ecological significance. 
    • It is considered sacred by the Bishnoi community, which has preserved the tree for centuries as a symbol of life and sustainability. 
  • Importance of GI Tag for Ker Sangri: 
    • Prevents counterfeit or inferior versions from diluting its authenticity. 
    • Supports local farmers and artisans by ensuring they receive fair recognition and compensation. 
• Other GI-Tagged Products of Rajasthan: 
  • Rajasthan boasts several GI-tagged products, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. These include: 
    • Sojat Mehndi, Bikaneri Bhujia, Kota Doria, Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Molela Clay Work, Kathputlis of Rajasthan, Sanganeri Hand Block Printing, Bagru Hand Block Print, Thewa Art Work, Pokaran Pottery, Nathdwara Pichhwai Painting, Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft, Bikaner Kashidakari Craft, Jodhpur Bandhej Craft, Bikaner Usta Kala Craft, Makrana Marble. 

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag  

• About: 
  • A GI tag is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.  
    • The GI tag ensures that only authorised users or those residing in the geographical territory are allowed to use the popular product name.  
      • It also protects the product from being copied or imitated by others.  
  • A registered GI is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.  
  • GI registration is overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 
• Legal Framework:  
  • Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999  
  • WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).