Restoration and Conservation of Ecosystems through ‘Orans’

08/03/2022

Krishi Avam Paristhitiki Vikas Sansthan (KRAPAVIS)[1]

Background and Context

Orans are Community Conserved Areas protected for their sacred values. They include woodlots, pastures, orchards, sacred groves, and habitats usually centered around sources of water such as natural springs, rivulets, or artificially constructed ponds. Additionally, there is usually a shrine dedicated to a local deity at the heart of an Oran. Their traditional boundaries are based on landmarks or geographical milestones established by indigenous and agro-pastoral communities associated with them. Orans are usually defined by a strong community-territory relationship and a well-functioning governance system.

The socio-ecological practices embodied in Orans are centered around the ‘sacredization’ of non-human life through associating them with divinity, thus making them what can be described as ‘sacred areas’. While Oran is a colloquial term used specifically to describe such areas in Rajasthan, a variety of terms are employed to describe similar areas across India. Some of these terms include Sarna or Dev in Madhya Pradesh, Devrai in Maharashtra, Sarnas in Bihar, Devarabana, Devarakadu, Rulidevarakadu or Nagabana in Karnataka, Kovilakadu in Tamil Nadu, Kavu in Kerala, Dev van in Himachal Pradesh, Ki Law Lyngdoh or Ki Law Kyntang in Meghalaya, Sarana or Jaherthan in Jharkhand and Lai Umang in Manipur.

 It is estimated that there are over 25,000 Orans in Rajasthan, including Gauchars (grazing lands) which together occupy a significant 5 per cent of the total land area of the state. Further estimates forecast that about 80 per cent of the area covered by the Orans lies in arid and semi-arid parts of Rajasthan.

Bhomiya ka Oran Kalasikara Jaipur ©KRAPAVIS

 The Baseline

 Orans are now also recognized as repositories of biodiversity and provide critical landscape connectivity, while at the same time nourishing agro-pastoral communities associated with them. Further, Orans have immense cultural, emotional, spiritual and livelihood significance (fodder-grazing, water, medicinal plants and wild foods) for the communities associated with them. They also provide ecosystem services in the larger landscape.

The Orans in Rajasthan are inextricably linked to agrarian livelihoods[2]. Orans used to be a home to a number of important Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFPs) yielding species. The potential economic value of the NTFPs available in this region is immense and significant for the economic well-being of the people. According to a study[3], there was a severe depletion (up to 50%) of some NTFP species in the Aravalli region compared to the situation 15–20 years ago. The species under threat include Khair (Acacia catechu), Salar (Bosewellia serrata), Aritha (Sapindus trifoliatus), Dhavra (Anogeissus latifolia), Paneer bandh (Withania coagulans), Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borovilianum), Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) and Aonla (Embellica officinalis).

These areas form a critical refuge for wildlife in an otherwise densely populated landscape. About 20 years ago, KRAPAVIS recorded 54 species of wild animals in the Orans studied. The major animals found in the Orans include sambhar, blue bull, wild boar, monkey, wolf, jackal and a number of reptiles and amphibians including snakes, lizards and frogs and toads. Sighting of critically endangered big cats like the leopard and the tiger, listed as rare, and threatened in Rajasthan is possible in the Orans of Alwar/Sariska[4]. The Karnimata Oran spread over 200 ha. in Bikaner district conserves a rare rodent species known as ‘Kaaba’. Caracal (Caracal caracal), another rare and uncommon Indian small cat can occasionally be sighted in the Orans. Some other animals listed as rare, endangered and threatened in Rajasthan, like common giant flying squirrel (Petaurista petaunrista), three striped palm squirrel (Funambulus palmorum), chowsinga (Tetracerus quadrieornis), mouse deer (Tragulus memmina), and rusty spotted cat (Felis rubiginosa) can be commonly spotted in several Orans.

Orans also support habitats for birds. Bird species listed as rare, endangered and threatened found to be in the Orans of Rajasthan are; Godawan /Great India Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), White-Rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Red-Headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus), Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis), Black headed Munia (Lonchura malacca), White naped tit (Parus nuchalis), Indian Purple rumped Sunbird (Turdus nuchalis), Green Munia (Estrilda formosa), Aravalli Red Spurfowl (Galloperdix spadicea), Siberian Crane (Grus leueogeranus), Grey Jungle Fowl (Gallus soneratii), Painted Spurfowl (Galloperdix lunurata).

They also provide habitats for plant species in the IUCN threatened list, e.g., shrubs like hiran chabba (Farsetia hamiltonii royle), gugal (Commiphora wightii), phalsa (Grewia damine gaertn), aak (Calotropis procera) and kaland (Convolvulus scindicus) and trees like kala khair (Acacia catechu), rohida (Tecomella undulata), dhaman (Eriolaena hookeriana) and indok (Anogeissus sericea). Some tree species, like Jiyapota in the Oran of Bera village, are so rare that they still miss a botanical name.

Orans are sometimes located in watersheds and thus the presence of Orans is often linked to the presence of perennial sources of water such as reservoirs, artificial and natural ponds, step wells (colloquially referred to as jal kund or bavari), open wells, streams, springs, rivers and lakes. The conservation of Orans in a water scarce state like Rajasthan (with over 10% of India’s total area, but barely 1% of its water resources) is critically important.  Several Orans such as Garva ji, Adaval, Talvraksh, Kalaka, Bharthari, Naraini Mata in the Alwar district; Jeen Mata, Lohargal, Shakambari, Mansa Mata in Sikar and Jhunjhunu; Tariba and Jhameshwar in Udaipur, Galta ji in Jaipur, Kameshwar in Kota, Sheetal Kund in Jahaj, Bharatpur district, have large perennial water springs. The Ubeshwar Oran in Udaipur district is a beautiful example where natural and man-made features come together in the regulation of the Oran’s water system. This Oran has an old step well (jal kund) from which a rivulet originates through a waterfall.

Similarly, Orans such as Jugrawar ki Rundh Bani, Gujjawas ki Bani, Bherunath ji ki Bani have human -made reservoirs (colloquially referred to as talabs) which are constructed as catchments for seasonal streams. In recent times accessibility to water canals and the ever-depleting ground water as a result of cheaper boring techniques, have temporarily reduced the traditional reliance on water sources in Orans. Orans also play an important role in maintaining soil quality and nutrient recycling, critical for sustainable agricultural practices. Livestock, while foraging in Orans, also leave droppings, which are then broken down by the rich microbial life and returned to the fields through water run-off. 

There is a distinct and discernable relationship between the Orans and formally protected areas. Orans have had a long history of conservation and many of today’s wildlife parks and sanctuaries, known for their role in conserving iconic species such as tiger, were established through evictions of agro-pastoral communities and Orans belonging to them. While there are tensions between ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ approaches to conservation, it is widely recognized that Orans serve as a successful form of conservation supported by associated agro-pastoral communities, making them an important element in the conservation of bio-cultural heritage^[5].

Threats

Apathy or even antipathy towards Orans can be traced back to colonial times, when they were formally appropriated by the State and subtracted de jure from the care of their custodian communities. After independence, many Orans were degraded as a result of State concessions for quarrying, mining and reduced by land privatization for agriculture etc. In the larger scheme of things, it is evident that Orans continue to operate in something of an institutional vacuum and it remains unclear which agencies or institutions have jurisdiction over these areas.  Traditionally, the management of Orans was shared as a communal responsibility of villages. This has unfortunately disintegrated over time. In majority of cases, government institutions have ownership of these areas, but have little understanding of the traditional practices associated with Orans.

Orans are under severe threat from being converted for solar and wind energy projects. Over 30 Orans in Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur districts have been taken over by companies for establishment of wind and solar parks. One Oran impacted by this is the Veer Aalaji Ka Oran (about 4,000 hectares area) in the Jaisalmer district. A large area of the Oran has already been taken over by wind farms. This Oran is also a critical winter habitat for the GIB (Great Indian Bustard) as well as over 150 other associated wildlife species. Furthermore, over 10000 livestock including camel, sheep and goats are directly dependent on the Oran for their survival. Despite several representations made by local communities, no action was taken to stop the encroachment into the Oran. Similarly, communities from the Dungarpeer ji Oran in Mokla village and the Degray Oran in Jaisalmer district are also raising their voices against encroachment. 

Orans are also under severe threat from mining. The Bherav ji ki Bani Oran located in Karoli village of Jaipur district, which is critical for the survival of the rare tree Anogeissus sericea is under threat from illegal stone mining. The area of the Oran is 20 ha. And although it is not physically fenced or demarcated, community members can discern the distinct boundaries of the site. There are several seasonal streams here that serve as tributaries to local river Sabi Nadi. This sacred grove is known for the treatment of evil spirits through the ethno medicinal system, particularly ‘the jhara dena ritual’. The deity ‘Bherav ji’ is considered the ‘Kuldevta’ (folk god) by the local communities. Similarly Bhomiyaji ka Oran located on a hillock and covered by dense Dhok (Anogeissus pendula), is a significant source of water for the community that lives in the vicinity. Mining in its vicinity poses a huge threat to the water security here.  

Encroachment is a recurrent problem that every Oran is contending with. Cultivators living on the margins of these areas, surreptitiously expand their farmlands into Orans. Substantial tracts of land, that often include Orans, have been distributed for cultivation. This benefits few people, mostly entrepreneurs from outside the local community, yet significantly contributes to the heightening of local tensions. In the Pali District, Orans belonging to nine villages have been allocated by the government for the establishment of an industrial zone.

Sand mining in Oran Luni River ©KRAPAVIS

The Initiative 

Aman Singh, a key leader in the movement to revitalize and conserve Orans, recognized the significance of Orans in the ecology and culture of Rajasthan and founded KRAPAVIS 30 years ago. The vision was to promote the conservation of biodiversity and protection of rural livelihoods through revitalizing and reinforcing communities’ relationships with the Orans[6].

A key reason for the initiative was also the lack of exhaustive documentation of Orans in the State. KRAPAVIS approached this challenge in two steps. A quick point location for the listing of the Orans was conducted, followed by a detailed on-ground mapping of these areas. Over the years, KRAPAVIS has made significant progress in the documentation of Orans. An attempt has been made to determine through GIS based methodology, community accepted and local government approved demarcated boundaries of Orans.

KRAPAVIS has compiled an Oran Atlas consisting of 100 Orans from the Aravalli hills. The Atlas covers several aspects related to Orans. These include: cultural practices; biodiversity therein; livestock, management and ownership; ecosystems services and livelihoods offered by Orans. Additionally, the KRAPAVIS team documented various local myths, customs, and the importance of medicinal plants associated with these Orans. This GIS based Atlas of Orans could potentially be used for infrastructure development planning. The methodology adopted a geospatial approach for the mapping of Orans, and involved the following steps:

• Mapping- The location of Orans was collected using mobile devices, which supported GIS applications. These locations were then imported into a GIS mapping platform for demarcation of the Orans. The mapping exercise also attempted to identify different types of encroachments and land tenure within these Orans.  
• Field Surveys- These used the ODK (Geographical Open Data Kit) mobile app. This app is useful for collecting, managing, and using data in resource-constrained environments. It allows the collection of data offline and collates the data on an online platform when internet connectivity is available. The KRAPAVIS team collected data on over 160 points related to socio-ecological factors in these Orans.
  

For KRAPAVIS a major source of motivation for this initiative came from local communities that expressed interest and appreciation for Orans. Protecting and restoring Orans have provided communities an incentive to restore biodiversity as alternate source of livelihoods and also strengthen local governance.  Many women and young people are actively involved in restoring and protecting Orans with a sense of great pride. They find through this exercise that the gifts of nature are still available to them, as also, rare peace of mind.  KRAPAVIS has been helping communities understand the need for managing Orans, considering the many benefits that these bring. It has helped communities get organised; has trained women and youth to disseminate information; and also run awareness-raising campaigns, highlighting the importance of local management processes.

KRAPAVIS supports annual fairs (melas) that are dedicated to the conservation of Orans. These events are a celebration of these sacred groves. One of the outcomes of these melas are the formulation of rules and regulations to govern and safeguard Orans. This is almost entirely due to the space these groves enjoy in the socio-cultural life of the community. A few anecdotal examples of such rules include - ‘fallen tree logs can be used, but trees in an Oran cannot be cut for fuel wood’; ‘water bodies in Orans can be used by livestock, but not for irrigation purposes’; ‘herbs in the Oran can be used for medicinal purposes by the community, but not for commercial purposes’[7].

An ‘Oran & Livelihood Training Cum Resource Centre’ has been established by KRAPAVIS specifically for training, policy advocacy and support to local communities to facilitate the rehabilitation, conservation, and management of Orans. In 2009, KRAPAVIS conceived the Oran Forum. This is an open discussion forum focusing on Orans in Rajasthan. Stakeholders include:  local managers, researchers, activists, students, NGOs and government agencies. KRAPAVIS has trained and assisted over 500 community volunteers, many of whom are women and youth. These “Barefoot Oran Champions” have disseminated information to community members on a range of issues relevant to the conservation and management of Orans. This initiative has adopted a partnership-centered approach and linked itself to existing community-based organizations such as Self Help Groups and Joint Forest Management Committees. There have also been partnerships with other NGOs, private sector bodies and government institutions like the Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board.

This initiative of KRAPAVIS has been supported over the years by many different national, state, international, and CSR agencies. These include:  UNDP/GEF; Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies; Grow Trees/Grow Trees Ecosystem Foundation; ALL Tigers/Poh Kao; Kalpavriksh; Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board (RSBB); CICADA; Misereor/KZE; Canadian High Commission; IIT Delhi; Australian High Commission; SPWD; Konings School Foundation/ Both Ends; SDC/IC; Trees For The Future; Canara HSBC OBC Life Insurance Company Limited; Foundation Ensemble: INTACH; Leaders Quest/ CORO; IDS; PKF Foundation; International Land Coalition (ILC); ERA; Sewa Mandir; DDS; CPRCEE; Natural Justice; EEJP; Winrock International India (WII); Duleep Matthai Nature Conservation Trust/FES; TERI; Brij Foundation, including the Government of Rajasthan (Departments of the Forest, Livestock, and Agriculture) as well as Government of India.

Oran Restoration Devnarain Oran Rogra Village ©KRAPAVIS

Waterbody restoration in Oran Doba Village ©KRAVIS

The Present-Day Scenario

Through this initiative KRAPAVIS has succeeded in the restoration and conservation of over 140 Orans, covering an area of over 4000 ha.  The documentation and mapping of Orans has created a database on 1400 Orans. Continuous dialogue with the government over the years has helped Orans getting recognition in the Rajasthan State Forest Policies 2010 and 2021.

In 2018, the Supreme Court (SC) of India issued an Order declaring all Orans to be ''deemed forests". If implemented, this Supreme Court Order would go a long way toward providing much-needed protections for these community forests as they face pressure from encroachment and mining. This judgement should provide the Orans with greater legal protection against mining, urbanization, and other grave threats facing them. However, owing to the insufficient registry of location, ownership and size of the Orans, it often becomes difficult to extend the legal protections available to them. KRAPAVIS has prepared a list of prominent Orans and submitted it to the Forest Department with the goal of declaring them as ‘deemed forests’.

Lessons Learnt and Conclusions

The conclusions from this initiative are twofold: First: Orans are not a single entity, but a network of many, interrelated and mutually supporting areas important for the integrity of landscapes. Second: Orans are valuable for both biodiversity (ecosystems and species) and human livelihoods and wellbeing. In Rajasthan, they provide territories of life, contribute to the livelihoods and cultural and spiritual wealth of 7.5 million pastoralists and exemplify peaceful human-wildlife coexistence. More importantly, Orans function as hotspots for biodiversity by providing safe spaces for rare, threatened and endangered and keystone species[8].

What makes Orans unique is the management and restoration embodied in them whereby sustainability is ensured in accordance with community-defined rules. Such rules ensure that the relation between communities and forests is one of care rather than of extraction. In the event of depletion of water in Orans, communities contribute to their revival either through cash contributions or through labour. Orans also serve as extremely important Common Property Resources (CPR) used most commonly by pastoralists for grazing their livestock. Such grazing is however also communally managed and regulated through communally enforced rules for the opening and restriction of certain areas.

The success of the Orans restoration work can be largely attributed to the communally upheld socio-ecological belief systems embodied in such areas. The general scarcity of resources and unpredictability of weather cycles under semi-arid conditions provide a strong incentive for communities to restore their traditional management strategies and adhere to social norms regarding the governance of commons. 

The strength[9] of the Oran system lies in:

• Its importance to livelihood and life in meeting not only economic, social but also cultural and spiritual needs of the communities associated with them.
• Promoting strong internal resolve and discipline amongst the community through practices of divinity.
• Promoting identification and conservation of biodiversity by associated communities.
• Promoting a sense of equality and common access to the members of the community through a set of communally framed rules.
• Promoting a mechanism for conflict resolution among the people that rely on its resources.
• Promoting responsible use of resources through the ritualization of annual festivals and financial contributions.

[1] KRAPAVIS “Krishi Avam Paristhitiki Vikas Sansthan”, an ecological and agricultural grass-root based organization, actively engaged in the exploration and development of strategies for promoting sustainable livelihoods for the rural communities living in the semi-arid belt of the Aravalli hill region in Rajasthan ([email protected]).

[2] Chaitrali Kulkarni, JWHI/Both ENDS; The Oldest Institution for Nature Conservation, 2018

[3] Pradeep Chaudhry; The role of non-timber forest products in the rural economy and their quantitative assessment in the Aravalli mountain range of India; Int. J. Green Economics, Vol. 2, No. 4, 2008

4 Singh, Aman. 2011. “Oran/Devyani Matters, Trees and Tigers Conservation by Tribes: A Case Study from Sariska”. ENVIS Newsletter 10(1):2-6.

[5] Dr. Shonil Bhagwat, University of Oxford, personal communication, 2020

[6] www.krapavis-oran.org

[7] Singh, Aman; “Orans; Indigenous Community Conserved Areas of Rajasthan; Lessons from Past, Future Perspectives” (KRAPAVIS 2016)

[8] Singh, Aman. 2018. “Oran as Biodiversity Heritage Sites”; Desert Environment Newsletter; ICAR-CAZRI, Vol. 20 (3-4), 2018

[9] Singh, Aman, & et al; “Oran Atlas of Aravallis of Rajasthan”(KRAPAVIS 2021)