ओरण भूमि को लेकर भजनलाल सरकार का बड़ा फैसला, भाजपा नेता बोले- जरूरत पड़ी तो प्राण त्याग दूंगा

The desert state of Rajasthan is witnessing a significant stride in ecological preservation, as the Bhajanlal-led government takes decisive action to safeguard thousands of bighas of traditional 'Oran' land in Jaisalmer. This monumental move aims to protect crucial community forest and pasture lands, signaling a renewed commitment to environmental conservation in the region. The decision, lauded by many, comes amidst persistent advocacy from environmentalists and local communities, highlighting a pivotal moment for environmental governance in India.

In a landmark decision, the state government has officially designated and reserved a total of 17,561 bigha (approximately 10,875 acres) of land across Jaisalmer district as Oran land. This extensive reservation encompasses several vital areas, reinforcing the state’s dedication to maintaining ecological balance and supporting traditional livelihoods dependent on these shared resources.

The breakdown of the newly secured Oran lands includes:

• An impressive 5,882 bigha in Degray Oran Bhimsar, bolstering a key biodiversity hotspot.
• A strategic 597 bigha within the critical Binjota Oran, vital for local ecosystems and grazing.
• A substantial 3,607 bigha dedicated to Swangia Mata Oran in Poonamnagar, preserving sacred and ecologically sensitive zones.
• A vast expanse of 7,473 bigha allocated to Alaji Oran across Dilawar village and Kuchhdi, underscoring a broad-based conservation effort across multiple locales.

This comprehensive effort by the government is seen as a crucial step towards formally recognizing and protecting these communal assets, which are not only vital for local fauna and flora but also hold deep cultural and religious significance for the indigenous communities. Oran lands serve as vital ecological corridors, water catchments, and sources of sustenance for local livestock, making their protection paramount for the region's sustainable future.

However, the government's announcement also highlights the ongoing efforts of dedicated activists. Veteran BJP leader and social worker, Virendra Singh Solanki, has intensified his long-standing campaign for the formal registration of Oran, Gochar (grazing lands), and Nadi (ponds) in revenue records. Solanki has sought permission to initiate a peaceful hunger strike, pledging his unwavering support to a 'Padyatra' (barefoot pilgrimage) currently being undertaken by environmental enthusiasts across the state, demanding official recognition of these traditional lands.

Solanki’s activism stems from a deep-seated frustration with bureaucratic delays. He asserts that despite explicit assurances from local administration three months prior to record these communal lands, no tangible progress has been made. The initial promise had led to the suspension of a prior sit-in protest, but the subsequent lack of follow-through has reignited the movement with renewed vigor. The environmentalists' padyatra is a testament to the community's unwavering resolve, traversing long distances to draw urgent attention to their cause and the critical need for formal documentation.

Emphasizing the urgency of the matter, Solanki has issued a stark warning. He declared that if the Oran lands are not formally recorded in government registers by the time the padyatra reaches the borders of Jodhpur, he would commence an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity with the pilgrims. Escalating his commitment, Solanki further stated that should the pilgrimage proceed further towards Jaipur without their demands being met, he would abandon water consumption – a severe form of protest. In an ultimate act of defiance, he has vowed to sacrifice his life if the state capital, Jaipur, is reached and the critical recognition of these invaluable lands remains pending.

Solanki highlighted that he has engaged in extensive discussions regarding this critical issue for over five years with the previous state government and for the past two years and two months with the current administration, including the active involvement of both local MLAs. The plight of these traditional community lands, which are integral to the ecological and cultural fabric of Rajasthan, underscores the complex interplay between government policy, environmental protection, and grassroots activism. The formal reservation of these lands by the Bhajanlal government is a positive development, yet the accompanying protests underscore the ongoing demand for their complete integration into official revenue records for robust, long-term, and legally binding protection, ensuring their survival for future generations. This dual narrative of government action and persistent activism paints a vivid picture of Rajasthan's evolving conservation landscape and the continuous fight for environmental justice.