When Biodiversity Persists but Protection Weakens: Community Stewardship, Encroachment and the Future of Orans in the Thar Desert — Evidence from Dhok and Jajawa Sacred Groves, Rajasthan

Abstract: Orans, the sacred groves of western Rajasthan, represent unique socio-ecological landscapes that have historically contributed to biodiversity conservation, livestock-based livelihoods, and cultural continuity in the Thar Desert. However, increasing pressures from encroachment, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and weakening traditional institutions have raised concerns regarding their long-term sustainability. Recent legal developments, including the recognition of Orans within the broader forest governance debate, have further highlighted the need to reassess existing conservation approaches. Against this background, the present study examines the ecological significance, conservation challenges, and future management of Dhok and Jajawa Orans in Barmer district, Rajasthan.

The study is based on household surveys conducted among 100 respondents (50 from each village), field observations, and geospatial analysis using Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) mapping and vegetation indices. The findings reveal important contrasts between the two sacred groves. Dhok Oran continues to benefit from strong religious significance, active community stewardship, and relatively lower levels of encroachment. In contrast, Jajawa Oran exhibits better vegetation condition, higher NDVI values, and considerable grazing potential, but faces greater pressure from agricultural expansion, residential development, and infrastructure growth. Survey results indicate that declining religious faith (95%), encroachment (91%), agricultural expansion (86%), and weak legal protection (82%) are perceived as the most significant threats to Oran conservation.

The study demonstrates that ecological quality alone cannot guarantee long-term conservation. While biodiversity and vegetation cover persist in many Orans, weakening cultural institutions and increasing land-use pressures threaten their sustainability. The findings further indicate strong public support for legal protection, official mapping, and boundary demarcation, alongside continued community participation in management. The study concludes that the future of Oran conservation lies in a hybrid governance framework that combines legal recognition, biodiversity conservation, community stewardship, and protection of traditional grazing rights. Such an approach can strengthen ecological resilience while safeguarding the cultural and livelihood functions of sacred landscapes in the Thar Desert.

Keywords: Orans, Sacred Groves, Community Stewardship, Biodiversity Conservation, LULC, NDVI, Thar Desert