New Delhi, Dec 18 (UNI): The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed that the ‘Sacred Groves’ in the state of Rajasthan be protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and declared a ‘community reserve’.
A three-judge bench comprising Justice BR Gavai, Justice SVN Bhatti, and Justice Sandeep Mehta, while hearing a plea regarding the protection of ‘Sacred Groves’ in the State of Rajasthan, applauded the ‘Piplantry model’ in operation.
Piplantri is a district in Rajasthan.
The “Piplantri model is an eco-feminist movement that aims to improve the environment, gender equality, and the economic and financial conditions of a village.
Under this model, 111 plants are planted for every girl child born there
The bench while pronouncing judgment on an application in the TN Godavarman case (forest conservation matter) directed the Forest Department of State to do a clear and detailed mapping by satellite and classify them as forest.
Justice Mehta said, “The State of Rajasthan to comply with our directions in this Judgment and ‘Sacred Groves’ must be given protection under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and be declared as ‘community reserve’.
Justice Mehta said, “We must be inspired by the Piplantri model prepared in one of the districts of Rajasthan.
Due to excessive mining, the village suffered severe environmental damage. Due to the farfetched view of the Sarpanch of that place, 111 trees are planted for every girl child is born.
Justice Mehta said, “This is so commendable and till now around 40 Lakh trees have been planted there. This also shows gender justice and has also prohibited instances of female foeticide. This is a great initiative as now the population of female is more than the other gender.
Justice Mehta said, “We have been dealing with the issue of protection of ‘Sacred Groves’ in State of Rajasthan. There is a need of sacred groves in the state to be protected.
Justice Mehta said, “We have asked the State to formulate a five member committee which has to be headed by a High Court judge to look into this issue.
The Court posted the matter on January 10 for report and compliance regarding the constitution of the proposed committee.
“The initiative transformed environmental damage not only of the village but also of nearby areas…Gave impetus to reducing societal bias”
The “Piplantri model is an eco-feminist movement that aims to improve the environment, gender equality, and the economic and financial conditions of a village. Around 40,000 trees have been planted under this model which helped raised the water level by almost 800-900 feet and cooled the climate by 3 to 4 degrees.
The Piplantri model was spearheaded in 2005 by Shyam Sundar Paliwal, former Sarpanch of the district who was inspired to plant a tree in memory of his 17-year-old daughter who died from dehydration.
The model has gained international recognition and inspired other villages in India to follow suit. The village ensures that all women receive education and financial support. The families rejoice in the birth of a girl child in the area.
