Villagers plan 225km walk to save orans from power cos

Jaisalmer: Agitations are going on demanding protection of pasture lands in Jaisalmer. Intensifying agitation, villagers from different areas of Jaisalmer have planned a 225 kilometer walk covering more than 40 villages and orans (sacred forests) from December 11 onwards for six days to meet the district collector. The protesters will give a petition demanding urgent need to save orans from power companies.
Environment activist Sumer Singh Bhati informed that the walk will start from Shree Degrai Temple of Rasla Village in Fatehgarh block to create awareness about these old historical sacred sites.
He said organizations like INTACH, ERDS Foundation have done surveys and prepared reports on these sacred forests of the district in which many historical and interesting facts have also emerged.
Parth Jagani, local coordinator of ERDS Foundation and member of Team Oran informed that many historical Orans are not recorded in government revenue records and their land is being continuously allotted to renewable energy companies. This has led to the destruction of this important community protected ecosystem, which is also habitat for critically endangered Great Indian Bustard. Many Orans which are registered in revenue records have been disturbed by installation of high power electricity transmission lines of energy companies resulting in death of several large bird species including Great Indian Bustard, Vultures, Eagles, Cranes, Pelicans etc.
Bhopal Singh Bhati, another member of Team Oran informed that there will be a facility of Camelcart made available for old people and for those who are not habitual of walking for so long.