In a profound judgment highlighting the inseparable bond between cultural heritage and ecological conservation, the Supreme Court of India lauded Rajasthan’s Piplantri Village Initiative, which has become a model for sustainable development, environmental restoration, and gender equality. Citing a verse from the Bhagvat Gita, the Court emphasized:
“प्रकृतिं पुरुषं चैव विद्ध्यनादी उभावपि। विकारांश्च गुणांश्चैव विद्धि प्रकृतिसंभवान्।।”
(Translation: “Nature is the source of all material things: the maker, the means of making, and the things made. Spirit is the source of all consciousness which feels pleasure and feels pain.” – Bhagvat Gita, Chapter 13, Verse 20)
The judgment, delivered by a bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai, S.V.N. Bhatti, and Sandeep Mehta, arose from an interlocutory application in the long-standing T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India case (W.P. (Civil) No. 202 of 1995). This case has been pivotal in defining India’s environmental jurisprudence.
The Piplantri Model: A Beacon of Change
The Supreme Court underscored the transformative model initiated in Piplantri village, Rajasthan, where 111 trees are planted for every newborn girl. This community-driven approach integrates environmental conservation with social reforms, addressing issues like female infanticide and economic disparity. Over the years, the Piplantri initiative has led to the planting of over 40 lakh trees, raising the local water table, improving biodiversity, and generating sustainable livelihoods through agroforestry and associated industries.
The Court noted that the Piplantri model demonstrates how community-driven efforts can align cultural values with environmental sustainability, thereby fostering holistic development.
Background of the Case
The application sought the identification and recognition of Rajasthan’s Orans (sacred groves) as “forests” under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, to prevent their degradation and ensure their protection. Rajasthan is home to over 25,000 Orans, which serve as ecological havens and hold immense cultural significance for local communities. These groves are critical for biodiversity conservation, groundwater recharge, and climate adaptation in the arid regions of the state.
The Court’s judgment referenced the Bhagvat Gita (Chapter 13, Verse 20), intertwining spiritual philosophy with ecological stewardship, to underscore the importance of protecting nature as a sacred duty.
Key Directives and Observations
1. Protection of Sacred Groves (Orans): The Court directed the Rajasthan government to classify Orans as forests under the FC Act, regardless of their size, focusing on their cultural and ecological significance.
2. Role of Communities: The Court emphasized the involvement of local communities in the conservation of these sacred groves. It highlighted the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, which mandates the recognition of community rights over forest resources.
3. Implementation of Piplantri-like Models: Drawing inspiration from Piplantri, the Court urged the government to replicate such community-driven initiatives across India. It directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to create enabling policies to support similar programs.
4. International Commitments: The Court also reminded the government of its obligations under international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which advocate the protection of traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices.
Lawyers and Parties
– Applicant: Represented by Advocate Aman Singh, who underscored the ecological and cultural significance of Orans.
– Respondents: The Union of India and the Rajasthan Government, represented by Additional Advocate General Shiv Mangal Sharma, provided updates on ongoing conservation efforts.
The Court ordered the formation of a committee headed by a retired High Court Judge to oversee the classification and protection of sacred groves. It also directed the Rajasthan government to conduct ground and satellite mapping of Orans and submit a compliance report by January 10, 2025.
