Why in news?
Residents of Sirawas village in Rajasthan’s Alwar district have revived a degraded sacred grove through community action. The case is highlighted as an inspirational example of grassroots conservation.
Background
- Sirawas is a village that once worshipped its grove (Chudasidh Adavad) as a sacred space. Over time, deforestation and over‑use left the land barren and the streams dry.
- Fifteen years ago, villagers, along with the local NGO KRAPAVIS, decided to restore the grove without waiting for external funding.
Community‑led revival
- The villagers treated the grove as a living ancestor. They built small check dams with boulders to retain soil and water, planted native grasses and trees and dug ponds to store rainwater.
- Women played a central role in planning and planting. Children and elders worked side‑by‑side, demonstrating intergenerational commitment.
- No formal government support was sought; the effort relied on voluntary labour and local knowledge.
Outcomes
- The grove now boasts over 3,400 native trees and supports around 2,000 animals. Water has returned to the streams, and local biodiversity is flourishing.
- The revival has improved soil moisture, provided fodder for livestock and created a micro‑climate that benefits nearby farms.
- The success has inspired neighbouring villages to begin similar restoration projects, showing how community initiatives can create ecological and social resilience.
Relevance for the UPSC syllabus
- Essay topics: The story can illustrate themes such as “Community action and environmental stewardship” or “Valuing nature through culture”.
- GS III (Environment & Ecology): Demonstrates how local participation and traditional knowledge can aid reforestation and water conservation, complementing larger state programmes.
- GS IV (Ethics): Highlights values of collective responsibility, reverence for nature and equity in resource use.
