Jaisalmer to Jaipur: 725km Oran Bachao Foot March Demands Land Rights
A significant 725-kilometer foot march from Jaisalmer to Jaipur commenced on Wednesday, originating from the revered Tanot Mata temple complex in Jaisalmer. This movement, named Oran Bachao, is driven by the primary demand for the registration of Oran grazing lands in government revenue records, a longstanding issue affecting traditional community rights in Rajasthan.
March Details and Planned Assemblies
Organizers have outlined that the march is anticipated to reach Jaipur in approximately 30 days, with a series of large public assemblies scheduled in towns and cities along the route. The first such assembly is set to take place in Jaisalmer city on January 25, aiming to galvanize local support and raise awareness about the cause.
As the march progresses, participation is expected to swell into thousands by the time it arrives at the state capital. In Jaipur, the group plans to register a protest before the government, highlighting the urgency of their demands. Key rallies are also planned in Pokhran, Jodhpur, and Ajmer to build wider community backing and solidarity.
Background and Organizers' Statements
Sumersingh Sawanta, a member of the organizing group, explained that the march began after worship and prayers at Tanot temple, symbolizing the spiritual and cultural significance of the Oran lands. He noted that the district administration had previously committed to a three-month deadline to complete the registration of Oran land in revenue records, which expired on January 19 without any concrete action taken.
"After the assurances were not fulfilled, people decided to go to Jaipur and present the demand strongly," Sawanta stated. He added that a movement launched in Jaisalmer three months ago failed to yield results despite assurances from public representatives and officials, prompting this more assertive approach.
Environmental and Community Concerns
Environmentalist Bhopalsingh Jhaloda provided context on the scale of the issue, revealing that Rajasthan has around 25,000 Orans, with approximately 100 located in Jaisalmer district. However, only a small portion of this land is officially recorded, leading to the neglect of traditional community rights in what are often referred to as "verbal" Orans.
Jhaloda further disclosed that proposals for 17,562 bighas of Oran land have been submitted to the state government with recommendations for approval, underscoring the potential for resolution if administrative action is taken.
Future Plans and Government Engagement
The march is expected to reach Jaipur around February 21, where organizers plan to meet the chief minister to discuss their demands directly. If the government does not respond positively, organizers have indicated they will stage a sit-in in Jaipur, demonstrating their commitment to securing land rights for Oran communities.
This foot march represents a critical effort to address historical grievances and ensure the preservation of grazing lands that are vital to local livelihoods and environmental sustainability in Rajasthan.
