People stage protest seeking Oran, Gochar land protection

Jaisalmer: Thousands of villagers, including women, pastoralists, farmers, youth, saints and environmentalists, gathered at the Jaisalmer district headquarters Tuesday to demand protection of Oran and Gochar land, traditional grazing grounds and water sources that locals say are being allotted to solar companies.The gathering began in the morning at the Veer Alaji temple premises and grew as people arrived from villages and hamlets across the border district. Speakers described the movement as a fight to safeguard land, forests and water, calling it essential for livelihoods and the rural economy.
After the meeting, protesters took out a foot march through the city's main roads and staged a demonstration at the Collectorate, raising slogans against the district administration and the state govt. Spiritual leaders also joined, including Pokhran MLA Mahant Pratap Puri and members of the saint community, giving the mobilisation a social and religious dimension.Environmentalists and representatives of social organisations said land officially labelled as govt wasteland is, in practice, vital grazing ground for thousands of cattle and a hub of ancient wells and traditional water systems. They said the central demand is to get the district's Oran and Gochar land, estimated at 20 lakh bigha, along with old wells, recorded in govt revenue records to prevent diversion.Environmentalist Sumer Singh Sanwata said Oran, Gochar, forest areas and water sources form the backbone of the rural economy, supporting livestock, employment and ecological balance. He warned that unchecked exploitation would create long term shortages of water and fodder and reduce livelihood options for future generations. Sanwata added that Oran is traditionally regarded as sacred land, with villagers taking responsibility for its protection, but its area has been shrinking.