Rajasthan's Hidden Landscapes: A Call for Urgent Conservation

Rajasthan's grasslands, deserts, and shrublands, covering 34% of the state, require urgent protection for biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate resilience. Experts call for policy inclusion and community-led conservation to prevent land degradation and support key local industries.

Rajasthan's extensive grasslands, deserts, and shrublands—spanning nearly a third of the state—are under threat due to their exclusion from policy frameworks, experts warn. They stress the urgent need for protection to enhance climate resilience, biodiversity, and livelihoods in the region.

A recent consultation held in Jodhpur, organized by the Centre for Policy Design at ATREE and the Arid Forest Research Institute, highlighted the critical role these open ecosystems play. Rajasthan is a leading state in milk and wool production, and these lands are home to endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard and Indian Wolf.

Experts argue that neglecting these semi-arid landscapes could exacerbate land degradation and threaten industries such as dairy and renewable energy. Recommendations from the consultation aim to integrate these ecosystems into official records and encourage cross-sectoral cooperation to achieve effective conservation.

(With inputs from agencies.)