20 Dec, 2024
SC Commends Rajasthan's Piplantri Model for Community-Driven Conservation Efforts
The Supreme Court has praised the community-driven conservation efforts of the Piplantri model, an initiative launched in a small village in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district.
This innovative practice began under the leadership of Shri Shyam Sundar Paliwal, the village Sarpanch, in response to severe environmental degradation caused by excessive marble mining.
The mining activities had resulted in water scarcity, deforestation, and economic challenges. The initiative was also deeply personal, inspired by the tragic loss of Shri Paliwal’s daughter.
The community adopted a unique approach, planting 111 trees for every girl child born in the village. This effort not only revitalized the damaged environment in Piplantri and surrounding areas but also played a significant role in addressing societal biases against women.
A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices BR Gavai, Sandeep Mehta, and SVN Bhatti highlighted how the Piplantri model exemplifies the harmonious integration of environmental protection, gender equality, and economic growth, showcasing its potential to transform communities.
Top court has noted the positive effects of the initiative:
- Environmentally, over 40 lakh trees have been planted, which has helped raise the water table by 800-900 feet and cooled the climate by 3-4°C. These efforts have improved local biodiversity and protected the land from soil erosion and desertification.
- Economically, the planting of indigenous species of trees like gooseberry, aloe vera, and bamboo has created sustainable jobs. Aloe vera processing, furniture making, and other businesses have increased local incomes, providing work, especially for women, through self-help groups.
- Socially, the model has helped eliminate harmful practices like female foeticide. The village now has a rare distinction of a higher female population ratio i.e. 52% and ensures that all girls receive education. Financial support through the "Kiran Nidhi Yojna" has empowered girls and their families, creating a community that celebrates and rejoices on the birth of a girl child rather than resenting it.
The Court noted that governments must take concrete steps, including providing financial assistance, formulating enabling policies, and offering technical guidance to communities, to ensure the success of such initiatives in diverse regions. The Piplantri model, which involves planting 111 trees for every girl child born, serves as a powerful example of how grassroots efforts can drive positive change on multiple fronts.
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