Restoring 10 sacred groves in Rajasthan Photo Gallery

Oran Talab, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

A traditionally-made water harvesting structure, or Talab, around which KRAPAVIS has worked on reforestation.

Saddhu & Banyan, Alwar, Rajasthan

This saddhu (holy man) guards the oran of Ghatokar, near Badagav, Alwar District, Rajasthan. KRAPAVIS have been working to revive this oran since 2007.

Women's Self-Help Group Meeting, Alwar, Rajasthan

Self-help groups meet monthly to discuss conservation practices and resource allocation. In the oran of Chamund Devi ki Dev Bani, near Pathroda village (where this photo was taken), KRAPAVIS has worked on all aspects of regeneration, such as plantation, grass sowing and the restoration of water harvesting structures.

Check Dam, Jaipur, Rajasthan

KRAPAVIS constructed this check dam in 2008. The structure serves to recharge groundwater levels, providing nourishment for the trees of Kani Kangni oran, and replenishing the wells of Karauli village, Jaipur District, Rajasthan.

Shepherd, Alwar, Rajasthan

For residents of Gujjarwas village, Alwar District, Rajasthan, their oran is an invaluable source of wood, water and grasses. Here, a shepherd can be seen grazing his goats. At the time of year that this photo was taken - late winter - fodder for animals is in short supply. As well as constructing water harvesting devices and planting trees, KRAPAVIS has worked to restore vegetation cover by sowing a wide variety of grasses, thereby providing a safety net for times of scarcity.

Oran Talab, Alwar, Rajasthan

This water-harvesting structure, or Talab, has been completely renovated by KRAPAVIS. It now provides water for Bakhatpura's 2,500 animals and 700 people, as well as nourishing the village oran (right of picture).

Banyan Tree, Jaipur, Rajasthan

This mighty banyan tree, which covers an area the size of a football field, is located in Bhaumia ki Bani oran, Jaipur District, Rajasthan. KRAPAVIS's revival work in this grove is currently in the planning stage.

Talab Contruction, Alwar, Rajasthan

Here, residents of Kundla village, Alwar District are constructing a new water harvesting structure, or Talab, for Peerbaba ki Devbani oran. The work is carried out with financial support and technical assistance from KRAPAVIS and their donors.

Council Meeting, Alwar, Rajasthan

When new renovation work is to be undertaken, or when rules governing oran use are to be changed, KRAPAVIS organizes village council meetings. Here, in Pathroda village, Alwar District, council members are discussing how funds should be allocated for conservation measures. Villagers then vote to decide the best course of action, and signatures are taken to ensure widespread cooperation (foreground).

Craft Training, Alwar, Rajasthan

As part of our drive to ensure livelihood security for marginalized people, KRAPAVIS offers training courses in various traditional crafts. Here, women from Dehlawas village, Alwar District are receiving tuition in pottery from a local expert. The clay used is extracted without cost from orans, and vessels can later be sold for profit in nearby villages.