Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri
Topic: Biodiversity and its Conservation · NCERT: Class 10, Ch 2 "Forest and Wildlife Resources"
Meaning
Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri is a forest of about 1,200 hectares that local villagers protect themselves. "Sonchuri" is the local word for sanctuary. The people of five villages declared the forest their own sanctuary. They made their own rules, banned hunting and keep outsiders from encroaching (moving in and using the land). It shows that local communities can be partners in conservation rather than obstacles.
Example
The Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri is in Alwar district in the Aravalli region of Rajasthan. The villagers guard it without any declaration by the government.
Don't confuse with
- Wildlife sanctuary: the government declares this under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. The Bhairodev Dakav Sonchuri was declared by the villagers themselves, under rules they made.
- Sacred grove: this is a forest patch protected because it is dedicated to a deity. The sonchuri is protected by the villagers' own rules for wildlife, not mainly as a religious space.
Related concepts
- Community participation in conservation
- Beej Bachao Andolan
- Navdanya
- Bishnoi community
- Sacred grove
- Niyamgiri Hills
- Rights of nature