Gujarat’s Banni grasslands: A heap of broken images, where the sun beats
The Banni grasslands in Gujarat are facing threats from a proposed solar project by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited. Local pastoral communities, particularly the Fakirani Jat, fear that this project will disrupt their traditional way of life and impact their livelihoods. Conservationists are also opposing the project due to its proximity to the Chhari Dhand wetland, a newly designated Ramsar site.
- ▪The Banni grasslands cover 2,600 square kilometers and are home to thousands of Maldharis, a nomadic pastoral community.
- ▪The proposed solar project is set to occupy approximately 4,500 acres, including eco-sensitive zones and agricultural land.
- ▪Local villagers are concerned that the project will force them to sell their livestock and abandon their traditional livelihoods.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Merubai Husain Jat explains her community’s relationship with the Banni grasslands simply: “Sukh ho ya dukh ho, hamare liye Banni he sab kuch hai,” (Whether there is joy or sorrow, for us, Banni is everything.) Everything around is brown, parched: her hut of thatched straw, the homes of those around, the trees stripped of leaves, and the landscape that stretches for miles around.Looking at her husband Jat Husain Ismail, the mother of seven, who owns 50 camels, says that even through the worst droughts they never left the Banni grassland. They survived by finding ways, one season at a time, to keep themselves and their herd alive.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.
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