Green Politics: Prospects in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, one of India’s largest and most ecologically vulnerable states, faces several environmental challenges that threaten the well-being of its people and the natural resources upon which they depend. Issues like desertification, water scarcity, soil erosion, and unpredictable rainfall have long affected the region. Traditionally, people in Rajasthan have respected nature and practiced sustainable living, with communities like the Bishnois and Gonds protecting their environment through cultural and religious practices. These communities have maintained a deep connection with nature, using sustainable methods to live in harmony with their surroundings. However, with increasing population, industrialization, and urbanization, the state’s natural resources are under pressure. Rapid development has started to strain the very resources that Rajasthan’s people have relied on for generations. In recent years, Local protests and movements, driven by concerns over water rights, land acquisitions for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and other environmental issues, show that people are becoming more aware of these problems. What were once seen as localized issues are now sparking broader discussions about how natural resources should be used and preserved. This growing environmental consciousness could pave the way for the rise of Green Politics in Rajasthan—a political approach focused on ecological sustainability and responsible governance. This paper aims to explore the potential for Green Politics in Rajasthan by examining recent eco-political movements, their impact on the state's development policies, and how they might shape the future of governance in a region facing environmental crises.