Jharkhand and other tribal regions of India are home to rich biodiversity and deep-rooted traditions that see nature as sacred. Forests, rivers, and hills are not only sources of livelihood but also hold spiritual and cultural significance for tribal communities. For many Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, nature worship is an integral part of life, where groves and forests are considered the abode of deities and ancestors.

However, with rapid urbanization, mining, and deforestation, these sacred spaces are under threat, leading to environmental degradation and loss of cultural identity. Jharkhand, for instance, has witnessed significant forest cover loss between 2001 and 2020, the state lost nearly 249,000 hectares of tree cover (Global Forest Watch). This directly impacts tribal livelihoods, as more than 70% of Jharkhand’s population depends on agriculture, forests, and natural resources for sustenance.

Paryavaran Prarthana was launched to address these concerns by blending cultural wisdom with environmental conservation. Through plantation drives, awareness programs, and eco-spiritual teachings, this initiative seeks to:

• Revive traditional respect for nature by reconnecting younger generations with tribal ecological knowledge.
• Promote forest conservation and biodiversity protection in regions vulnerable to deforestation.
• Encourage sustainable living practices that align with both environmental needs and cultural traditions.
• Strengthen community ownership of natural resources, ensuring forests remain a source of livelihood and identity.

By bridging spirituality and ecology, Paryavaran Prarthana empowers communities to see conservation not just as an obligation but as a sacred duty. In a time when climate change and environmental challenges loom large, this initiative is vital for protecting Jharkhand’s green heritage and preserving the cultural soul of tribal India.