Environmental Degradation Impacting the Lives of Sahariya Tribe in Kishanganj Block Of Baran District in Rajasthan

The Sahariya tribe, historic forest dwellers of Kishanganjblock in Baran district of Rajasthan, in recent years faced starvation deaths, malnutrition among children, migration, water scarcity, bonded labour, etc. The study presents the comparative analysis of the Sahariya people's perspectives on the status of environmental conditions at present and about thirty years back. The study shows the presence of very dense forests in the past in the tribal habitation areas, which has significantly degraded in the present times. There is depletion of the ground water resources in the area, and the surface water bodies which had water throughout the year in the past, today have water availability limited to 2-3 months. Their major food source was from the forest resources, and their major livelihood was collecting and selling of minor forest produce. The environmental degradation eroded their traditional food sources available at almost no cost, leaving them dependent on local markets. Secondly, dependence on local market required purchasing power, which was a challenge as their main source of livelihood was based on minor forest produce that was dwindling at an alarming rate. The study reveals that the degradation of the environment, impacted the basic resources that sustained the well-being of the Sahariya tribe over the years, and has led to a negative impact on their quality of life, their social life and also exposed them to issues of social discrimination.