LEVERAGING TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE: GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN VALIDATING AND PROMOTING MEDICINAL PLANT RESEARCH IN DISTRICT CHITTORGARH, RAJASTHAN

This study examines the role of government and local administration in preserving traditional ethnobotanical knowledge and promoting biodiversity conservation in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. Through policies like the Ghar Ghar Aushadhi Yojana, 2021, which distributes medicinal plant saplings (e.g., Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Kalmegh, Giloy) to households, and the establishment of protected areas such as Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary, authorities aim to integrate traditional practices into modern healthcare and sustainability efforts. The district administration facilitates community engagement, documentation of tribal knowledge, and equitable resource distribution. Findings reveal enhanced health outcomes for local communities, economic opportunities for traditional healers and farmers, and increased green cover. However, challenges like limited awareness, illegal harvesting, and funding gaps persist. A case study of the Ghar Ghar Aushadhi Yojana in Kapasan block demonstrates its success, with 70% of households using medicinal plants for primary care. The paper underscores the need for stricter conservation measures, education campaigns, and financial support to ensure long-term sustainability, positioning Chittorgarh as a model for balancing cultural heritage and ecological resilience in India