Formulate Policy for Sacred Groves: Supreme Court Directs Government

Formulate Policy for Sacred Groves: Supreme Court Directs Government

Sub: Env

Sec: Biodiversity

Why in News

• The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union Environment Ministry to develop a comprehensive policy for the management and conservation of sacred groves across the country.

About Sacred Groves:

• Sacred groves are patches of natural vegetation preserved by local communities due to their religious and cultural significance.
• These areas are often dedicated to local deities, with communities taking on the responsibility of their protection and upkeep.
• Activities like hunting and deforestation are typically prohibited, while sustainable practices such as honey and deadwood collection may be permitted.
• The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002 offers governmental protection to these sacred lands.

State-wise Distribution of Sacred Groves in India:

• Andhra Pradesh: Approximately 750 sacred groves, locally known as Pavitravanalu.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Around 58 groves, often associated with monasteries and referred to as Gumpa Forests.
• Assam: Approximately 40 sacred groves, locally known as Than or Madaico.
• Bihar: Known as Sarna, these groves are relatively small, comprising 2 to 20 trees.
• Chhattisgarh: About 600 sacred groves, locally termed Sarna, Devlas, Mandar, or Budhadev.
• Goa: Approximately 93 sacred groves, contributing to the state’s rich biodiversity.
• Gujarat: Around 29 sacred groves, each playing a role in local ecological conservation.
• Haryana: Approximately 57 sacred groves, known locally as Beed, Bani, Bann, Janglat, or Shamlat.
• Himachal Pradesh: The state with the highest number of sacred groves, totaling around 329, locally called Dev Van. The Shipin grove is notable for its ancient deodar trees.
• Jharkhand: Approximately 29 sacred groves, known as Sarna, with more than 500 Jaherthan in the Godda region.
• Karnataka: Hosting about 1,476 groves, referred to as Devarakadu, predominantly in Kodagu district.
• Kerala: Approximately 1,500 sacred groves, known as Kavu or Sarpa Kavu, integral to the state’s cultural landscape.
• Madhya Pradesh: Around 170 sacred groves, locally termed Dev Van, contributing to regional biodiversity.
• Maharashtra: Approximately 1,600 groves, called Deorai or Devrai, concentrated in Pune, Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Kolhapur.
• Manipur: About 365 sacred groves, known as Umang Lai, Gamkhap, or Mauhak, reflecting the state’s rich cultural heritage.
• Meghalaya: Home to some of the richest groves, with approximately 125, called Law Kyntang or Asong Khosi, present in almost every village in the Khasi hills.
• Odisha: Approximately 322 sacred groves, known as Jahera or Thakuramma, playing a role in local traditions.
• Puducherry: About 108 sacred groves, referred to as Kovil Kadu, contributing to the region’s ecological diversity.
• Rajasthan: Approximately 560 groves, known as Oran, providing unique biodiversity in distinct areas.
• Sikkim: Around 56 sacred groves, often associated with monasteries and referred to as Gumpa Forests.
• Tamil Nadu: Approximately 448 groves, called Kovil Kadu or Sarpa Kavu, integral to the state’s cultural heritage.
• Telangana: About 65 sacred groves, each contributing to the state’s ecological balance.
• Uttarakhand: Approximately 133 groves, known as Devbhumi, Baun, or Bugyal, including sacred alpine meadows.
• Uttar Pradesh: Around 32 sacred groves, each playing a role in local cultural and ecological conservation.
• West Bengal: Approximately 670 groves, known as Garamthan, Harithan, Jahera, Sabitrithan, or Santalburithan, contributing to the state’s biodiversity.

Significance of Sacred Groves:

• Biodiversity Hotspots: Groves serve as habitats for diverse species of plants and animals.
• Climate Regulation: They contribute to carbon sequestration and local climate stability.
• Groves are integral to the customary practices and spiritual beliefs of various communities.
• These forests support the livelihood of dependent communities by providing resources like medicinal plants and firewood.