Optimize IAS
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Courses
    • Prelims Test Series
      • LAQSHYA 2026 Prelims Mentorship
    • Mains Mentorship
      • Arjuna 2026 Mains Mentorship
  • Portal Login
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Courses
    • Prelims Test Series
      • LAQSHYA 2026 Prelims Mentorship
    • Mains Mentorship
      • Arjuna 2026 Mains Mentorship
  • Portal Login

Formulate Policy for Sacred Groves: Supreme Court Directs Government

  • December 19, 2024
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
No Comments

 

 

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.
Environment Formulate Policy for Sacred Groves: Supreme Court Directs Government

Recent Posts

  • Daily Prelims Notes 23 March 2025 March 23, 2025
  • Challenges in Uploading Voting Data March 23, 2025
  • Fertilizers Committee Warns Against Under-Funding of Nutrient Subsidy Schemes March 23, 2025
  • Tavasya: The Fourth Krivak-Class Stealth Frigate Launched March 23, 2025
  • Indo-French Naval Exercise Varuna 2024 March 23, 2025
  • No Mismatch Between Circulating Influenza Strains and Vaccine Strains March 23, 2025
  • South Cascade Glacier March 22, 2025
  • Made-in-India Web Browser March 22, 2025
  • Charting a route for IORA under India’s chairship March 22, 2025
  • Mar-a-Lago Accord and dollar devaluation March 22, 2025

About

If IAS is your destination, begin your journey with Optimize IAS.

Hi There, I am Santosh I have the unique distinction of clearing all 6 UPSC CSE Prelims with huge margins.

I mastered the art of clearing UPSC CSE Prelims and in the process devised an unbeatable strategy to ace Prelims which many students struggle to do.

Contact us

moc.saiezimitpo@tcatnoc

For More Details

Work with Us

Connect With Me

Course Portal
Search