Sacred Groves
About
- Sacred groves are clusters of trees which are protected and sustained by the local communities because of their cultural and spiritual significance.
- It usually consists of a dense cover of vegetation including climbers, herbs, shrubs and trees, with the presence of a village deity and is mostly situated near a perennial water source.
- They are vital for biodiversity conservation, preserving rare medicinal plants, recharging local groundwater, and anchoring cultural heritage.
- Sacred groves are found all over India – especially in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- Sacred Groves have been legally protected in India as “Community Reserves” under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment act, 2002.
