Sacred Groves

UNESCO (1996) defined Sacred Groves as an area of “natural” vegetation preserved through local taboos and sanctions that entail spiritual and ecological values. The ecological values are found in the traditional association of the sacred groves with wildlife and physical landscape such as streams

Sacred groves, sacred woods, or sacred forests are groves of trees that have special religious importance within a particular culture.

In India, sacred groves are scattered all over the country, and do enjoy protection.

Sacred groves are found all over India – especially in states like Maharastra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. As a refuge for various plant and animal species, they are usually areas of natural vegetation resembling small forests and important sites for worship and community gatherings.

Logging and hunting are strictly prohibited in these territories as Hindus don’t believe in harming living creatures. Sacred groves are handled initially by native religious communities such as combined Hindu families or temple trusts.

Dev Bhoomi – also known as the “Land of Gods” –  is part of the 133 sacred groves at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. With its rivers, lakes, caves, and forests, it is considered the holiest land in the Himalayas. Communities honour local deities like Haat Kaali, Kotgyari Devi, Mahakaali, and more.

Sacred groves in Uttarakhand are unique because they aren’t usual forests but alpine meadows. The aspect of the holy grove might be different, but its purpose remains the same all over India. Local groups consider it as a part of their ethnic identity.

That’s why they believe these areas survive thanks to their local belief system, which is transmitted orally from generation to generation. There are no written records of their customary laws and taboos. Their belief system ensures that the sacred groves are not harmed in any way. It is forbidden to pluck flowers, uproot plants, harm animals, remove any religious objects. 

Prior to 2002, these forest regions were not recognized under any of the existing laws. But in 2002 an amendment was brought in Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 to include Sacred Groves under the act.

“The Piplantri model has had many positive effects. Environmentally, over 40 lakh trees have been planted, which has helped raise the water table by 800-900 feet and cooled the climate by 3-4°C.

These efforts have improved local biodiversity and protected the land from soil erosion and desertification.

Economically, the planting of indigenous species of trees like gooseberry, aloe vera, and bamboo has created sustainable jobs. Aloe vera processing, furniture making, and other businesses have increased local incomes, providing work, especially for women, through self-help groups.”

The Supreme Court recently said “The Piplantri model has had many positive effects. Environmentally, over 40 lakh trees have been planted, which has helped raise the water table by 800-900 feet and cooled the climate by 3-4°C.

These efforts have improved local biodiversity and protected the land from soil erosion and desertification. Economically, the planting of indigenous species of trees like gooseberry, aloe vera, and bamboo has created sustainable jobs. Aloe vera processing, furniture making, and other businesses have increased local incomes, providing work, especially for women, through self-help groups,”

The Supreme Court bench also pointed out that the model has helped eliminate harmful practices like female foeticide. “The village now has a rare distinction of a higher female population ratio i.e. 52 per cent and ensures that all girls receive education.

Financial support through the Kiran Nidhi Yojna 18 has empowered girls and their families, creating a community that celebrates and rejoices on the birth of a girl child rather than resenting it,” the bench added.

The bench said the Piplantri model “demonstrates how community-driven initiatives can effectively address social, economic, and environmental challenges in a cohesive manner.”

“Active measures are required at the Governmental level to ensure that such ideas are implemented/replicated in other parts of the country to promote sustainable development and gender equality.

The Central and State Governments should support these models by providing financial assistance, creating enabling policies, and offering technical guidance to communities,” added the bench.