Question

Write a short note on sacred groves.

Answer 1

1. A sacred grove is a patch of forest protected and conserved by local communities in the name of a deity or god. It is not managed by the forest department but is preserved by local people and tribal communities because of their religious beliefs. In many regions, sacred groves are known as Deorai.
2. Since people believe that a deity resides in these groves, they do not cut trees or hunt animals there. As a result, sacred groves serve as natural shelters for many plants and animals and are rich in biodiversity.
3. India has more than 13,000 sacred groves, with many in the western ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala. Sacred groves play a significant role in conserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species in their natural habitats.