The historical, ecological, and socio-cultural importance of Sacred Groves cannot be overstated. There is an urgent need for a holistic conservation strategy to protect them, writes BKP Sinha and Arvind Jha
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has directed that all Sacred Groves across the nation should be officially classified as “forests” and “community reserves” under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This decision is a major step in legally safeguarding these natural sanctuaries, known for their ecological and cultural significance.
In Indian culture, forests have always been revered not only for their ecological importance but also for their deep societal and spiritual significance. Ancient texts reflect this reverence by classifying forests based on their purposes, revealing the varied roles these ecosystems played. Mahavan, the vast, untouched wilderness, served as a crucial wildlife sanctuary, preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. Shreevan, on the other hand, provided communities with vital resources like timber, fruits, and medicinal plants, highlighting their economic significance. Upvan, green spaces designed for leisure and recreation, connected people with nature, often associated with royal families. Tapovan, sacred forests, were believed to be places of spiritual enlightenment for ascetics.
Among these classifications, Sacred Groves stand out as unique forest patches preserved through community-driven efforts rooted in spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions. Spread across India’s diverse landscapes, they are known by different names, such as Devrais in Maharashtra, Devara Kadu in Karnataka, Orans in Rajasthan, Kaavus in Kerala, Devban in Himachal Pradesh, Sarana in Madhya Pradesh, Umanglai in Manipur, Law Lingdoh in Meghalaya, Devbhumi in Uttarakhand, Pavitra Van in Andhra Pradesh, and Gramthan in West Bengal.
These groves act as vital carbon sinks, regulate local microclimates, and serve as havens for medicinal plants and endangered species. What truly distinguishes these ecosystems is their decentralised conservation model, where local communities act as the primary custodians of these ecosystems. This approach, rooted in traditional knowledge, cultural values, and strong community ties, has often proven more effective than state-controlled initiatives, particularly in regions where community engagement and cultural practices remain deeply ingrained.
The significance of Sacred Groves was officially recognised in 1897 by Sir Dietrich Brandis, the first Inspector General of Forests in India. This early acknowledgment laid the groundwork for further research, including the pioneering work of Indian polymath DD Kaushambi (1907-1966). Decades later, in 1975, conservation studies conducted by the Agarkar Research Institute in Pune brought these ancient ecosystems into the national spotlight.
These age-old sanctuaries are shielded by deeply ingrained societal and cultural taboos, a form of traditional environmental stewardship that has effectively protected them from destructive human activities like deforestation, poaching, and resource overexploitation. This protection has allowed them to flourish as pristine ecosystems, providing sanctuaries for a rich diversity of plant and animal life. They serve as vital water recharge zones, maintaining groundwater levels and supporting agricultural activities in surrounding areas. Unlike artificial gene banks, which require significant energy, incur high costs and remain vulnerable to both natural and human-made disasters, these ecological havens offer a more sustainable and self-sustaining alternative for conserving genetic diversity.
Beyond their environmental significance, these sacred spaces hold immense cultural and spiritual value for local communities. They often serve as sacred sites for worship, places for social gatherings, and centres for traditional healing practices. They are also closely tied to local stories, myths, and rituals, which help bring people together and strengthen their bond with nature.
In today’s hurried lives, we often find ourselves disconnected from the natural world. These sanctuaries provide a much-needed retreat, offering a peaceful setting to pause, reflect, and release the stresses of daily life. Surrounded by greenery and the calming sounds of nature, they help us find inner balance and tranquillity, reminding us of our deep connection to the natural world and the life around us.
Despite their immense value, only around 14,000 Sacred Groves have been officially documented. Experts, however, estimate that the actual number could be as high as 100,000 to 150,000, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive identification and conservation efforts to protect these invaluable ecological and cultural treasures.
The gradual loss of traditional beliefs and cultural practices that once safeguarded these spaces has left them increasingly vulnerable. Modern development projects, changes in land use, and agricultural expansion are encroaching on their boundaries, leading to deforestation and soil degradation. The spread of invasive species and the decline of village grazing lands (Gairans) further exacerbate the strain on these fragile ecosystems. Unfortunately, current conservation strategies often fail to address the underlying causes of degradation, as they remain disconnected from the lived realities of local communities. The politicisation of conservation, where short-term gains outweigh long-term sustainability, weakens the effectiveness of protection measures. Most importantly, the marginalisation of traditional custodians, the very people who have safeguarded these groves for centuries, deprives these ecosystems of their most effective protectors. Weak enforcement of legal frameworks also exposes these ancient landscapes to unchecked exploitation and degradation.
These treasured landscapes now stand at a critical crossroads, demanding immediate action for their survival. The Supreme Court’s decision to classify Sacred Groves as “forests” and “community reserves” is a significant step, but effective conservation requires a multi-pronged approach.
This should begin with thorough demarcation and surveys, both on the ground and through satellite imagery, to clearly define the boundaries of Sacred Groves and prevent further encroachment. Equally important are socio-economic surveys to understand the needs and dependencies of local communities for developing sustainable management plans that balance ecological protection with human welfare.
Biodiversity assessments are essential for identifying endemic or endangered species and prioritising conservation efforts in those areas. Similarly, studying ecosystem services-such as nutrient cycling, pollination, seed dispersal, and natural pest management-is essential for maintaining ecological balance, supporting agriculture, and combating climate change. These services, though often overlooked, are fundamental to both environmental health and human livelihoods.
A comprehensive economic valuation of Sacred Groves, encompassing both direct and indirect benefits, is crucial for illustrating their true worth. This valuation should include the cost of lost ecosystem services, the potential for sustainable economic activities, and the long-term economic implications of environmental degradation. By quantifying these economic factors, policymakers and communities can better understand the tangible benefits of investing in the conservation of these vital ecosystems. This economic lens provides a powerful argument for integrating Sacred Grove protection into broader economic development strategies, demonstrating that environmental conservation and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive, but rather, interdependent.
To preserve these ancient ecosystems for future generations, fostering a sense of ownership among local communities is essential. This sense of responsibility can be nurtured through active community engagement, particularly by involving women, who play a crucial role in sustainable conservation. Restoring degraded groves by removing invasive species, addressing encroachments, and establishing local monitoring systems can effectively secure their long-term protection.
However, to implement these strategies effectively, it is essential to streamline the roles of village-level committees to eliminate redundancy and enhance coordination. Selecting appropriate legal and institutional frameworks tailored to each grove’s specific needs—such as utilising the Wildlife Protection Act for groves near wildlife areas or the Forest Rights Act for forest-dwelling communities-ensures more effective management. In non-forested regions, empowering Gram Sabhas or integrating Joint Forest Management programs can provide sustainable conservation solutions. These tailored approaches align conservation efforts with the unique circumstances of each Sacred Grove.
The Supreme Court has directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to formulate a comprehensive policy for the nationwide governance and management of Sacred Groves. This policy must account for the intricate relationship between various legal frameworks, such as the Village Panchayat Acts, the Wildlife Protection Act, the Forest Rights Act, the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, and the Biological Diversity Act, to establish a robust protective framework. Ensuring that all Sacred Groves are officially classified as ‘forests’ under the Supreme Court’s time-bound process (Writ Petition (Civil) No 1164/2023) is also vital for their protection.
Safeguarding these ecological and cultural treasures requires the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders-communities, policymakers, and conservationists alike. The urgency to act cannot be overstated, as their decline threatens not only ecological balance but also the cultural ethos that binds communities together. Empowering local communities and integrating their traditional ecological knowledge into conservation strategies are essential for ensuring the long-term preservation of these invaluable sites. Ultimately, the enduring legacy of Sacred Groves underscores how conservation and culture can coexist harmoniously, fostering a sustainable relationship between humanity and nature.
(The writers are former principal chief conservators of forests, UP and Maharashtra. Views expressed are personal)
