Kasampatty Sacred Grove has been officially notified as Tamil Nadu’s second Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

About Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS)

• Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) are ecologically fragile areas that possess rich biodiversity, high endemism, and cultural significance. 
• These areas are often conserved by local communities and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
• Purpose of Declaring BHS: The primary purpose of declaring Biodiversity Heritage Sites is to enhance the quality of life for local communities through the conservation of ecologically and culturally significant sites.
• India’s First Biodiversity Heritage Site: India’s first BHS was Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka, which was declared in 2007.

Criteria for Declaration of  Biodiversity Heritage Sites

• A site is considered for declaration as a Biodiversity Heritage Site if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
  • Rich diversity of wild and domesticated species.
  • High levels of endemism or the presence of rare species.
  • Cultural or sacred significance, such as sacred groves.
  • Ecological corridors or habitats that support threatened species.

Legal Framework and Implementation of  Biodiversity Heritage Sites

• Biodiversity Heritage Sites are declared under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• The State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) invite suggestions through Panchayats or Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
  • Ecological and cultural studies are conducted in consultation with local communities.
  • A Government Gazette notification is issued by the state after public consultation.
• The State Government, in consultation with the Central Government, may frame rules for the management and conservation of these sites.
• The local bodies implement the conservation efforts, while State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) monitor them.

About Kasampatty Sacred Grove (Veera Kovil Grove)

• Location: The Kasampatty Sacred Grove is located in Kasampatty village, near Alagarmalai Reserve Forest, in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu.
• Importance: The grove acts as an ecological bridge, supporting pollination and soil fertility in nearby mango plantations.
  • It also enhances local climate stability and wildlife connectivity.
• Religious and Cultural Significance: The locals worship the deity ‘Veeranan’ at the Veera Kovil Temple within the grove.
  • The grove has been protected following a resolution by the Reddiyapatty Panchayat Council, demonstrating a strong commitment to community-led conservation.

What are Sacred Groves?

• Sacred groves are community-protected forest patches that hold both cultural and ecological significance. 
• These groves are conserved through traditional customs and religious beliefs and serve as biodiversity hotspots and water recharge zones.

Legal Protection for Sacred Groves

• Sacred groves are legally protected under ‘Community Reserves’ in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002.
• Community Reserves are areas designated for conservation with direct participation from local communities to preserve natural resources and wildlife.

Supreme Court Ruling on Sacred Groves

• T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India (1996): This case established that any land with forest characteristics should be considered forest land.
• Expert Committee Report (Rajasthan, 2004): An expert committee in Rajasthan identified sacred groves as forests only if they met specific criteria: a minimum of 5 hectares with at least 200 trees per hectare.
• Supreme Court’s Latest Ruling (2024): The Supreme Court overruled the earlier criteria and directed that all sacred groves be mapped, classified as forests, and declared as community reserves.
• Conflict Between Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) and Forest Rights Act (FRA): The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, recognizes community forest resources under gram sabhas.
  • However, the Supreme Court directive places sacred groves under government control, leading to a legal conflict between community rights and state management.

Conclusion

By recognizing and protecting these sites, India continues to preserve its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage while supporting local communities in conservation efforts.