SC Recommends Centre to Develop Policy for Protecting Sacred Groves

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity and Governance

Context

• The Supreme Court has directed the Union Government to create a comprehensive policy for the protection and management of sacred groves across the country. 

What are Sacred Groves?

• Sacred groves are patches of trees or forest areas that are traditionally protected by local communities for their religious, cultural, and ecological significance.
• They are known by diverse names: Devarakadu in Karnataka, Kavu in Kerala, Sarna in Madhya Pradesh, Oran in Rajasthan, Devrai in Maharashtra, Umanglai in Manipur, Law Kyntang/Law Lyngdoh in Meghalaya, Devan/Deobhumi in Uttarakhand etc.
• Sacred groves preserve biodiversity, regulate climate, conserve water, support livelihoods, protect cultural heritage, and promote environmental awareness.

Threats to Sacred Groves

• Urbanization and Encroachment: Increasing human settlements and infrastructure development have led to the loss of sacred grove areas.
• Deforestation and Resource Exploitation: Unsustainable extraction of wood, medicinal plants, and other resources threatens the ecological balance.
• Cultural Erosion: Changing socio-cultural values and diminishing community practices weaken traditional protections.

Supreme court ruling

• There is a need for a nationwide survey of sacred groves under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
  • The survey must identify the area and extent of the groves. 
• The court recommended protection of sacred groves under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, particularly through Section 36-C, which enables the declaration of “community reserves.”
• The preservation of these groves was seen as critical for maintaining biodiversity and safeguarding the cultural heritage of entire communities.

India’s Current Policy on forest protection

• Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, state governments can declare any private or community land as a community reserve to protect biodiversity and cultural values.
• The National Forest Policy of 1988 encourages local communities to protect and improve forest patches through customary rights.
• The Supreme Court, through the T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad case and other judgments, has reinforced the role of communities in protecting forest ecosystems.

Constitutional Safeguards

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Article 48A of the Constitution directs the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.
• Fundamental Duties: Article 51A(g) enjoins citizens to “protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.”

Examples of Successful Community Efforts

• Piplantri Village, Rajasthan: Local efforts transformed barren land into lush green groves, demonstrating the power of community-driven conservation.
• Mawphlang sacred grove: Located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, this grove is a popular tourist destination and an important educational center

Way Ahead

• Sacred groves should be granted legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and declared as community reserves.
• The government must recognize and empower local communities and tribes under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, as custodians of sacred groves.
• Communities should be given the authority to regulate excess exploitation or harmful activities within sacred groves.

Source: TH