The Supreme Court of India emphasized the need to protect sacred groves and urged the Ministry of Environment to formulate a governance policy. The court recommended a national survey to map these groves and recognize community roles in their protection under existing laws. The Piplantri village model showcases successful conservation and community initiatives, warranting support and policy recommendations.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday underscored the importance of safeguarding sacred groves, recommending that the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) develop a comprehensive policy for their governance and management. These sacred groves, revered for their cultural and spiritual significance, are critical to India’s ecological and cultural heritage.
Highlighting the significance of these community-protected forests, a bench comprising Justices B R Gavai, S V N Bhatti, and Sandeep Mehta observed:
“Nature is the source of all material things: the maker, the means of making, and the things made. Spirit is the source of all consciousness which feels pleasure and feels pain.”
The bench emphasized the need to protect sacred groves under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, particularly through Section 36-C, which allows for the declaration of “community reserves.”
Key Directives for Sacred Groves Conservation –
Read Also: Global Blocking Order Against Book on Baba Ramdev | X Warns of Dangerous Precedent
The court issued a series of recommendations and directives:
- National Survey and Mapping
- Directed the Rajasthan Forest Department to conduct on-ground and satellite mapping of sacred groves in the state and classify them as “forests.”
- Suggested a nationwide survey to identify the location, area, and extent of sacred groves, ensuring flexible boundaries to support natural growth while preventing encroachment or deforestation.
- Recognition of Community Roles
- Urged the Rajasthan government to designate these areas as “community forest resources” under Section 2(a) of the Forest Rights Act, formally recognizing the traditional communities that have protected them.
- The Piplantri Model: A Blueprint for Success
The Piplantri village in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district was highlighted as an inspiring model. Following the tragic loss of a girl child, the community initiated a practice of planting 111 trees for every girl born, transforming the region’s environment and addressing social issues like female foeticide.- Over 40 lakh trees planted raised the water table by 800–900 feet and reduced the local climate temperature by 3–4°C.
- The village now boasts a higher female population ratio (52%) and ensures education for all girls.
- Policy Recommendations
- Advised the MoEFCC to support such initiatives with financial aid, technical guidance, and enabling policies.
The court proposed forming a five-member committee, headed by a retired Rajasthan High Court judge, to ensure the directions are implemented.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE