In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India has instructed the government to create a policy aimed at the effective management and preservation of sacred groves across the country. Sacred groves, which are forested areas preserved by local communities for religious and cultural purposes, are vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.
Importance of Sacred Groves
Sacred groves serve as crucial ecosystems that host a wide variety of plant and animal species, including rare and endangered ones. These areas are not only significant for their environmental role but also for their cultural importance to indigenous communities. The preservation of these groves is seen as essential for safeguarding both ecological diversity and traditional practices.
Court’s Concerns and Ruling
The Court’s directive comes in response to growing concerns about the degradation of sacred groves due to deforestation, urbanization, and the absence of effective conservation measures. The Supreme Court emphasized the need for a comprehensive policy that outlines clear guidelines for the protection, management, and restoration of these vital ecosystems.
Expected Impact of the Policy
The implementation of this policy is anticipated to boost conservation efforts and promote the sustainable management of sacred groves. It is expected to strengthen both environmental protection and the preservation of cultural heritage, benefiting local communities and the broader ecological landscape.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What was the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding sacred groves?
- a) To allow urbanization of sacred groves
- b) To formulate a policy for the effective management of sacred groves
- c) To encourage deforestation in sacred groves
- d) To remove all sacred groves from the list of protected areas
Answer: b) To formulate a policy for the effective management of sacred groves
- Why are sacred groves important?
- a) They provide recreational spaces for tourists
- b) They maintain biodiversity and ecological balance
- c) They are used for farming and agricultural activities
- d) They are primarily for urban development
Answer: b) They maintain biodiversity and ecological balance
- What has led to the degradation of sacred groves?
- a) Proper conservation measures
- b) Deforestation, urbanization, and lack of conservation measures
- c) Increase in sacred grove areas
- d) Active management by the local communities
Answer: b) Deforestation, urbanization, and lack of conservation measures
- What is expected from the new policy on sacred groves?
- a) To encourage the commercial use of sacred groves
- b) To include guidelines for the protection, management, and restoration of sacred groves
- c) To allow deforestation in sacred groves for urban development
- d) To reduce the cultural significance of sacred groves
Answer: b) To include guidelines for the protection, management, and restoration of sacred groves
- What is the cultural significance of sacred groves?
- a) They are mainly used for industrial purposes
- b) They are important for the religious and cultural practices of indigenous communities
- c) They serve as tourist attractions
- d) They are primarily used for agriculture
Answer: b) They are important for the religious and cultural practices of indigenous communities