Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: Sacred groves, biodiversity conservation
Mains: GS Paper 1 & 3 — Culture, Environment, Biodiversity

Why in News?

Kerala has started a restoration programme for sacred groves (‘kavus’) to conserve biodiversity and revive traditional ecological systems.

What are Sacred Groves?

➤ Patches of forest protected due to:

• Religious beliefs
• Cultural traditions

➤ Known as:

• Kavus in Kerala

Key Features

• Rich biodiversity
• Home to rare & endemic species
• Natural water conservation systems

What is Kerala’s Programme?

Activities:

• Biodiversity assessment
• Removal of invasive species
• Plantation of native species
• Establishment of ‘kavu nurseries’

Ecological Importance

1. Biodiversity Conservation

• Protects endangered species

2. Climate Regulation

• Acts as carbon sink

3. Water Conservation

• Maintains soil moisture and groundwater

Challenges

• Urbanisation
• Cultural decline
• Encroachment
• Invasive species

Why This Matters

➤ Combines:

• Traditional knowledge
• Modern conservation

India-Specific Significance

• Sacred groves found across India:
  • Western Ghats
  • Northeast India

➤ Important for:

• Community-based conservation

Key Insight for UPSC

➤ Traditional practices can be:

✔ Powerful tools for conservation

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Sacred groves are:

A. Industrial areas
B. Protected forest patches
C. Urban settlements
D. Mining zones

✅ Answer: B

Q2. ‘Kavus’ are found in:

A. Rajasthan
B. Kerala
C. Punjab
D. Gujarat

✅ Answer: B

Q3. Sacred groves help in:

A. Pollution
B. Biodiversity conservation
C. Mining
D. Industry

✅ Answer: B

Q4. Invasive species:

A. Help biodiversity
B. Harm ecosystems
C. Improve soil
D. Increase rainfall

✅ Answer: B

Q5. Sacred groves are examples of:

A. Industrial development
B. Traditional conservation
C. Urbanisation
D. Trade

✅ Answer: B

CBL Mains Practice Question

“Traditional ecological practices like sacred groves play a vital role in biodiversity conservation.” Discuss.

FAQs

1. What are sacred groves?

Forest patches protected due to cultural beliefs.

2. What is Kerala’s initiative?

Restoration of degraded sacred groves.

3. Why are they important?

They conserve biodiversity and water resources.

4. What are the threats?

Urbanisation and invasive species.

5. Which GS paper covers this topic?

GS Paper 1 & GS Paper 3.