Kasampatty Sacred Grove

Source: TH

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

About Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS):

• Definition:

• Biodiversity Heritage Sites are ecologically fragile areas possessing rich biodiversity, endemism, and cultural importance, often conserved by local communities.

• Declared Under: Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

• Criteria for Declaration:

• Areas with: Rich wild and domesticated species diversity High endemism or rare species Cultural or sacred significance (e.g., sacred groves) Ecological corridors or habitats for threatened species

• Rich wild and domesticated species diversity

• High endemism or rare species

• Cultural or sacred significance (e.g., sacred groves)

• Ecological corridors or habitats for threatened species

• Procedure for Declaration:

• Suggestions invited by State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) through Panchayats or Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) Ecological and cultural studies conducted in consultation with local communities Government Gazette notification issued by the State after public consultation Management plan implemented by local bodies and monitored by State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs).

• Suggestions invited by State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) through Panchayats or Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)

• Ecological and cultural studies conducted in consultation with local communities

• Government Gazette notification issued by the State after public consultation

• Management plan implemented by local bodies and monitored by State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs).

About Kasampatty Sacred Grove (Veera Kovil Grove):

• Location:

• Kasampatty village, near Alagarmalai Reserve Forest, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu Total area: 4.97 hectares

• Kasampatty village, near Alagarmalai Reserve Forest, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu

• Total area: 4.97 hectares

• First BHS in Tamil Nadu: Arittapatti village in Madurai district, declared in 2022

• Key Features of Kasampatty Grove:

• Cultural Significance: Locals worship deity Veeranan at the Veera Kovil Temple Ecological Importance: Acts as an ecological bridge, supporting pollination and soil fertility in nearby mango plantations Enhances local climate stability and wildlife connectivity Community-Led Conservation: Protected following a resolution by Reddiyapatty Panchayat Council Supported by the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board and District Collector.

• Cultural Significance: Locals worship deity Veeranan at the Veera Kovil Temple

• Locals worship deity Veeranan at the Veera Kovil Temple

• Ecological Importance: Acts as an ecological bridge, supporting pollination and soil fertility in nearby mango plantations Enhances local climate stability and wildlife connectivity

• Acts as an ecological bridge, supporting pollination and soil fertility in nearby mango plantations

• Enhances local climate stability and wildlife connectivity

• Community-Led Conservation: Protected following a resolution by Reddiyapatty Panchayat Council Supported by the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board and District Collector.

• Protected following a resolution by Reddiyapatty Panchayat Council

• Supported by the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board and District Collector.