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

• 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).

About Kasampatty Sacred Grove (Veera Kovil Grove):

• Location:

• • 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.