Question : Preservation of Sacred Groves

(a) whether sacred groves acts as reservoirs of rare fauna and flora and are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the details and extent of sacred groves identified in the country, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether the Government has identified the threats to the existence of sacred groves in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government provides any funds/grants in this regard and if so, the details thereof during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise; and
(e) the concrete steps proposed to be taken by the Government for preserving and maintaining the sacred groves in the country including assistance rendered to the State Governments, local communities and voluntary organizations in this regard?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a)Sacred Groves are patches of forest areas that are revered by the community on religious grounds. Sacred Groves are not part of the four categories of Protected Areas as per Chapter IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

(b) to (e)The information is being collected and would be laid on the Table of the House.

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