In Garhwal and Kumaon, numerous large and small patches of forests are protected and preserved as “sacred groves” by communities. Villagers, through ‘divine sanction’, are stopped from harming any vegetation in these groves. It is utterly wrong to blame the recent forest fires in the state on villagers who are devoted to conservation
Anmol Jain
Tribune News Service
Mussoorie, May, 14
Forest officials blame villagers for the recent spread of forest fires in Uttarakhand causing devastation in large areas.
However, the role played by the people of Uttarakhand in conserving, protecting and nurturing the forests can’t be questioned. Hundreds of sacred groves are protected by the people as a matter of faith.
The death of nine persons while trying to douse forest fires in the past month point to the efforts of the common man to protect their forests.
In Garhwal and Kumaon numerous large and small patches of forests are protected and preserved as “sacred groves” by communities. Villagers, through “divine sanction” are stopped from harming any vegetation in these groves. Such groves have been thriving since centuries. [more]
