Sacred groves in Meghalaya act to conserve plant diversity

SHILLONG - Indigenous cultural and rituals practices of the local people in sacred groves of Meghalaya help in conserving nature and environment.

Sacred groves are sites that have cultural and spiritual significance for the locals.There is a belief that these groves are important and they should be protected “, according to Ormsby, an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies.

India has the largest collection of sacred groves in the world. n Meghalaya the tradition is followed with reverence.

The concept of sacred groves in Meghalaya was conceived in their wisdom by their forefathers.

“They would have been wiped out in along with forests all around, but fortunately this sacred groves are not touched due to religious sanction,” according to Sumar Singh Sawain, a villager living in the area.

The concept of sacred groves entails supply of clean water and air, help reduce soil erosion, provide habitat for many species of plants and animals, and serve as a seed bank. (ANI)