7. Conservation of Biodiversity - VA

Question 1

What is the context behind the Supreme Court’s recommendation on sacred groves in India?

Answer 1

The Supreme Court has recommended that the Union government create a comprehensive policy for the governance and management of sacred groves across the country, recognizing their ecological and cultural significance.

This recommendation emphasizes the importance of sacred groves in preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Question 2

What is a key consequence of the Supreme Court’s intervention regarding sacred groves?

Answer 2

A key consequence is the potential for stronger legal protection and management of sacred groves, which are vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, water conservation, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.

This could lead to enhanced conservation efforts and community engagement.

Question 3

Cloze: Sacred groves are patches of land dedicated by local communities to ___, ___, or ___ spirits, preserved in a near natural-state of vegetation.

Answer 3

deities; nature; ancestral

Sacred groves serve as sites of worship and environmental conservation.

Question 4

Cloze: Examples of sacred groves in India include Dev Vans (Himachal), Bugyals (Uttarakhand), Sarpa Kavu (Kerala), and ___ in Meghalaya.

Answer 4

Law Kyntang/Law Lyngdoh

These examples highlight the regional diversity of sacred groves in India.

Question 5

Cloze: The Supreme Court recommended protection of sacred groves under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, particularly through Section ___, which enables the declaration of ‘community reserves’.

Answer 5

36-C

This section allows for community involvement in the management of local biodiversity.

Question 6

What are the important keywords for sacred groves in India?

Answer 6

• Sacred groves
• Community reserves
• Biodiversity
• Cultural heritage
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
• Section 36-C
• National Forest Policy 1988
• DPSP Article 48A
• Fundamental Duty Article 51A(g)
• Community conservation

These keywords encapsulate the legal, cultural, and ecological aspects of sacred groves.

Question 7

What are the main issues facing sacred groves in India? (Crisp bullet points, 2-3 keywords each)

Answer 7

• Urbanization: encroachment, infrastructure
• Deforestation: resource exploitation
• Cultural erosion: weakening traditions

These issues threaten the sustainability and integrity of sacred groves.

Question 8

What are the main solutions for protecting sacred groves? (Crisp bullet points, 2-3 keywords each)

Answer 8

• Legal protection: Wildlife Protection Act, community reserves
• Community involvement: local stewardship
• Policy support: National Forest Policy, Supreme Court rulings

Implementing these solutions can enhance the protection of sacred groves.

Question 9

What is the way forward for sacred groves in India? (Crisp bullet points, 2-3 keywords each)

Answer 9

• Strengthen legal frameworks
• Empower communities
• Promote awareness and education
• Integrate conservation with development

These steps are essential for the sustainable management of sacred groves.

Question 10

What are some value addition points for an exam answer on sacred groves?

Answer 10

• Reference to Supreme Court and Section 36-C of Wildlife Protection Act
• Mention of successful community efforts (Piplantri Village, Mawphlang Sacred Grove)
• Highlight constitutional safeguards (DPSP Article 48A, Fundamental Duty Article 51A(g))

These points can provide depth and context to an answer on sacred groves.