India's Supreme Court orders protection for sacred groves, granting them legal status as forests.

The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Rajasthan government to protect sacred groves, known as Orans, by granting them legal status as forests under the Wildlife Protection Act. The court also directed a nationwide policy for managing similar sacred groves, emphasizing their ecological and cultural significance. It urged the Ministry of Environment to survey these areas and support community-led conservation efforts, such as those in Piplantri village, by offering financial and technical help.

3 months ago
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