Kasampatty sacred grove gets Biodiversity Heritage Site tag in TN

New Delhi: Tamil Nadu government has Notified Kasampatty (Veera Kovil) sacred grove as a Biodiversity Heritage Site, this marks the second such site, following Arittapatti in Madurai (2022) in the state.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has approved the notification of Kasampatty (Veera Kovil) “Sacred Grove” in Dindigul District as a Biodiversity Heritage Site under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

This was informed by Supriya Sahu the Additional Chief Secretary Environment Climate Change & Forests government of Tamil Nadu on social media post on X…saying “Beyond its religious significance, the grove plays a vital ecological role, serving as an ecological bridge that supports local wildlife and maintains environmental balance”.

“This initiative ensures the long-term protection of the grove’s genetic diversity, ecological significance, and cultural legacy for future generations” she added.

According to the official press release, the site hosts an impressive variety of species  48 plant species, 22 shrubs, 21 lianas (woody vines), and 29 herbs.

It also shelters more than 12 species of birds, along with small mammals, reptiles, and numerous insects, highlighting the grove’s genetic richness.

Located near the Alagarmalai Reserve Forest, Kasampatty Sacred Grove spans 4.97 hectares and is deeply revered by locals, who worship the deity “Veeranan.” 

It is surrounded, by  mango plantations and also benefits from its rich biodiversity, which aids pollination and enhances soil fertility.

This designation comes more than two years after Tamil Nadu’s first BHS recognition in November 2022, when the government declared Arittapatti and Meenakshipuram villages in Madurai district as the state’s first Biodiversity heritage site.

The Arittapatti BHS covers a total of 193.43 hectares – 139.63 hectares in Arittapatti village (Melur block) and 53.8 hectares in Meenakshipuram village (Madurai East taluk).

Arittapatti is ecologically and historically significant, home to over 250 bird species, including key raptors like the Laggar Falcon, Shaheen Falcon, and Bonelli’s Eagle.