Tamil Nadu Designates Kasampatty Sacred Grove as Biodiversity Heritage Site

The Tamil Nadu government has officially declared the Kasampatty (Veera Kovil) Sacred Grove, located near the Alagarmalai Reserve Forest in the Dindigul district, as a Biodiversity Heritage Site. This designation, approved by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, marks the second such site in Tamil Nadu, following Arittapatti in Madurai in 2022. Spanning 4.97 hectares, the Veera Kovil Grove is a biodiversity hotspot, home to 48 plant species, 22 shrubs, 21 lianas, and 29 herbs. It also shelters over 12 bird species, small mammals, reptiles, and insects. The grove, protected by locals who worship the deity Veeranan, acts as an ecological bridge, supporting wildlife, regulating the climate, and enhancing the fertility of surrounding mango plantations. This designation under the Biological Diversity Act 2002 ensures the preservation of its ecosystem, preventing projects that could negatively impact its biodiversity.