PERUMBAVOOR: The biodiversity of Kerala can be seen in its kavus or sacred groves. A kavu is a patch of forest protected by assigning them as the abode of gods and goddesses. Protecting a kavu is in a way protecting the culture, nature and spiritual beliefs of a place. Iringole kavu, which is 3 km away from Perumbavoor town is attractive with thick greenery and has a wide range of medicinal plants. It is owned by the Travancore Devasom Board, and plays an important role in the maintenance of the ecosystem.
Many sacred groves of Kerala are facing threats at various levels. But the local people of Iringole kavu are making a difference and protecting the natural resources and taking care of the temple situated in the centre of the forest. “Thick woods and the two fresh water ponds balances the agro-ecosystem. There are many birds and bats, who nest in the kavu. The reptiles and insects make the kavu rich in all aspects,” says M P Sadanandan, former councillor.
The people here are wary of visitors and trespassers polluting the ecology here. “Some visitors discard plastic materials, carry bags etc here and this affects the beauty of the kavu and the ecological functions go wrong. Anti-social activities have also been reported by the local people,” said one of the locals. The visitors and the authorities should realise that the residents are sensitive to their cultural and spiritual backgrounds and the kavu has a great role in their lives.
The story of Iringole kavu goes that when Kamsa decided to kill the eight sons of his sister, the parents of the baby shifted Sree Krishna to Dwaraka. When Kamsa came to kill the baby, the girl child in the cradle became a supernatural power, remained in the atmosphere, and thus the area was named as Irinnole, later becoming Iringole. It is believed that the Gods and Goddesses surrounded the power in the form of trees and plants. And later the area developed into a beautiful thick forest.
The Nagancherry mana and the Nagancherry park, situated near the kavu are examples of the cultural heritage of the place. The mana is now under the responsibility of the Municipality which has handed it over to the Lalitha Kala Academy for a few years. The irony is that the municipality is not keen on preserving its architectural beauty. The mana is now inhabited by insects and birds. Many visit the grove as an eco pilgrimage and for pleasure trips. The tourism department has a great role in preserving the kavu and the mana. “The biodiversity and the ecological and cultural aspects of the kavu have to be taken care of. The activities that will adversely affect the conservation and management of the kavu should be curtailed. The residents are keen on conserving it and will be happy if they get more assistance from the authorities. In the evening some people gather in the compound for boozing and other illegal activities, harming the heritage of the place,” adds Sadanandan.