KOCHI: The ecologically significant sacred groves (Kaavu) are in for a lease of life. The Kerala Forest Department has drawn up a comprehensive plan to reinvigorate them. With the Forest Department having invited applications from the owners of these groves, financial support will be provided for the conservation of their eco-diversity, research, planting of rare species, cleaning of ponds, protection of rare species of animals and birds in these groves and for constructing bio-fences.
Those interested to apply for availing financial support should submit the applications on or before August 31. The applicants should also submit the ownership certificate/documents (copy), document on the total area of the sacred grove, detailed list of activities planned as apart of the revamp and other supporting documents. The application forms can be submitted in person at the Ernakulam Social Forestry Division Assistant Forest Conservator’s Office situated at Edappally Manimala Road.
On a rough estimate, Kerala has about 1,500 sacred groves which are distinct and unique in biological diversity. Ernakulam district has some major sacred groves in the state, including Iringorkavu spread over a hectare in Perumbavur. According to the Forest Department, “The sacred groves of Kerala are the remnants of evergreen forest patches, protected and conserved based on religious beliefs and a great repository of many endemic, endangered and economically important plant species.”