India, March 25 -- The historical, ecological, and socio-cultural importance of Sacred Groves cannot be overstated. There is an urgent need for a holistic conservation strategy to protect them, writes BKP Sinha and Arvind Jha

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has directed that all Sacred Groves across the nation should be officially classified as "forests" and "community reserves" under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This decision is a major step in legally safeguarding these natural sanctuaries, known for their ecological and cultural significance.

In Indian culture, forests have always been revered not only for their ecological importance but also for their deep societal and spiritual significance. Ancient texts...