SC cites Bhagavad Gita while asking directs Centre to formulate policy to manage sacred groves

A bench of Justices B R Gavai, S V N Bhatti and Sandeep Mehta directed that as part of this policy the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change “must also develop a plan for a nationwide survey of sacred groves, by whatever name they are identified in each State.” “This survey should identify their area, location, and extent, and clearly mark their boundaries. These boundaries should remain flexible to accommodate the natural growth and expansion of these forests while ensuring strict protection against any reduction in size due to agricultural activities, human habitation, deforestation, or other causes.”

While pronouncing the judgement, the Supreme Court also cited a verse from the Bhagavad Gita to underscore the importance of the environment. “Nature is the source of all material things: the maker, the means of making, and the things made. Spirit is the source of all consciousness which feels pleasure and feels pain,” the court cited Verse 20 from Chapter 13 of the Bhagwad Gita.

Writing for the bench, Justice Mehta lauded the Piplantri village in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district, which under the leadership of its Sarpanch Shyam Sundar Paliwal, started the initiative to plant 111 trees for every girl child born. “This initiative transformed the damaged environment not only of the village but also of the nearby areas. This phenomenal effort also gave a positive impetus to the efforts for reducing societal biases against women,” said the bench.

“The Piplantri model has had many positive effects. Environmentally, over 40 lakh trees have been planted, which has helped raise the water table by 800-900 feet and cooled the climate by 3-4°C. These efforts have improved local biodiversity and protected the land from soil erosion and desertification. Economically, the planting of indigenous species of trees like gooseberry, aloe vera, and bamboo has created sustainable jobs. Aloe vera processing, furniture making, and other businesses have increased local incomes, providing work, especially for women, through self-help groups,” said the bench.

The Supreme Court bench also pointed out that the model has helped eliminate harmful practices like female foeticide. “The village now has a rare distinction of a higher female population ratio i.e. 52 per cent and ensures that all girls receive education. Financial support through the Kiran Nidhi Yojna 18 has empowered girls and their families, creating a community that celebrates and rejoices on the birth of a girl child rather than resenting it,” the bench added.

The bench said the Piplantri model “demonstrates how community-driven initiatives can effectively address social, economic, and environmental challenges in a cohesive manner.” “Active measures are required at the Governmental level to ensure that such ideas are implemented/replicated in other parts of the country to promote sustainable development and gender equality. The Central and State Governments should support these models by providing financial assistance, creating enabling policies, and offering technical guidance to communities,” added the bench.