People's initiative protects a sacred grove.

摘要

This paper analyses the various sociocultural and ecological dimensions of a revived sacred grove situated at the Chilkigarh village in West Bengal, India. In view of the current conservation status of the sacred grove, and for its long term conservation and better management, a 4-point programme has been initiated: (1) to promote natural regeneration of the forest, socio-cultural gatherings are being restricted in the ear-marked place of the grove; (2) to enrich the grove flora, socio-culturally relevant plant species are being introduced; (3) to ensure social fencing, the prevailing traditional beliefs and values about the grove are being increasingly publicized; and (4) to increase income through devotees, visitors and tourist, the area is being declared as an eco-pilgrimage centre..