Abstract:
India’s vast cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its diverse and traditional ecological practices, which
have been integral in maintaining ecological balance for centuries. From the Himalayas to the coastal
plains of the south, Indian communities have developed a rich tapestry of cultural practices interwoven
with environmental stewardship. These practices often extend beyond the scientific understanding of
ecology, embodying a holistic approach to conservation that balances human needs with those of the
natural world. As environmental challenges like climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss
become more pressing, India's environmental laws have increasingly started to recognize and
incorporate these traditional practices, acknowledging the critical role they play in sustainable
development and ecological balance.
One prominent example of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in India is the practice of
maintaining sacred groves—forest areas preserved for religious or cultural reasons. These groves,
dedicated to local deities or ancestral spirits, have long been untouched by deforestation or hunting
and serve as biodiversity reserves. They reflect the deep-seated belief that nature itself is sacred, which
has indirectly contributed to the preservation of flora and fauna across regions. However, with rapid
modernization and urbanization, many of these traditional practices are under threat, prompting the
need for their integration into legal frameworks to ensure their continuation. In recent years, India's
environmental laws have gradually evolved to accommodate traditional knowledge and cultural
practices, demonstrating that sustainable development in India can be achieved by respecting both
modern science and indigenous wisdom.
