Sacred Groves of Jhalda: A Hidden Paradise in West Bengal

Recognizing the importance of sacred groves in preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development, it is essential to identify and document these special forest patches at the community level.By creating an inventory of the existing sacred groves, we can better plan for their conservation and ensure their protection in the future.In order to explore the biodiversity of a hidden paradise of West Bengal, a total of 54 sacred groves were surveyed across four blocks: Baghmundi, Jhalda-1, Jhalda-2, and Joypur, situated in the southern and southwestern regions of the Purulia district.Within these SGs, 74 plant species from 38 plant families were documented and identified.These plant species were found to hold diverse economic values; out of the total species recorded, there were medicinal plants (62%), edible fruit plants (14%), plants used for rituals (10%), timber yielding plants (10%), and non-timber plants (4%).