Tamil Nadu declares Kasampatty sacred grove in Dindigul a Biodiversity Heritage Site

The Tamil Nadu government has notified Kasampatty (Veera Kovil) Sacred Grove as a Biodiversity Heritage Site. The Forest Department has officially published the notification in the Government Gazette to mark the site’s recognition under the Biological Diversity Act of 2002.

The Tamil Nadu government has notified Kasampatty (Veera Kovil) Sacred Grove as a Biodiversity Heritage Site. The Forest Department has officially published the notification in the Government Gazette to mark the site’s recognition under the Biological Diversity Act of 2002.

Kasampatty, located near the Alagarmalai Reserve Forest in Dindigul district, now joins Arittapatti in Madurai as the second officially designated Biodiversity Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu. The announcement was made on March 27, 2025.

The sacred grove, nestled in the heart of Kasampatty village in Rediyapatty panchayat, spans 4.97 hectares. Surrounded by fertile mango plantations, it serves as a crucial ecological bridge, maintaining environmental balance and supporting local wildlife. 

Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) are areas of ecological significance, rich in both wild and domesticated species, rare and threatened species, and areas with high endemism or evolutionary significance. 

An official press release said that beyond its religious significance, the grove plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and regulating the local climate. Locals have long revered the site, worshipping the deity ‘Veeranan’ at the Veera Kovil temple, further embedding the site’s cultural importance.

Home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, the Veera Kovil Sacred Grove is a biodiversity hotspot. It hosts 48 plant species, 22 shrubs, 21 lianas, and 29 herbs, contributing to its genetic richness, the press release said. The grove also provides shelter to over 12 species of birds, small mammals, reptiles, and a diverse array of insects. 

The BHS status for the sacred grove was made possible following the Dindigul District Collector’s recommendation, supported by the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board and local authorities. The declaration comes after the Reddiyapatty Panchayat Council passed a resolution to protect the land in Kasampatty village and ensure the public’s continued access to the Veera Kovil temple.