Ecological and Cultural Significance of Sacred Groves, Ponds, and Lakes in North East India
1.
Introduction
North East India is a global biodiversity hotspot where
traditional conservation practices are deeply intertwined with the spiritual
and cultural fabric of indigenous communities. Among these practices, the
protection of Sacred Groves, Large Ponds, and Lakes stands
out as an ancient and effective method of community-based resource management.
2. Sacred
Groves
A. Distribution
●
Sacred groves are found
extensively across all eight states of North East India, particularly in Meghalaya,
Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
●
In Meghalaya, they are known
as Law Kyntang (Khasi hills) and Asong Khosi (Garo hills),
covering approximately 1,000 square kilometres.
●
In Manipur, they are
referred to as Umang Lai, managed by the Meitei community.
B. Importance
●
Biodiversity
Conservation: These groves act as
"climax vegetation" or virgin forest patches that provide a refuge
for endangered flora and fauna.
●
Ecosystem Services: They play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, soil
conservation, and maintaining the micro-climate of the region.
●
Hydrological Functions: Many groves are located near the source of perennial streams,
acting as natural sponges that regulate water flow and recharge groundwater.
C. Recognition
●
They are recognised as centres
of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) where religious taboos prohibit the
felling of trees or the killing of animals.
●
Governmental and
environmental bodies increasingly recognise these as Community Reserves
under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, aiding in formal conservation efforts.
3. Large
Ponds and Lakes
A. Distribution
●
Lakes: The most famous is Loktak Lake in Manipur, the largest
freshwater lake in the region. Other significant lakes include Deepor Beel
in Assam and Umiam Lake in Meghalaya.
●
Ponds: Large historical ponds are concentrated in Upper Assam,
particularly around Sivasagar, where the Ahom dynasty excavated massive tanks
like Sivasagar Pukhuri and Joysagar Pukhuri.
B. Importance
●
Livelihood Security: Lakes like Loktak support thousands of people through fishing
and the collection of edible aquatic plants.
●
Habitat for Wildlife: These water bodies are vital habitats for migratory birds and
rare species, such as the Sangai (brow-antlered deer), found on the floating
islands (Phumdis) of Loktak.
●
Flood Mitigation: Large ponds and wetlands (Beels) serve as natural reservoirs
that absorb excess rainwater during the monsoon, reducing the impact of floods
in the Brahmaputra valley.
C. Recognition
●
Several lakes, including
Loktak and Deepor Beel, are recognised internationally as Ramsar Sites,
highlighting their global ecological importance.
●
Historical ponds are recognised
as protected monuments by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) due
to their heritage and architectural value.
|
Feature |
Local Name (Region) |
Key Importance |
Recognition |
|
Sacred Groves |
Law Kyntang (Meghalaya), Umang Lai (Manipur) |
Genetic diversity, Carbon
sequestration |
Community Reserves,
Cultural Heritage |
|
Lakes |
Loktak (Manipur), Deepor
Beel (Assam) |
Fishing, Habitat for
Sangai, Avifauna |
Ramsar Sites |
|
Large Ponds |
Pukhuri (Assam) |
Water storage, Historical
heritage |
ASI Protected Monuments |
References
●
CABI Compendium. (2020). Dipterocarpus
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●
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●
Grow-Trees. (2026). Hollong:
Northeast India's towering rainforest giant.
●
IP International Journal of
Comprehensive and Advanced Pharmacology. (2022). Bombax ceiba plant.
●
Research Journal of Pharmacy
and Technology (RJPT). (2020). Review on traditional uses, biological
activities, phytoconstituents of Bombax ceiba Linn.
●
Thakur, S. K., et al.
(2002). An early assessment of Dipterocarpus retusus progeny trial.
●
Wikipedia. (2026). Bombax
ceiba.
●
World For Nature. (n.d.). Assam
ST - Hollong (Dipterocarpus retusus).
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