The social forestry division, Alappuzha, has decided to provide Rs 70,000 for seven recently discovered sacred groves in the district.

The fund was allotted by the Central government under a scheme to conserve biodiversity.

According to Alappuzha social forestry division range officer Mr S. Sreekumar, the fund was sanctioned after a five-member expert panel submitted a report.

“Seven sacred groves have been found to be the most eco-friendly groves in the district as they encourage biodiversity.

The department has decided to give Rs 10,000 to each sacred grove under the central government scheme.

“The panel has found that these sacred groves have been enriched by valuable plants, including medicinal and edible plants and highly expensive woods. The owners of the groves will not be allowed to carry out construction or other development activity with the money. The funds are allotted only for the conservation of the groves,” he said.

“The expert panel found that these groves have much-sought-after medical plants commonly used for health problems.

A special wing will check the progress of the sacred groves at regular intervals," he added promising that the funds would be distributed by the end of this month.

The president of the Kavu Paristhithi Samrakshana Samithi (Grove and Environment Protection Committee) Alappey, Mr T.P. Ramachandra Panickar, said the Samithi would take all steps to conserve these sacred groves.

“About 16,000 sacred groves have been discovered in the district. The Samithi, which originated in Alappuzha, has roots across the state, and has decided to conduct campaigns to make people aware of the ecological feasibility of sacred caves,” Mr Panickar said.