Wed Apr 09 16:50:51 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Heritage Site Designation Faces Opposition
**Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, April 9, 2025** – The recent declaration of the Veera Kovil sacred grove in Dindigul district as a biodiversity heritage site has been met with opposition from local villagers in Kasampatty. Villagers expressed concerns that the designation would disrupt their traditional practices, particularly the 800-year-old temple rituals which are exclusively for men. They fear the new status will restrict access to their traditional routes through the grove.
Vijendra Singh Malik, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board, visited Kasampatty on Wednesday to address the villagers’ concerns. He assured the community that a committee, headed by District Forest Officer M. Rajkumar, would be formed to discuss their apprehensions and answer their questions regarding the declaration. The villagers, however, warned of a mass protest if the government does not revoke the order.
First Piper 