Scientists moot Unesco tag for ‘sacred groves’ saved by North East tribe

LUCKNOW: An ancient tribal conference hall in the midst of forests will make you forget the swanky corporate offices. This hidden marvel lies in Meghalaya and has been diligently preserved by the Jaintia tribe.
The natural heritage has been discovered by the scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow. The scientists accessed this rich natural vegetation, preserved through local taboos and sanctions, only when they removed their shoes, belts and leather items to enter the sacred spot.
They also found over 600 species of plants at the site.
According to the scientists, Sein Raij Tuber, the sacred grove of West Jaintia hills in Meghalaya is a perfect example of sustainable biodiversity conservation and a tool for climate change mitigation.
W ith the help of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Meghalaya, Harish C Chaudhary, BSIP and its Centre for Promotion of Geoheritage and Geotourism (CPGG) scientists who were on a hunt for a geoheritage sites, reached Sein Raij Tuber.
The barefoot scientists were awestruck when they entered the sacred groves, which are also the natural treasure trove for a large number of endemic, endangered and rare plant species conserved by Jaintia tribes of the region following their spiritual beliefs and traditional rituals.
The team came across around 600 plant species of which only 100 are identified so far. The team also came across ancient tribal conference halls, wells and others well maintained by tribes with zero use of plastic, concrete or any nonbiodegradable material. Talking to TOI, BSIP director Prof Mahesh G Thakkar said, “We were on a visit to the Northeast as a part of research for CPGG.
While exploring some sites in Meghalaya, we came across these ‘sacred groves’, which is a true example of sustainable development and how the tribal population has maintained it using zero concrete.” “Initially, we were a bit worried when asked to remove shoes to enter Sein Raij Tuber, as it was a dense forest. But then, we saw that the pathways made by tribes were so well maintained that while walking for kilometres through a dark canopy of trees above us and soft humus under the feet, we didn't get a single prick of the thorn or insect bite,” he said.
“For centuries now, Jaintia tribes’ customs and traditions have been woven into the land and the forests. Visitors are not allowed to take anything away from this hallowed forest, not even a pebble or a twig. This part of India, which is untold and untouched, holds a great potential of international tourism, climate, flora and fauna research and fits the bill for being a Unesco-recognised geoheritage site,” Prof Thakkar added. “There is no government intervention in the maintenance of Sein Raij. It is the tribal community that takes care of everything. We came across a conference hall where tribal leaders held meetings.
The hall didn't have any fancy infrastructure but just trees and untouched historical stone seats,” said Shilpa Pandey, senior scientist and CPGG convener. She said that urban planners may follow such traditional tribal designs for architecture to minimize carbon footprints