Notification of Kasampatty (Veera Kovil) Sacred Grove as Biodiversity Heritage Site in Dindigul District under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
The Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department, through G.O. Ms. No. 52, Environment, Climate Change and Forest (FR.5), dated 12 March 2025, declares the Kasampatty village Veera Koil sacred grove in Dindigul District as the Kasampatty Biodiversity Heritage Site. The declaration covers Survey Number 52/2 in Reddiapatty Village Panchayat, with an area recorded as 4.97.50 hectares, while allowing the general public to worship at the Veera Kovil temple within the site without hindrance.
What the notification does
The Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department issued G.O. Ms. No. 52, Environment, Climate Change and Forest (FR.5), dated 12 March 2025. Acting under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, after consultation with local bodies and on the recommendation of the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board, notified the specified area as the Kasampatty Biodiversity Heritage Site.
The declaration is intended to strengthen biodiversity conservation and protect the sacred grove from rapid biodiversity loss. The notification describes the grove as rich in biodiversity and as a place with ecological, cultural and religious importance that has been safeguarded by the local community.
Land covered
The Kasampatty Biodiversity Heritage Site is identified in the schedule by the following particulars:
- Sacred grove: Kasampatty village Veera Koil sacred grove.
- District: Dindigul.
- Taluk: Natham.
- Village Panchayat: Reddiapatty.
- Forest range: Alagar Koil range.
- Survey Number: 52/2.
- Area: 4.97.50 hectares.
- Boundary information: 15 GPS coordinate points are provided in the schedule.
A buyer, owner or professional dealing with Survey Number 52/2 in this locality should compare the land records and site location with the survey number and GPS coordinates in the gazette.
Local use and worship
The Kasampatty Biodiversity Heritage Site declaration expressly states that the general public may worship at the Veera Kovil temple located within the site without hindrance. The source also refers to national guidelines stating that creation of a Biodiversity Heritage Site may not restrict prevailing practices and uses of local communities, except restrictions voluntarily decided by them.
The notification records that local people protect the grove by not removing even a twig or leaf and by prohibiting footwear while crossing or entering it.
What property readers should note
The Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department notification identifies the protected area through its survey number, recorded area and GPS coordinates. It does not provide details about ownership, sale, development permission, compensation, land value or changes to revenue records. Those matters are not determined in the supplied gazette text.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Which land is included in the Kasampatty Biodiversity Heritage Site?
The schedule identifies Survey Number 52/2 in Reddiapatty Village Panchayat, Natham Taluk, Dindigul District. Its area is recorded as 4.97.50 hectares, and the schedule also gives 15 GPS coordinate points.
Can the public still worship at Veera Kovil temple?
Yes. The notification states that the biodiversity heritage declaration is without hindrance to the general public worshipping at the Veera Kovil temple located within the site.
Does the notification prohibit existing local community practices?
The notification cites guidelines stating that creation of a Biodiversity Heritage Site may not restrict prevailing practices and uses of local communities, except restrictions voluntarily decided by them.
Does the gazette decide who owns Survey Number 52/2?
No ownership determination is provided in the supplied gazette text. It identifies Survey Number 52/2 as part of the biodiversity heritage site but does not set out ownership or revenue record details.
