Local Deities in Conservation- a Conservation Practice in Banju Nami Tok Sacred Grove in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

The present study was carried out in Banju Nami Tok sacred grove situated in village Chachganda of district Tehri to describe the role of small sacred groves dedicated to local deities in conservation. The grove covers an area of less than two hectares. This grove is dominated by Quercus leucotrichophora which is the only remnant of this species around 2 few km within that vicinity. In the present study 28 plant species which includes 12 tree, 5 shrub and 10 herb species belonging to 19 families were recorded. These plant species have different economic values like medicinal, edible, timber, oil and dye yielding and are used for making furniture, constructive timber and agricultural implements. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families represent the maximum number (3 each) of species. This grove provides different ecosystem services in the form of water, soil conservation and beautification of village.