Question

Why are sacred groves highly protected?

Answer 1

Hint: Sacred groves are areas of primaeval forest that some rural communities protect as deity abodes. Such “ecosystem people” rely on nearby resources for a living and value nature for the ecological services it provides.

Complete answer:
Devrai is derived from two local words: Dev, which means God, and rai, which means forest. So Devrai is the name of God's forest. Locals consider such forest patches to be sacred forests, so they are referred to as sacred groves.
Sacred grooves are a method for in-situ biodiversity conservation and the preservation of rare and threatened species. Sacred groves are forest fragments of varying sizes that are communally protected in India.
Because of religious and cultural traditions, sacred groves are highly protected—refugees for a large number of rare and threatened plants in ecologically unique and biodiversity-rich areas. Sacred groves are forest fragments that have been regenerated around places of worship.
Aside from these, sacred groves play an important role in maintaining the region's microclimate. The preservation of these groves can help to conserve water while also preventing soil and nutrient loss.

Note:
Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya and the Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan are examples of sacred groves. India has a long history of religious and cultural traditions emphasising environmental protection.