Protests against declaration of biodiversity site

Dindigul: Villagers and members of Tamilar Desam Katchi on Tuesday held a demonstration near Natham bus stand in Dindigul, condemning the declaration of Kasampatti Veera Kovil sacred grove as a biodiversity heritage site, saying it would affect local customs and the temple.
The Tamil Nadu govt had declared the Kasampatti Veera Kovil sacred grove, spanning 4.97 hectares, as a biodiversity heritage site. The protesters, however, stressed that the declaration was done without consulting local villagers, and that no outside protection is needed for their sacred land and temple. They shouted slogans and demanded the withdrawal of the declaration, and threatened to intensify their protests.