The devaswom department in Kerala has announced a comprehensive project aimed at transforming temple premises across the state into greener and more eco-friendly spaces. The initiative, titled 'Devaranyam', is set to be launched on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day.
Implementation and Collaboration
The project will be implemented with the cooperation of multiple stakeholders, including the devaswom boards, temple advisory committees, the forest department, and devotees. Under this initiative, greening and conservation activities will be carried out in 3,087 temples administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board, Cochin Devaswom Board, Malabar Devaswom Board, Guruvayur Devaswom Board, and Koodalmanikyam Devaswom Board.
Planting Goals and Landscaping
The government aims to plant and nurture one lakh saplings within a year as part of the programme. Temple premises will be landscaped with flowering plants such as thechi, while indigenous and culturally significant tree species including peepal, banyan, athi, ithi, and bael will also be planted. Additionally, medicinal plants will be cultivated, and special attention will be given to the preservation and restoration of traditional temple groves.
Role of Social Forestry
Officials have stated that the social forestry division will play a key role in ensuring the successful implementation of the project. Apart from contributing to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, the government believes the initiative will create long-term ecological and social benefits for devaswom institutions.
Launch Event
The state-level inauguration of the programme will be held at 8 a.m. on June 5 at the Peroor Sreekrishna Swamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram. The event will be inaugurated by Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan. A high-level meeting chaired by the minister reviewed preparations for the launch.
The devaswom department expects the Devaranyam initiative to strengthen environmental stewardship while preserving the cultural and ecological heritage associated with Kerala's temples.
