Over-religious Activity, A Threat to Biodiversity (3): Conserve ‘Kusha’ (Desmostachya bipinnata) before its Extinction

Abstract

Most of the Hindu religious functions can not be performed without the use of Kusha (Desmostachya bipinnata). The plant has a lot of metaphysical property to overcome anger and grief as claimed by Atharva Veda. In religious rites it is used for protection and purification of a system. It has many medicinal property as explored by Aayu rveda. In spite of restriction for its collection from natu re, there is no attempt for cultiv ation and conservation of the plant. The over use of this grass in religious practice along with day by day na rrowing of its spreading area may drag the plant towards endangered status leading to extinct.