Correct Option
The Gond and Korku tribes, primarily inhabiting regions of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, observe an annual month-long ecological and cultural tradition. During this period, typically coinciding with the monsoon season, they engage in planting saplings of various fruit-bearing trees. This practice is deeply embedded in their traditional knowledge systems, serving multiple purposes such as biodiversity conservation, enhancing local food security, and contributing to ecological benefits like soil conservation, reforestation, and carbon sequestration. This festival is sometimes referred to as Hariyali Mahotsav.
Incorrect Options
- Bhutia and Lepcha: These communities are predominantly found in Sikkim. While they have rich cultural traditions, they are primarily known for their distinct Buddhist festivals and cultural practices, not for the specific month-long fruit-tree plantation campaign described.
- Irula and Toda: These tribes are indigenous to Tamil Nadu. They possess unique ecological practices and traditional knowledge systems; however, they are not specifically associated with the month-long fruit-tree sapling plantation festival mentioned in the question.
- Sahariya and Agariya: The Sahariya tribe is mainly found in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, and the Agariya tribe in central India. These communities are not primarily noted for the specific month-long fruit-tree planting campaign described.