Meghalaya, the abode of clouds, can teach the rest of the country a lesson or two on forest conservation. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Actin Plan of the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment has identified the traditional "sacred groves" as models of eco-preservation. The sacred groves found in the Khasi Hills are so revered by the tribals that they consider it a grave sin and an unpardonable crime to cut a tree or even pluck a flower.