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| The Western Ghats. Image credit: Unesco |
Nestled along the western coast of India, the Western Ghats is nothing short of a natural marvel.
Recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site, this mountain range is a biodiversity treasure, having an extraordinary variety of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
But despite its ecological richness, the Western Ghats is facing mounting threats that could jeopardise this unique ecosystem and have catastrophic ripple effects.
UNIQUE BIODIVERSITY
The Western Ghats is home to over 4,000 plant species, with more than half of its 650 tree species being endemic - meaning they grow only there.
The region’s forests, including tropical evergreen forests, shola forests, and unique seasonally mass-flowering meadows, support this incredible biodiversity.
There are also the Asian elephant, gaur, and tiger.
The Western Ghats also play a crucial role in determining the monsoon weather patterns, and thereby sustaining river systems, agriculture, businesses and livelihood.
THREATS LOOM LARGE
Unfortunately, this ecological treasure is under serious threat.
Satellite data show that there has been a loss of around 20,000 hectares of tree cover in just 17 years across parts of Karnataka alone.
The reason - developmental activities like road and railway construction, urbanisation, and the conversion of forest land into tourist resorts.
Then, there are also illegal hunting and quarrying, extraction of forest produce by local communities (often for their livelihood), human-wildlife conflicts, etc. Thus, the pressure on the ecosystem is of various kinds.
The degradation of this ecosystem can result in extreme weather events like flash floods and landslides - phenomena that have become more frequent in the region due to climate change.
The 2024 Wayanad landslide tragedy was a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring sustainable development and environmental safeguards.
CONSERVATION OR DEVELOPMENT
This is a tricky question, and there are no easy answers.
The 2011 Gadgil Committee report recommended strict restrictions on human activities in large parts of the Ghats, but faced pushback for being too stringent and potentially disruptive to local communities.
In response, the Kasturirangan Committee in 2013 proposed a more balanced approach. It suggested designating 37% of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive zones, allowing regulated economic activities like eco-tourism and green industries in other areas.
But the debate continues.
WAY AHEAD
There is no doubt that the Western Ghats is a jewel of biodiversity and vital for the ecological wellbeing of peninsular India.
The key probably is in getting the balance right between conserving its unique natural heritage and accommodating sustainable development.
Environmental laws have to be strictly enforced, and local communities need to be involved in the development of the area.
We are already facing the disruptive impacts of climate change on all walks of life. If biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats aren't preserved, one can only imagine how bad things can get.
(This post is part of the A to Z Challenge. The theme is environment.)
People need to be educated, for sure. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeletePradeep! Sorry to have missed the previous few... nothing at all, even from follow-it, to prompt me to check for posts. Tsk. Anyhoo... I have now caught up on reading. I noted your pre-commentary on S which hints at retirement approaching (???), and loved the VIF post with the pic of their very own "Bugingham Palace"! You have brought us through so many wonderful points relating to ecology and climate - nearly there my friend! YAM xx
In this short but brilliant piece, you have brought out the high importace to maintaining the balance in the Western ghat ecosystem. There should be clear do’s and don!ts with responsibilities fixed. Your last line clearly sounds the warning bell.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of the Western Ghats in India, so found this really enlightening the area sounds amazing
ReplyDeleteThe Western Ghats have endured much due to human deeds and misdeeds. There's much controversy going on in the range in Kerala too with local people not ready to accept some of the environmentalists' suggestions.
ReplyDeleteThat's hard. Those who need the area for their livelihood should be allowed to continue, but too many people will destroy the biodiversity that the area needs to survive. I hope it manages to survive.
ReplyDelete"Then, there are also illegal hunting and quarrying, extraction of forest produce by local communities (often for their livelihood), human-wildlife conflicts, etc. Thus, the pressure on the ecosystem is of various kinds."
ReplyDeleteThese are the real issues, not efficient railway lines, and the more problematic roads. Both can be designed to minimally affect wildlife.