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The Western Ghats
Context:
The Western Ghats, often referred to as the Sahyadri or “benevolent mountains,” have long been celebrated for their ecological richness and striking landscapes.
Overview of the Western Ghats
- Location and Length: The Western Ghats stretch approximately 1,600 km along the western coast of India, covering the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, the Western Ghats are considered one of the planet’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
- Unique Ecosystems:
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- Evergreen forests: Lush, green forests that are vital for ecological balance and wildlife support.
- Shola grasslands and montane forests: Characterised by grass patches and stunted forests, adding to the region’s unique landscapes.
- Biodiversity and Endemism: The region hosts over 30% of India’s plant, fish, herpeto-fauna, bird, and mammal species.
- It includes a high number of endemic species such as the Nilgiri tahr and lion-tailed macaque. 50% of India’s amphibians and 67% of fish species are endemic to this region.
- Rivers and Waterfalls: The source of major rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, which provide water to large parts of India. The rugged terrain also creates stunning waterfalls, such as Jog Falls and Dudhsagar Falls, famous in India.
Significance
- Rainfall and Monsoon Influence: The Western Ghats act as a monsoon barrier, capturing moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea. This results in heavy rainfall on the windward side, supporting lush vegetation and rich biodiversity.
- Agro-biodiversity: Supports a variety of crops, including tea, coffee, and spices. Traditional farming practices are adapted to the local climate, making the region resilient.
- Hydrological and Watershed Functions: Play a vital role in water supply for 245 million people in peninsular India, with rivers originating here providing most of their water.
Environmental Threats to the Western Ghats
- Deforestation caused by the cultivation of cash crops like coffee, tea, rubber, and palm.
- Wildlife poaching, overfishing, livestock grazing, and agrochemical overuse pose significant threats to the forests and ecosystems.
- Infrastructure development, such as the construction of railways, mining areas, and tourist spots, disrupts the harmony of the natural environment.
Protection and Management of the Western Ghats
- The Western Ghats, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are under strict legal protection due to their immense ecological value. The 39 component parts of this property are protected under several national laws, including:
- Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972
- Indian Forest Act of 1927
- Forest Conservation Act of 1980
- These laws ensure that the area remains under the control of the Forestry Department and the Chief Wildlife Warden, providing legal protection to the forests, wildlife, and resources of the region.
- A significant portion (40%) of the area lies outside formally protected areas, primarily in Reserved Forests, which are also protected under the Forest Conservation Act.
Challenges in Governance
- The management of these 39 components across 4 states poses coordination challenges. To address this, a 3-tier governance mechanism is in place, operating at Central, State, and Site levels.
- A Western Ghats Natural Heritage Management Committee (WGNHMC) under the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) coordinates the efforts to protect the region.
Conservation Efforts
- Sustainable Livelihoods and Local Participation: The Forest Rights Act (2006) ensures the participation of local communities in the governance of the Western Ghats.
- Village Ecodevelopment Committees (VECs) are involved in regulating the livelihoods of local communities and integrating their concerns into conservation efforts.
- Eco-Sensitive Area Proposal:
- Gadgil Committee (2011): Madhav Gadgil’s report initially recommended declaring 75% of the 129,037 square km of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive due to its dense forests and endemic species.
- Kasturirangan Committee (2014): The Kasturirangan report, issued three years later, reduced the ESA to 50% of the area, addressing some concerns raised by the states but still drawing opposition, particularly from regions heavily dependent on industries like mining and quarrying.
