The Eastern Ghats, a vast mountain range in India, spanning across the eastern coast of the Indian subcontinent, exhibit a diverse array of geological characteristics that have played a crucial role in shaping the landscape and ecology of the region. Comprising a series of hills, plateaus, and valleys, the Eastern Ghats are a result of complex geological processes that unfolded over millions of years. These mountains hold geological significance due to their diverse rock formations, including ancient granites, schists, and sedimentary rocks, providing valuable insights into the geological history of the Indian subcontinent. Beyond their geological attributes, the Eastern Ghats hold immense ecological significance, harboring a rich biodiversity and serving as a crucial ecological corridor for various species. The region’s unique blend of flora and fauna, coupled with its role in regulating local climate patterns, underscores the ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats in sustaining the delicate balance of the environment. Understanding and appreciating the geological and ecological characteristics of the Eastern Ghats is essential for conservation efforts and the sustainable management of this ecologically significant landscape.
Answer
In south India, Eastern ghats are also referred to as Purva ghats, Mahendra parvatam or kizahakku kodachi malai. Eastern ghats are collections of irregularly shaped low ranges that run parallel to Bay of Bengal’s shoreline from NE To SW.
GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EASTERN GHATS
- EASTERN GHATS AN ANCIENT organic belts formed by the collision of crustal rocks during the Archean eon & became part of the Indian subcontinent during Gondwana period because of continental drift. This discontinuous mountain range passes through Odisha(25%), Andhra pradesh(40%), Telangana(5%), Karnatka(5%) & Tamil nadu(25%).
- Eastern ghats have a very unique mix of forests like Dry savannah, Dry evergreen, Southern thorn scrub, etc. Eastern ghats are heavily eroded by east-flowing rivers like godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, Kaveri etc. Many animals including tigers & elephants & some 400 species of birds are found in this discontinuous forest & receive an annual rainfall of 1200-1500mm.
Economic significance of Eastern Ghats
- The hills of the eastern ghats are home to several tribes Savara, Jatapu, Konda Dora, Gadaba, Khond, Manne Dora, and Mukha and minor forest products. Major attractions are Tirupati, raku valley, malkangiri, etc.
- Minerals, biodiversity, agriculture, tourism, water resources, delta etc are major ecological significance.
- The eastern ghats are home to deposits of limestone, bauxite and iron ore.
- Valuable trees including eetti, mahogany, semmaram, vengai, pala & rosewood are found here.
Challenges
- Effects of climate change, cyclones, haphazard constructions leading to increased denudation & degradation, deforestation, poaching, illegal sand mining etc.
- A recent report by Green’s Alliance for Conservation of Eastern Ghats (GRACE) & CGR, stated all historically & culturally significant mountains of Eastern Ghats should be declared UNESCO cultural heritage sites. It will increase the economic significance of ghats.
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