The Western and Eastern Ghats, two parallel mountain ranges running along the western and eastern coasts of India respectively, stand as vital ecological treasures and cultural landmarks. These majestic ranges, stretching across thousands of kilometers, harbor unparalleled biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. The preservation of the Western and Eastern Ghats is not merely an environmental imperative but a socio-economic and cultural necessity. Protecting these invaluable ecosystems is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, sustaining livelihoods of millions of people dependent on them, and safeguarding the rich tapestry of traditions and cultures that have flourished amidst these ancient hills. Thus, concerted efforts aimed at conservation and sustainable development are indispensable to ensure the continued vitality and resilience of the Western and Eastern Ghats for generations to come.
- The Deccan Plateau stands as a prominent landmass in India, constituting a significant physiographic division of the country.
- To the west, it is bordered by the Western Ghats, while the Eastern Ghats mark its eastern boundary.
- Running parallel to the coastline, the unbroken Western Ghats can only be crossed through passes.
- In contrast, the Eastern Ghats are characterized by rivers dissecting the plateau, creating a discontinuous and uneven terrain as they flow into the Bay of Bengal.
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SIGNIFICANCE OF WESTERN GHAT
- Biodiversity Hotspot:
- The Western Ghats cover a vast region across six states and serve as the habitat for numerous endangered plants and animals. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this region is acknowledged for its exceptional biological diversity.
- Global Hotspot of Biodiversity:
- Designated as one of the eight “hottest hot-spots” of biological diversity globally, the Western Ghats are characterized by a rich and unique variety of flora and fauna. This status highlights its crucial role in supporting diverse ecosystems.
- Ancient Geological Heritage:
- UNESCO notes that the Western Ghats are older than the Himalayas, representing an ancient geological heritage. The geological history of this region contributes to its distinct topography and ecosystems.
- Monsoon Influence:
- The Western Ghats play a significant role in influencing the weather patterns of the Indian monsoon. Acting as a barrier, they intercept the rain-laden monsoon winds arriving from the south-west during late summer. This interception contributes to the distribution of rainfall across the region, affecting local climates and ecosystems.
Overall, the Western Ghats are not only a vital reservoir of biodiversity but also hold geological and climatic significance, making them a crucial ecological asset.
EASTERN GHATS
- The Eastern Ghats extend from northern Odisha through Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu in the south, traversing certain regions of Karnataka.
- These ghats exhibit signs of erosion and are intersected by four prominent rivers of peninsular India, namely Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna, and Kaveri.
GADGIL COMMITTEE REPORT
The Gadgil Committee made several recommendations regarding the Western Ghats:
- Definition of Boundaries:
- The committee defined the boundaries of the Western Ghats specifically for ecological management purposes.
- Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA):
- The entire defined area of the Western Ghats was proposed to be designated as an ecologically sensitive area (ESA).
- Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ):
- Within the ESA, smaller regions were to be identified and categorized as ecologically sensitive zones (ESZ) I, II, or III. The categorization would be based on the existing condition of these regions and the nature of the threats they face.
- Grid Division:
- The committee suggested dividing the entire area into approximately 2,200 grids. Among these grids, about 75 percent would fall under ESZ I or II. Additionally, some of these grids would overlap with existing protected areas such as wildlife sanctuaries or natural parks.
- Western Ghats Ecology Authority:
- To regulate activities within the area, the committee proposed the establishment of a Western Ghats Ecology Authority.
These recommendations were aimed at enhancing ecological conservation and sustainable management of the Western Ghats region.
KASTURIRANGAN COMMITTEE
- The Kasturirangan Committee was set up in response to the lack of consensus among the concerned states regarding the recommendations of the Gadgil Committee, which had submitted its report in August 2011.
- None of the six states involved agreed with the suggestions made by the Gadgil Committee.
- In August 2012, the then Environment Minister formed a High-Level Working Group on Western Ghats under Kasturirangan.
- The objective was to “examine” the Gadgil Committee report in a “holistic and multidisciplinary fashion in the light of responses received” from states, central ministries, and other stakeholders.
- The Kasturirangan Committee, in contrast to the Gadgil Committee, proposed bringing only 37% of the Western Ghats under the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) zones. This was a significant reduction from the 64% suggested by the Gadgil report.
Key Recommendations of the Kasturirangan Committee included:
- Ban on Mining, Quarrying, and Sand Mining:
- The committee recommended a ban on activities such as mining, quarrying, and sand mining in the identified sensitive areas.
- Restrictions on Thermal Power Projects:
- While no new thermal power projects were allowed, hydro power projects were permitted with certain restrictions.
- Ban on New Polluting Industries:
- The committee advocated for a ban on the establishment of new polluting industries in the Western Ghats region.
- Regulation of Building and Construction Projects:
- Building and construction projects up to 20,000 sq m were allowed, but townships were to be banned.
- Forest Diversion with Safeguards:
- The committee suggested that forest diversion could be allowed, but with additional safeguards in place.
The Kasturirangan Committee aimed to address the concerns raised by the states and stakeholders while proposing measures for the conservation and sustainable management of the Western Ghats.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Deccan Plateau?
A: The Deccan Plateau is a prominent landmass in India, representing a significant physiographic division. Bounded by the Western Ghats to the west and the Eastern Ghats to the east, it is characterized by a distinctive topography.
Q2: What are the natural boundaries of the Deccan Plateau?
A: The Deccan Plateau is bordered by the Western Ghats on the west and the Eastern Ghats on the east. These natural boundaries contribute to its unique geographical features.
Q3: How do the Western Ghats influence the Deccan Plateau?
A: The Western Ghats act as a barrier, influencing the monsoon weather patterns by intercepting rain-laden winds during late summer, thereby impacting the distribution of rainfall across the region.
Q4: What is the significance of the Western Ghats?
A: The Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous endangered plants and animals. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, they play a crucial role in influencing Indian monsoon weather patterns and are recognized globally for their biological diversity.
Q5: How old are the Western Ghats according to UNESCO?
A: UNESCO notes that the Western Ghats are older than the Himalayas, representing an ancient geological heritage that contributes to their distinct topography and ecosystems.
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