The Western Ghats is one of the physiographic divisions of India. It
spread over six Indian states namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and
Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
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| western ghats UPSC |
Why Western Ghat is important for India and the world
Because of the following reasons/importance: It is/has-
- One of the global biodiversity hotspots: In
India, four biodiversity hotspots were found Namely- the Western Ghats, The
Himalayas, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland comprising Great Nicobar.
- 6% of the total land of India
and 30 % of all plant & species
- Tropical Wet evergreen to Montane Grassland and
numerous medicinal plants
- Shola ecosystem & Spices region of the
world.
- Nilgiri Biosphere reserve and many valleys such as silent valleys are there.
The recent challenge facing due to degradation of Western Ghats:
- Man wild conflict Due to Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Flood in Kerala, Karnataka & Tamil Nadu Due to illegal & unscientific mining, deforestation, creation of large dams & miss-management
- Loss of Biodiversity Due to the usage of chemical fertilizer & pesticides, overgrazing, and unsustainable farming practice.
- Development Vs environment
- Climate Change
Government Steps were taken to Conserve Western Ghats
Gadgil Committee formation:
Some important suggestions are:
- Declare all areas to the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).
- Eco-sensitive zone-1: highly sensitive, the highest priority for conservation.
- Eco-sensitive zone-2. Less secure than ESZ-1
- Eco-sensitive Zone-3- less secure than ESZ-2
- No mining in the Western Ghats
- No large Dam
- Only Organic farming permitted
- Separate monitoring department for the Western Ghats
- No new development project in WG
Criticism of Gadgil Report.
- Purely environmentalism decision, not viable in the long run
- No alternate method is suggested for the state exchequer loss due to a complete ban of mining and other development activities in WG.
- Fears among farmers and states.
Kasturirangan Report:
- Some major suggestions are.
- Declare only 37 % of Western Ghats to the eco-sensitive zone.
- No separate monitoring department needed
- Only after detailed study mining, dam, and thermal power plant will be permitted.
- Red industries i.e highly polluting industries should be completely banned
Somehow Kasturirangan's suggestion tried to balance development and the environment. However, more discussion is needed to find out the sustainable way to use the environment
Try to solve the following questions:
- Outline the Government of India's strategies for conservation of the Western Ghats. (UPSC 2015, 200 words, 15 marks)
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