Syllabus: Environment & Ecology (Prelims + GS Paper 3)
Source: The Indian Express
Why In News:
Ecologist Madhav Gadgil has called for a community-led conservation model for the Western Ghats, highlighting failures in forest governance and poor implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
Western Ghats – Prelims Important Points
What are the Western Ghats?
- A mountain range along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau
- Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- One of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity
States Covered
- Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Key Features
- Over 7,400 species, with high endemism in plants and animals
- Origin of major rivers such as Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri
- Regulates monsoon patterns by trapping moisture-laden winds
- Diverse topography including lateritic plateaus, escarpments, valleys, and peaks like Anai Mudi (2,695 m)
Formation of the Western Ghats
- Part of the ancient Peninsular Shield, over 600 million years old (Precambrian Era)
- Formed through cratonic uplift and Deccan Trap volcanic activity, unlike the folded Himalayan ranges
- Faulting occurred as India drifted from Gondwana, leading to escarpment formation along the western coast
- Erosion over millions of years created valleys, residual plateaus, and rugged landscapes
Western Ghats Conservation – Mains Relevant Issues
1. Flawed Forest Governance
- Forest Departments use outdated and inflated data
- Example: Gadgil’s 1975 Uttara Kannada study exposed exaggerated bamboo stock claims used for industrial approvals
2. Industrial Pollution and Resource Exploitation
- Industries pollute ecologically fragile areas with state support and minimal accountability
- Example: Grasim Rayon Factory’s mercury discharge damaged fisheries in Kerala’s Chaliyar River
3. Poor Implementation of Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA)
- Tribal communities denied Community Forest Rights (CFR) despite legal entitlement
- Example: Majority of CFR claims remain pending in Kerala and Karnataka
4. Monoculture Plantations and Pesticide Use
- Native forests replaced by eucalyptus and acacia plantations, harming biodiversity
- Example: Wayanad experienced declines in pollinators and soil health due to pesticide-heavy plantations
5. Ecologically Harmful Fire Practices
- Fires lit for tendu leaf collection degrade forests and threaten wildlife habitats
- Example: Forest fires have increased in Gadchiroli and parts of Karnataka
6. Inaccurate and Delayed Forest Data
- Forest Survey of India reports lack local-level accuracy
- Example: 1970s satellite data showed 15 percent forest cover, while Forest Department claimed 23 percent
Committees on Western Ghats Conservation
| Committee | Year | Key Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (Gadgil Committee) | 2011 | Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) zoning, CFR implementation, Gram Sabha-led conservation |
| Kasturirangan Committee | 2013 | Development-friendly approach, reduced ESA coverage, limited community participation |
Way Forward – Mains Enrichment
Implement Community Forest Rights (CFR) under FRA, 2006
- Provides economic and ecological empowerment to local communities
- Example: Pachgaon (Maharashtra) earns income from bamboo, prevents forest fires, and restores sacred groves
Strengthen Democratic Decentralisation
- Empower Gram Sabhas for community-led conservation
- Example: Kerala’s Vana Samrakshana Samiti (VSS) promotes revenue sharing and forest protection
Modernise Ecological Data Monitoring
- Use satellite tools such as Google Earth, Bhuvan, and Global Forest Watch for real-time forest tracking
Ban Unsustainable Industrial Activities in ESA
- Strict enforcement of Supreme Court orders banning mining and destructive activities in fragile ecosystems
- Example: Mining in Goa and Kerala led to habitat fragmentation and water table depletion
Promote Sustainable Livelihoods Linked to Conservation
- Encourage non-timber forest product (NTFP) enterprises, eco-tourism, and agroforestry
- Example: Wayanad tribal co-operatives export organic turmeric and wild honey internationally
Conclusion
The Western Ghats are vital for India’s ecological stability, water security, biodiversity conservation, and cultural heritage.
Effective conservation requires:
- Community empowerment
- Scientific, transparent ecological data
- Ecologically just and sustainable governance
A community-driven, data-backed, and democratic approach is essential for conserving this ecologically sensitive region.
Power Shots for Prelims Revision
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Over 7,400 species with high biodiversity and endemism
- Major rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri
- Spread across six states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
- Highest peak: Anai Mudi (2,695 m)
- Formed by Deccan Trap Volcanism
- Major Committees: Gadgil Committee (2011), Kasturirangan Committee (2013)
