Western Ghats, a globally significant ecological region, are under increasing threat due to various anthropogenic and governance challenges. Discuss the major concerns of western ghats and suggest measures to ensure their sustainable protection. (10M, 150 Words)

The Western Ghats stretch 1,600 km across 6 states, covering 160,000 sq. Km. They host 20% of India’s plant and animal species and regulate the monsoon and major river systems such as Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012) and a global biodiversity hotspot.

Major Concerns and Threats to Western Ghats:

Anthropogenic Challenges:

• Unregulated Development: Hill cutting, tourism infrastructure and road expansion leading to habitat fragmentation. For examples, Kodagu & Wayanad landslides are linked to reckless construction
• Mining Pressures: Iron ore and stone quarrying leading to deforestation, air & water pollution.For example, high pollution levels recorded in Goa & Karnataka mining leases around ecologically sensitive zones
• Agricultural activities: Commercial crops such as tea, coffee, and rubber are replacing natural forests leading to loss of endemic species.Human-wildlife conflict is also rising due to shrinking habitats
• Hydroelectric Projects: More than 50 big dams are altering river flows, fish habitat, and silt transport.
• Climate Change Stress: Irregular monsoons and rising temperatures are leading to increased forest fires, pest attacks, biodiversity loss.

Governance Challenges:

• Federal challenges: Gadgil Committee (2011) & Kasturirangan Report (2013) diluted zoning norms for western ghats due to state level opposition.
• Institutional Challenges: Multiple agencies managing forests, wildlife, water is leading to fragmented decision-making.
• Lack of Community Involvement: Tribal and local communities excluded from planning despite being primary guardians of the ecosystem.
• Poor enforcement of regulations: Sand mining, poaching, encroachments flourish due to corruption and limited monitoring.
• Development vs Ecology Conflicts: Prioritization of short-term economic gains over long-term ecological stability.

Measures needed:

Strengthening Governance:

• Notify full Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) with strict regulation on mining and red-category industries.
• Mandatory cumulative environmental impact assessments for all large projects.
• Independent ecological audits with open GIS/remote-sensing data for all stakeholders.

Community-Centric Forest Management:

• Recognize Community Forest Rights under FRA 2006 to empower indigenous stewardship.
• Promote eco-friendly livelihood programs such as organic farming, and forest produce value chains.

Landscape-Level Scientific Planning:

• Limit tourism and construction in landslide-prone zones.
• Restore native forest cover to improve watershed stability.

Climate-Resilient Restoration:

• Rewild monoculture plantations with native species.
• Develop wildlife corridors to reduce fragmentation.

Conclusion:

As Western Ghats are indispensable, conservation must be inclusive, science-driven and development-sensitive. A shift from extractive approach to ecological governance is essential to secure the region’s long-term sustainability.

‘+1’ Value Addition

• Western Ghats is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012) with 39 biodiversity hotspots across 4 states.
• Western Ghats are home to more than 325 globally threatened species (IUCN) and are called the “Galápagos of India” due to endemism.
• They support 245 million people with freshwater supply and irrigation across Western & Southern India.
• Only 7% of Western Ghats currently classified under protected areas which exposes remaining stretches to developmental stress.

La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.

FOLLOW US ON:

◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam

◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS

◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/

GET IN TOUCH:

Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/

or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140

OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020

Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524,  Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081

Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040