Context:
Western Ghat Regions (WGR) are witnessing an alarming rate of Soil erosion: IIT-Bombay study
Key Findings:
- Western Ghats in Gujarat record 119% rise in soil erosion in 30 years
- Across whole of Western Ghat Regions (WGR), the increase in erosion rate is 94%.
- In absolute terms, Maharashtra had the highest soil loss in 2020
- Kerala recorded the lowest loss.
Protection measures:
- Gadgil Committee and Kasturirangan Committee to assess the ecology of Western Ghats
- Western Ghats Natural Heritage Management Committee under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Western Ghats:
- Chain of mountains running parallel to India’s western coast.
- Runs from – Mouth of Tapti River near Gujarat-Maharashtra border to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, India’s southernmost tip (1600 km)
- Spread across 6 states – Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
- Significance –
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- One of 36 biodiversity hotspots on Earth.
- Recognized as one of the world’s 8 ‘hottest hotspots’
- Include unique shola ecosystem
- Best representatives of non-equatorial tropical evergreen forests.
- Acts as barrier to eastward moving clouds during monsoon.
- Rich in iron, manganese and bauxite ores in parts of their ranges.
- Hosts several plantation crops and important source of timber
Source: Times of India
Previous Year Question
Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
(b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
(c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
(d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and NagarjunasagarSrisailam Tiger Reserve
Answer: (a)
