Why in the news?

  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in its recent World Heritage Outlook, 2025 report, classified the Western Ghats as being of “significant concern” due to escalating threats.

Western Ghats

  • Location:
    • Stretches ~1,600 km along India’s western coast, from Tapti River (Gujarat–Maharashtra border) to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu).
    • Passes through six states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
  • Ecological Significance:
    • It is one of the biodiversity hotspots in India.
    • It is known for shola forest and known for species like Nilgiri langur, Lion Tailed Macacu.
  • Conservation Concerns Over the Western Ghats:
    • Developmental Pressure:
      • Hydropower projects: e.g., ₹5,843 crore Sillahalla Pumped Storage Project (Nilgiris).
      • Large-scale dams, mines, and roads fragment habitats and alter river ecology.
    • Deforestation & Habitat Loss:
      • Expansion of plantations (tea, coffee, rubber, eucalyptus, acacia) replacing native forests.
      • Encroachment for agriculture and real estate development.
    • Climate Change:
      • Altered rainfall patterns, increasing temperature, and species migration to higher altitudes.
      • Example: Nilgiri flycatcher and black-and-orange flycatcher shifting ranges.
    • Tourism & Waste Dumping:
      • Unregulated eco-tourism leading to solid-waste accumulation, forest degradation, and wildlife disturbance.
      • Garbage often consumed by animals like elephants — increasing human–wildlife conflict.
    • Invasive Alien Species:
      • Spread of eucalyptus, acacia, and lantana has replaced native vegetation.
      • Affects soil moisture and biodiversity composition.
    • Infrastructure & Fragmentation:
      • Roads and railways among the top five emerging threats (as per IUCN Outlook-4, 2025).
      • Fragmentation leads to loss of connectivity for migratory and large mammals.
    • Mining & Quarrying:
      • Illegal and unregulated iron-ore and bauxite mining causing pollution, landslides, and river siltation.
  • Conservation Efforts:
    • Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) – Gadgil Committee (2011): Recommended declaring 64% of the region as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
    • Kasturirangan Committee (2013): Reduced ESA to 37%, balancing development and conservation.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012): 39 serial sites recognized for Outstanding Universal Value.
    • IUCN World Heritage Outlook-4 (2025): Rated as of “Significant Concern” due to rising pressures.
    • National Biodiversity Mission, Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs), and LiFE Mission support conservation.