01 Aug Western Ghats Conservation: Balancing Ecology with Science and Dialogue
Why India’s Biodiversity Hotspot Needs Consensus-Based Conservation
GS Paper III
- Environment & Ecology
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Climate Change
- Disaster Management
- Sustainable Development
- Forest Governance
GS Paper II
- Centre–State Relations
- Environmental Governance
- Public Policy
- Stakeholder Consultation
Essay
- Conservation vs Development
- Sustainable Development
- Climate Change and Biodiversity
- Environmental Governance
Why is this in News?
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has extended the tenure of the expert panel examining the notification of the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in the Western Ghats after discussions with the concerned States remained inconclusive.
The editorial argues that the conservation of the Western Ghats should move beyond confrontation and adopt a science-based, participatory and dialogue-driven approach. It emphasizes that biodiversity protection and local livelihoods must be balanced rather than viewed as competing objectives.
Consequently, the issue has once again become important for environmental governance, Centre–State relations and sustainable development.
Western Ghats: Location and Biodiversity
Quick Facts for UPSC Prelims
| Indicator | Facts |
|---|---|
| Length | Around 1,600 km |
| States Covered | Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu |
| UNESCO Recognition | World Heritage Site (2012) |
| Biodiversity Hotspot | One of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots |
| Endemic Species | Over 30% of India’s plant, fish, amphibian, reptile and mammal diversity includes many endemic species |
| Major Rivers Originating | Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Tungabhadra, Periyar |
| Highest Peak | Anamudi (2,695 m), Kerala |
Journey of the Western Ghats ESA
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) chaired by Madhav Gadgil constituted |
| 2011 | Gadgil Report recommended large ESA coverage and strict ecological protection |
| 2012 | Kasturirangan High-Level Working Group proposed a reduced ESA area with a development-conservation balance |
| 2014–2026 | Multiple draft notifications issued after consultations with States |
| July 2026 | Expert panel tenure extended to achieve consensus |
The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) proposed:
- Declaring large parts of the Western Ghats as ESA.
- Dividing the region into three Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ-1, ESZ-2 and ESZ-3).
- Restricting mining, quarrying and polluting industries in highly sensitive areas.
- Strengthening decentralized environmental governance.
- Encouraging participation of local communities in conservation.
However, several States expressed concerns regarding the possible impact on development and livelihoods.
What Changed Under the Kasturirangan Committee?
The Kasturirangan Committee recommended a more balanced approach.
Major Recommendations
- Reduced the proposed ESA area to approximately 37% of the Western Ghats.
- Used satellite imagery to identify natural landscapes.
- Allowed greater flexibility for human settlements and plantations.
- Continued restrictions on highly polluting industries and mining in identified ESAs.
Consequently, the report attempted to reconcile environmental protection with economic development.
Why is the Western Ghats Important?
1. Global Biodiversity Hotspot
The Western Ghats support thousands of endemic plant and animal species.
Moreover, they play a critical role in conserving India’s ecological heritage.
2. Water Security
Major peninsular rivers originate here.
Therefore, the region is vital for drinking water, irrigation and hydropower across southern India.
3. Climate Regulation
Dense forests absorb carbon dioxide and regulate the southwest monsoon.
As a result, they contribute significantly to climate resilience.
4. Disaster Risk Reduction
Healthy forests reduce:
- Landslides
- Soil erosion
- Flash floods
- Sedimentation
This ecosystem service has become increasingly important due to climate change.
5. Livelihood Support
Millions of people depend on the Western Ghats for:
- Agriculture
- Plantation crops
- Eco-tourism
- Forest produce
- Fisheries
Hence, conservation policies must remain socially inclusive.
Major Challenges
Despite ecological importance, the region faces several pressures.
Mining and Quarrying
Unregulated extraction has fragmented habitats and increased landslide risks.
Deforestation
Expansion of infrastructure and plantations continues to reduce natural forest cover.
Human–Wildlife Conflict
Increasing habitat fragmentation has intensified encounters between wildlife and nearby communities.
Climate Change
Extreme rainfall events and shifting weather patterns threaten fragile ecosystems.
Governance Challenges
Differences between the Centre and States have delayed the final ESA notification.
Why Dialogue is Necessary
The editorial emphasizes that conservation should not be imposed without stakeholder participation.
Local Communities
Farmers, plantation owners and forest dwellers need clarity regarding livelihood rights.
Indigenous Communities
Traditional ecological knowledge can strengthen conservation efforts.
Moreover, the Forest Rights Act, 2006 recognizes the rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
Scientific Evidence
High-resolution ecological mapping and field verification should guide policy instead of relying solely on remote sensing.
Government Initiatives
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- National Biodiversity Action Plan
- National Mission for Green India
- National Wildlife Action Plan (2022–2031)
- CAMPA
- Forest Rights Act, 2006
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (as amended)
Committee Comparison
| Aspect | Gadgil Committee | Kasturirangan Committee |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Ecology-first | Balanced ecology and development |
| ESA Coverage | Larger area | Around 37% of Western Ghats |
| Methodology | Extensive field-based ecological assessment | Satellite imagery with landscape approach |
| Development Restrictions | Stricter | More flexible for settlements and plantations |
Way Forward
India should finalize the ESA notification through transparent consultations with States, scientists and local communities.
Meanwhile, scientific mapping must be combined with ground verification to improve public confidence in the process.
Furthermore, sustainable livelihoods, eco-tourism and climate-resilient agriculture should receive greater policy support.
Finally, protecting the Western Ghats is essential not only for biodiversity but also for India’s long-term water security, disaster resilience and climate adaptation.
Map-Based Prelims Focus
- Anamudi Peak
- Nilgiri Hills
- Silent Valley National Park
- Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Kudremukh National Park
- Kali Tiger Reserve
- Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
- Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri and Periyar river origins
UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. With reference to the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), consider the following statements:
- It was chaired by Madhav Gadgil.
- It recommended classifying the Western Ghats into different Ecologically Sensitive Zones.
- It was constituted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation
- Statement 1: Correct. The WGEEP was chaired by ecologist Madhav Gadgil.
- Statement 2: Correct. It recommended categorizing the Western Ghats into three Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs) based on ecological significance.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. The panel was constituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and its recommendations relate to the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, not the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Western Ghats:
- They are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- They are one of the world’s recognized biodiversity hotspots.
- The Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri rivers originate from the Western Ghats.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation
- Statement 1: Correct. The Western Ghats were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
- Statement 2: Correct. They are among the 36 global biodiversity hotspots because of their exceptional species richness and endemism.
- Statement 3: Correct. Several major peninsular rivers, including the Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri, originate in the Western Ghats.
UPSC Mains Practice Question (15 Marks)
“The conservation of the Western Ghats requires a balance between ecological protection and livelihood security.” Discuss in the context of the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification and the recommendations of the Gadgil and Kasturirangan Committees. (250 words)
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