• UGI USER
  • Jun 13, 2024
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STATES SEEK REDUCTION OF ECO-SENSITIVE AREAS IN WESTERN GHATS

Why in the news?

  • Three states seek reduction of Eco-Sensitive Areas in the Western Ghats to allow for developmental works.
  • States Involved: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu.
  • Reason: Allow developmental works.
  • Current Situation: Original draft from 2014; latest draft set to expire.
Source:researchgate

About Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs):

  • Definition: Areas within 10 km of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, designated as eco-fragile or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs).
  • Purpose: Protect ecologically sensitive areas from harmful activities under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • Implementation: State governments primarily declare ESZs, with Union government authority to extend beyond 10 km for significant ecological corridors.
Key Facts about  Western Ghats:

  • Geological Age: Older than the Himalayas, significant geomorphic features.
  • Local Names: Sahyadri (Maharashtra), Nilgiri Hills (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu), Anaimalai Hills and Cardamom Hills (Kerala).
  • Topography: Higher elevation (avg. 1,500m), more continuous than Eastern Ghats, increasing height southwards.
  • States Covered: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat.
  • Major Rivers: Origin of Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Mahanadi rivers.
  • Peaks: Anamudi (2,695m, highest in Peninsular India), Doddabetta (2,637m, highest in Tamil Nadu/South India).
  • Hill Stations: Ooty (Nilgiris), Munnar (Annamalai Hills), Kodaikanal (Palani Hills).
  • Monsoon Influence: Crucial role in Indian monsoon, moderates tropical climate.
  • Biodiversity: ‘Hottest hotspot’ of biodiversity, high endemism, 325+ globally threatened species.
  • Forest Type: Home to exceptional tropical evergreen forests.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/ecologically-sensitive-zones-esz/