DECCAN PLATEAU

Arun, Jishnu, Nilendu, Sami

Introduction
The Deccan Plateau is a large, flat expanse of land, which covers an
area of over 500,000 square kilometres, which is around 43% of indian
land mass. It covers 8 indian states.

It is triangular in shape and is bounded by the Satpura and Vindhya

mountain ranges to the north, the Western Ghats to the west, and the
Eastern Ghats to the east.

The Deccan plateau can be subdivided as follows:The Maharashtra

Plateau – it has typical deccan trap topography underlain by basaltic
rock.The Karnataka Plateau (also known as Mysore plateau) –
divided into western hilly country region of ‘Malnad’ and Telangana
Plateau.

Its general slope is from west to east which is indicated by the flow of its
major rivers.Major rivers include: Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Narmada
and tapi.The climate of the region varies from semi-arid in the north to
tropical in most of the region. The plateau experiences very little rainfall,
averaging only about 600 millimetres.
Deccan Plateau, Hot semi-arid ecoregion
Abiotic and Biotic Components
Soil Type - Black Soil, Red and Yellow Soil
Average elevation - 600m
Water - Surface Water - The plateau is drained by the Godavari
and Kaveri River taking a southeasterly course; by the Krishna
River, which divides the peneplain into two regions.
Underground water - 6 - 40m
Rainfall - The yearly rainfall typically averages 600mm.
Temperature - Temperature averages between 25-28 degrees.
Maximum temperatures average 28 degrees C in January and
build rapidly to 37 degrees C by May. It goes upto 46 degrees.
The area holds 75 mammal species. This includes -
Elephants - 12,000 km2 Brahmagiri-Nilgiri-Eastern Ghats Elephant
Range
Wild buffalo, packs of wild dog, sloth bear, four-horned
antelope or chousingha, gaur, blackbuck, and the Indian
Gazelle or chinkara.
The birds consists of about 260 species including Indian
bustard and lesser florican that are both globally threatened
The 3,500 km2 Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve is one of the
largest and most important for large species. The Sri
Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary (464 km2) and Sri
Penusila Narasimha Wildlife Sanctuary (1,031 km2) were
established to protect the Jerdon’s courser.
There are 7 protected areas, but their coverage is inadequate
to represent the biodiversity and conservation needs,
especially to conserve the large, space-requiring species.
Dry deciduous forest.
Vegetation Species - Terminalia, Albizia, Cassia, Dalbergia,
Stereospermum, Pterocarpus, Shorea, and Diospyros.
Ground water management in Deccan Plateau
Traditional water management systems:
Cheruvu: Cheruvu are found in Chitoor and Cuddapah districts in Andhra
Pradesh. They are reservoirs to store runoff. Cheruvu embankments are
fitted with thoomu (sluices), alugu or marva or kalju (flood weir) and kalava
(canal).

Kohli Tanks: The Kohlis, a small group of cultivators, built some 43,381
water tanks in the district of Bhandara, Maharashtra, some 250-300 years
ago. These tanks constituted the backbone of irrigation in the area until
the government took them over in the 1950s. It is still crucial for sugar and
rice irrigation. The tanks were of all sizes, often with provisions to bring
water literally to the doorstep of villagers.

Phad:The community-managed phad irrigation system, prevalent in

northwestern Maharashtra, probably came into existence some 300-400
years ago. The system operated on three rivers in the Tapi basin -
Panjhra, Mosam and Aram - in Dhule and Nasik districts.The system
starts with a bandhara (check dam or diversion-weir) built across a rivers.

From the bandharas branch out kalvas (canals) to carry water into the
fields. The length of these canals varies from 2-12 km. Each canal has a
uniform discharge capacity of about 450 litres/second. Charis
(distributaries) are built for feeding water from the kalva to different areas
of the phad.
Bhanadaras: These are check dams or diversion weirs built across
rivers. A traditional system found in Maharashtra, their presence raises
the water level of the rivers so that it begins to flow into channels. They
are also used to impound water and form a large reservoir.Where a
bandhara was built across a small stream, the water supply would
usually last for a few months after the rains.They are built either by
villagers or by private persons who received rent-free land in return for
their public act.Most Bandharas are defunct today. A very few are still in
use.

Kere:Tanks, called kere in Kannada, were the predominant traditional

method of irrigation in the Central Karnataka Plateau, and were fed
either by channels branching off from anicuts (check dams) built across
streams, or by streams in valleys. The outflow of one tank supplied the
next all the way down the course of the stream; the tanks were built in a
series, usually situated a few kilometres apart. This ensured a) no
wastage through overflow, and b) the seepage of a tank higher up in the
series would be collected in the next lower one.
Development History

● The plateau has been inhibited by various indigenous tribes, including Gonds, Kols and Bhils.
● Several powerful kingdoms including Mauryan Empire, Satavashanas, Chalukyas, Rastrakutas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara Empire ruled over the
Deccan Plateau.
● During the mediaval period, the Deccan Plateau saw the rise of several Islamic sultanates including the Bahmani, Bijapur and Golconda which had a
architectural, literature and music influence in the culture.
● In colonial era, the Deccan Plateau came under the rule of British East India Company, who established their administrative and military
headquarters in the region. The british made significant investments in infrastructure development, including the construction of railways, roads and
bridges, which facilitated the growth of trade and commerce in the region.
● After India gained independence in 1947, the Deccan Plateau witnessed rapid industrialization and urbanization.

Industries in Different Cities in The Deccan Plateau

Agriculture: The Deccan Plateau is a major agricultural region in India, with crops
like cotton, sugarcane, rice, and millets being grown extensively. The region also
produces fruits like mangoes, grapes, and pomegranates.
Textiles: The textile industry is another major industry in the Deccan Plateau, with
cities like Solapur, Belgaum, and Kolhapur in Maharashtra being major textile
hubs. The region is known for producing a variety of textiles, including cotton, silk,
and woolen fabrics.
Information Technology: The Deccan Plateau is home to several major IT hubs,
including Hyderabad in Telangana and Bangalore in Karnataka. These cities are
known for their booming IT industries, with major multinational companies having
a presence here.
Mining: The region is rich in mineral resources, including iron ore, coal, and
manganese. Mining is a significant industry in the Deccan Plateau, with cities like
Bellary and Hospet in Karnataka being major mining centers.
Manufacturing: The Deccan Plateau is also home to several manufacturing
industries, including automotive, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals. Cities like Pune
and Aurangabad in Maharashtra are major manufacturing centers, with several
multinational companies having manufacturing plants here.
Effect of Development on

Environment
● Mineral extraction: The Deccan Plateau is rich in minerals such as iron ore, coal, and bauxite. However,
the extraction of these minerals has led to environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion,
and water pollution. For example, the iron ore mining in Bellary district of Karnataka led to the loss of large
tracts of forest, and the pollution of rivers due to the discharge of mining effluents.
● Habitat destruction: The expansion of cities like Hyderabad and Pune has led to the loss of natural
habitats such as grasslands and forests. For example, the construction of the Outer Ring Road in
Hyderabad led to the destruction of over 900 hectares of forest, which was home to many species of
animals, including the Indian leopard.
● Deforestation: The Deccan Plateau has experienced significant deforestation, with vast areas of forests
being cleared for agriculture, mining, and other industrial activities. For instance, the Western Ghats, which
are a biodiversity hotspot, have been heavily impacted by deforestation. The loss of forest cover has led to
the decline of many species of flora and fauna, including the Nilgiri tahr, a critically endangered species of
mountain goat.
● Pollution: The discharge of untreated industrial effluents into rivers and lakes has led to water pollution,
adversely affecting aquatic life. For example, the Musi River in Hyderabad has been heavily polluted by
industrial effluents, leading to the decline of many species of fish and other aquatic organisms.
● Invasive species: The Deccan Plateau has also been impacted by the introduction of invasive species. For
instance, the invasive species Lantana camara has spread rapidly in the region, outcompeting native plant
species and reducing biodiversity. Lantana is now considered a major threat to the region's natural
ecosystems.
● Soil degradation: The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture, as well as
industrial activities, has led to soil degradation and erosion, which has adversely affected the productivity of
agricultural land.
● Climate change: The Deccan Plateau has experienced significant changes in temperature and rainfall
patterns due to climate change. This has had adverse impacts on many species of flora and fauna. For
example, the Indian giant squirrel, which is endemic to the Deccan Plateau, is threatened by climate
change as the changing climate has led to the loss of suitable habitats.
Pune
Pune is a city located in the western part of the Deccan Plateau in the Indian state of
Maharashtra. It is the second-largest city in the state, after Mumbai, and is often
referred to as the "Oxford of the East" due to its many educational institutions.

Geography
Pune lies on the western margin of the Deccan plateau, at an altitude of 560 m (1,840
ft) above sea level. It is on the leeward side of the Sahyadri mountain range, which
forms a barrier from the Arabian Sea. It is a hilly city, with Vetal Hill rising to 800 m
(2,600 ft) above sea level. The Sinhagad fort is at an altitude of 1,300 metres (4,300
feet).
The old city of Pune is at the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers. The Pavana, a
tributary of Mula river and Indrayani river, a tributary of the Bhima river, traverse the
northwest Neighbourhoods of Pune.

Climate
Pune has a tropical wet and dry (Köppen Aw) climate, closely bordering upon a hot
semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh) with average temperatures ranging between 20 and 28
°C. Pune experiences three seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter.

Typical summer months are from mid-March to mid-June, with maximum temperatures sometimes reaching 42 °C. The warmest month in Pune is May. The city often
has heavy dusty winds in May, with humidity remaining high. Even during the hottest months, the nights are usually cool due to Pune's high altitude. The highest
temperature recorded was 43.3 °C on 30 April 1897.
The monsoon lasts from June to October, with moderate rainfall and temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 °C. Most of the 722 mm of annual rainfall in the city falls
between June and September, and July is the wettest month of the year. Hailstorms are not unheard of. For most of December and January the daytime temperature
hovers around 29 °C while overnight temperatures are below 12 °C.
Natural Feature

Hills: Pune is surrounded by hills on all sides, and several of these hills are popular tourist attractions. The Sinhagad
Fort, located on a hill in the southwest of the city, offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular trekking spot. The
Parvati Hill, located in the heart of the city, has several temples and is a popular spot for picnics.
Rivers: Pune is located near the confluence of two rivers, the Mula and the Mutha. These rivers provide water for
irrigation and drinking purposes and are an important natural resource for the city.
Forests: Pune has several forested areas, including the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) forest and the Pashan
Lake bird sanctuary. These forests provide important ecological services and are home to several species of flora and Parvati Hills
fauna.
Climate: Pune has a tropical wet and dry climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The city receives most of its
rainfall during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September.
Lakes: Pune has several lakes, including the Pashan Lake and the Katraj Lake. These lakes are important sources of
water for the city and also serve as recreational spots for locals and tourists.

Industries
Pune is a major center for industries in India, with a diverse range of sectors contributing to its economy. Some of the
key industries in Pune include:

Manufacturing: Pune is home to several major manufacturing industries, including automotive, engineering, and
consumer goods. Companies like Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, and Thermax have manufacturing facilities in Pune.
Information Technology: Pune is also a major center for the IT industry in India, with several multinational companies
having a presence in the city. Companies like Infosys, Wipro, and Cognizant have development centers in Pune.
Pharmaceuticals: Pune has a growing pharmaceutical industry, with several large companies like Serum Institute of
India, Lupin, and Emcure Pharmaceuticals having manufacturing facilities in the city.
Agriculture and Food Processing: Pune is a major agricultural region in India, and several food processing
industries are located in and around the city. These include companies like Parle Agro, Coca-Cola, and Britannia
Industries.
Education: Pune is known for its many educational institutions, and the education industry is a significant contributor
to the city's economy. Several universities, colleges, and schools are located in Pune, including the Savitribai Phule
Pune University and the Symbiosis International University.
Effect on Natural Elements
Air pollution: The rapid industrialization in Pune has led to an increase in air pollution levels in
the city. The emissions from industries, vehicular traffic, and construction activities have
contributed to poor air quality, which can have negative impacts on human health and the
environment.
Water pollution: Some of the industries in Pune discharge their effluents into the rivers and
lakes in the region, leading to water pollution. The discharge of untreated or partially treated
effluents can have harmful effects on aquatic life and human health.
Deforestation: The growth of industries in Pune has led to the clearing of forests and natural
habitats to make way for industrial development. This has led to a loss of biodiversity and can
have long-term ecological impacts.
Soil degradation: Some industries in Pune generate hazardous waste, which can contaminate
the soil and affect its fertility. This can have long-term impacts on agriculture and the
environment.

Effect of development
The effect of development on natural elements in Pune has been significant, as the city has
undergone rapid urbanization and industrialization in recent decades.
Pune Pollution level (P.M. 2.5)

Hinjewadi: Hinjewadi is an area in the western part of Pune that has seen rapid growth in recent
years due to the development of IT parks and other commercial projects. The development in this
area has led to the loss of natural habitats, such as wetlands and forests, which has affected the
biodiversity of the region.
Bavdhan: Bavdhan is a rapidly developing area in the western part of Pune that has seen a
significant increase in real estate development in recent years. The development in this area has
led to the loss of green spaces and natural habitats, which has affected the ecological services
provided by these areas, such as air purification and temperature regulation.
Pashan: Pashan is a locality in the western part of Pune that has seen significant development in
recent years due to its proximity to Hinjewadi and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The
development in this area has led to the loss of green spaces and natural habitats, such as forests
and wetlands, which has affected the biodiversity of the region.
Magarpatta City: Magarpatta City is a township located in the eastern part of Pune that has been
developed as a self-contained urban area. The development in this area has led to the loss of
agricultural land and natural habitats, which has affected the ecological services provided by these
areas, such as soil fertility and water regulation.
These environmental issues are interrelated, and addressing them will require a multi-pronged approach that involves:
Issues
Regional level
Forest conservation and protection: Implementing
policies that protect forests and natural ecosystems can be a
crucial strategy for reducing deforestation. Governments can
designate protected areas, establish laws that prohibit logging or
conversion of forests, and provide incentives for conservation.
Promoting sustainable land use practices:
Promoting sustainable land use practices such as agroforestry,
reforestation, and afforestation can help to reduce pressure on
forests and promote biodiversity. This can be done by providing
technical assistance, financial incentives, and education to
Deforestation farmers and landowners.
Strengthening forest governance and law
enforcement: Strengthening forest governance and law
enforcement can help to prevent illegal logging and conversion
of forests. Governments can invest in law enforcement and
provide incentives for communities to protect their forests.
Strategies
Area/City level
Green infrastructure: Implementing green infrastructure such
as parks, green roofs, and green walls can help to reduce the
demand for wood and timber products while promoting biodiversity
and improving air quality.
Sustainable urban planning: Encouraging sustainable
urban planning that considers the preservation and protection of
forests and natural ecosystems can help to reduce deforestation.
This can be done by promoting compact and mixed-use
development, reducing sprawl, and promoting green spaces.
Recycling and reducing waste: Promoting recycling and
reducing waste can help to reduce the demand for wood and paper
products, which can lead to reduced pressure on forests.
Issues
Regional level
Protecting natural habitats: One of the most effective
strategies for reducing habitat loss is to protect natural habitats.
Governments can establish protected areas, enact laws that
prohibit or restrict activities that cause habitat destruction, and
provide incentives for conservation
Habitat loss Restoring degraded habitats: Restoring degraded
habitats can help to reverse habitat loss and promote
biodiversity. This can be done by planting native species,
improving soil health, and creating corridors that connect
fragmented habitats.
Reducing industrial pollution: Industries are a
significant source of pollution. Governments can set up
regulatory frameworks to monitor and control pollution levels
from industries. Encouraging the use of cleaner technologies
and renewable energy sources can also help to reduce
pollution.
Promoting sustainable transportation:
Pollution
Transportation is another significant source of pollution.
Promoting sustainable transportation such as electric vehicles,
public transport, and cycling can help to reduce pollution levels.
Strategies
Area/City level
Protecting urban habitats: Protecting urban habitats such as
wetlands, parks, and green spaces can help to provide habitats for
wildlife in urban areas. This can be done by enacting laws that
protect these habitats, establishing management plans, and
promoting awareness among the public.
Promoting green spaces: Green spaces such as parks and
gardens can help to absorb pollutants and improve air quality in
cities. Governments can encourage the creation of green spaces by
providing incentives and improving infrastructure.
Encouraging green buildings: Encouraging the
construction of green buildings can help to reduce pollution levels in
cities. Green buildings are designed to reduce energy consumption,
water usage, and waste production, which can help to reduce
pollution levels.
 Issues Strategies
Regional level
Monitoring and early detection: Early detection of
invasive species can prevent their spread. Governments can set
up monitoring systems to detect invasive species early and take
action to prevent their spread.
Control and eradication: Once an invasive species is
Species invasion detected, it is important to control and eradicate it. Governments
can implement control measures such as chemical treatments,
biological control, and physical removal to prevent the spread of
invasive species.
Renewable energy: Promoting the use of renewable
energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power can help
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable agriculture: Promoting sustainable
agriculture practices such as crop rotation, conservation tillage,
and agroforestry can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
agriculture.
Climate change
Forest conservation and restoration: Forests are
important carbon sinks and their conservation and restoration
can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Area/City level
Prevention: Preventing the introduction of invasive species in
cities is critical. Governments can restrict the importation of plants
and animals that are known to be invasive and educate the public
about the dangers of introducing invasive species.
Promoting native species: Promoting the use of native
species in urban landscaping can help to prevent the introduction and
spread of invasive species. Native species are adapted to local
conditions and are less likely to become invasive.
Energy-efficient buildings: Promoting energy-efficient
buildings can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas
emissions from buildings.
Sustainable transportation: Promoting sustainable
transportation such as electric vehicles, public transport, and cycling
can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
Waste management: Proper waste management can reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from landfills. Encouraging recycling,
composting, and reducing waste can help to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.