CASE STUDY OF THE WESTERN GHATS

ECOLOGY EXPERT PANEL

INTRODUCTION:

 This report presents the findings and recommendations of the Western Ghats
Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), set up in 2010 by the then Ministry of
Environment and Forests.
 The Western Ghats region is a 1,500-kilometre-long mountain range that
runs parallel to the western coast of India, from the river Tapi in the north to
Kanyakumari in the south. It is spread across six states: Gujarat,
Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
 It is considered one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biodiversity
and is home to nearly 4,000 species of flowering plants, over 500 species of
birds, 225 species of reptiles, and 120 species of mammals.
 Approximately 245 million people in five states depend on rivers that
originate in the Western Ghats, which is the catchment area for river
systems that provide water to around 40 per cent of the country’s land area.
B I O D I V E RS I T Y H OT S P OT S
 Rich Floral Diversity: The Western Ghats are home to an astonishing array
of plant species, with estimates suggesting that the region harbors around
7,402 species of flowering plants, of which approximately 5,588 are
endemic to the Ghats. These include a diverse range of trees, shrubs, herbs,
and climbers.
 Diverse Fauna: The Western Ghats are also home to a rich diversity of
animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
The region is particularly noted for its high levels of amphibian diversity,
with many species being endemic to the Ghats.
 Endemic Species: The Western Ghats boast an exceptionally high number
of species found nowhere else on Earth, making it a hotspot for endemism.
Many plant species in the Western Ghats are endemic to specific habitats
within the region, such as shola forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION CHALLENGES
 Between 1920 and 1990, around 40 per cent of the original vegetation cover
of the ghats’ southern region, spanning the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and
Karnataka, was either lost or the land was ‘converted’ and put to different
use. Currently, 7 per cent of the ghats’ total area is under primary vegetation
cover; a much larger area is under secondary forests; and nearly 15 per cent
is under Protected Areas.
 In another paper commissioned by the panel, Prof. Vijay Paranjpye of the
Gomukh Environmental Trust for Sustainable Development, Pune, says that
there was “an unprecedented pace of development” in the northern parts of
the Western Ghats during British rule. The construction of railways, roads
and dams in these parts depleted forests and extracted resources for urban
and industrial settlements like Mumbai-Thane, Pune and Nashik, which has
continued till today.
T H R E AT TO BI O DIV ERSIT Y
 Mining for mineral ores affects water availability and recharge (the
percolation of water from the surface to the groundwater table). In Goa, the
government has acknowledged that over half of the state’s 300-odd mining
leases were for mines near water bodies. Further, data tabled in the Goa
Assembly showed several of the of 182 such mining leases were for mines
within one kilometre of the Selaulim dam, which provides drinking water
to around 600,000 people in South Goa.
 The growth of commercial agriculture in the Western Ghats has led to the
fragmentation of forests, soil erosion and the degradation of river
ecosystems. To address this, the panel recommended a policy shift
towards more sustainable farming. It also suggested setting up the Western
Ghats Ecology Authority to bring about a change in policy.
F O R M AT I O N O F T H E E X P E RT PA N E L
 The panel was formed under the chairmanship of Prof. Madhav Gadgil,
an eminent ecologist, along with other renowned experts in the fields of
ecology, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
 The WGEEP was tasked with assessing the ecological sensitivity of the
Western Ghats and recommending measures for conservation, sustainable
development, and biodiversity management in the region.

OBJECTIVES

 Conducting a thorough assessment of the ecological, biological, and

socio- economic aspects of the Western Ghats region.
 Identifying ecologically sensitive zones and critical biodiversity areas
within the Western Ghats landscape.
 Recommending measures for the conservation and restoration
of biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources.
C O N S E RVAT I O N E F F O RT S
 Based on its research, the panel designated the entire region as an
‘Ecologically Sensitive Area’ and divided the ghats into three zones:
Ecologically Sensitive Zone 1 (very high sensitivity), Ecologically Sensitive
Zone 2 (high sensitivity) and Ecologically Sensitive Zone 3 (moderate
sensitivity).
 In a paper commissioned by the panel, Dr. R.J.R Daniels of Care Earth, an
NGO in Chennai, classifies the Western Ghats into nine geological
landscapes across three regions: Surat-Goa, Goa-Nilgiris and South of the
Palghat Gap.
 The panel’s investigations in the plains and coastal tracts of Ratnagiri and
Sindhudurg districts in Maharashtra suggested that these areas were under
severe environmental and social stress. The panel proposed a cumulative
impact analysis of various developmental activities in these areas.
METHODOLOGY
 The panel urged the Ministry of Environment and Forests to involve citizens
in environmental governance. This would include implementation of
the Forest Rights Act (especially the provisions related to community forest
resources); a radical reform of the environmental impact analysis and
clearance processes; and the proactive disclosure of all information of
public interest.
 The panel’s report is divided into two parts. Part I (the main report) details
the WGEEP’s activities. Part II discusses the ecological status of the
Western Ghats and has sections on land and water use, agriculture, livestock
rearing, fisheries, forests and biodiversity, and human settlements. It also
has chapters on industry, mining, power and energy, tourism, transport,
science and technology, and nutrition and health.
 And it consulted government officials and people’s representatives –
from members of gram sabhas and zilla parishads to members of
parliament and state legislative assemblies.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS
 Continued Monitoring and Assessment: The expert panel can continue its
efforts in monitoring and assessing the health of the Western Ghats
ecosystem. This includes conducting regular surveys, research, and data
analysis to track changes in biodiversity, land use patterns, and ecological
indicators.
 Community Engagement and Capacity Building: Empowering local
communities and stakeholders is essential for sustainable conservation
efforts. The panel can prioritize initiatives that involve community
participation, indigenous knowledge integration, and capacity building
programs to enhance conservation awareness and stewardship in the
region.
 Research and Innovation: Investing in research and innovation can
provide valuable insights and solutions for addressing emerging
challenges in the Western Ghats. The panel can support interdisciplinary
research projects, technology adoption, and knowledge exchange
platforms to foster innovation and inform evidence-based decision-
making.
C O N C LU S I O N
 The Western Ghats stand as a evidence to the incredible biodiversity and
ecological richness of our planet. However, they also serve as a stark
reminder of the delicate balance between development
environmental conservation. As human and
presentation, the Western Ghats face we've
numerous threats, ranging
throughout
deforestation and habitat loss to the looming
explored
specter of climate this
 change. our work is far from over. The future of the Western Ghats—and
However, from
indeed, all of Earth's ecosystems depends on our collective commitment to
sustainable practices, responsible development, and proactive conservation
measures. We must engage with all stakeholders, from local communities to
policymakers, to ensure that the Western Ghats remain a vibrant hub of
biodiversity for generations to come.
 In conclusion, let us recognize the Western Ghats not only as a case study in
biodiversity conservation but also as a call to action. It is up to us to protect
and preserve this natural treasure and all it represents for the health and
well-being of our planet.