Sugoor, R.K. and Das, Lopamudra
From peaks to valleys: A holistic exploration of the Western Ghats - Yojana - 68(4), Apr, 2024: p.13-19
Nestled along the western coast of India lies a natural wonder of unparalleled beauty and ecological significance: the Western Ghats. Spanning over 1,600 kilometers and covering an area of approximately 140,000 square kilometers, this ancient mountain range is not merely a geographical feature but a cradle of life, harboring an astonishing array of flora, fauna, and cultural diversity. The Western Ghats are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are one of the eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity in the world. This region hosts an exceptional number of endemic species, with lush forests that contribute significantly to India's monsoon rainfall and act as a major carbon sink. The Ghats are also culturally rich, with numerous ancient temples, hill stations, and coffee plantations dotting its landscape. Their rivers, like the Godavari and Krishna, sustain millions of people and agricultural activities. The Western Ghats truly exemplify the intricate balance between ecological diversity, geographical magnificence, and human heritage. – Reproduced
Western Ghats, India, Natural Wonder, Ecological Significance, Flora, Fauna, Cultural Diversity, UNESCO World Heritage, Biological Diversity, Monsoon Rainfall, Carbon Sink, Endemic Species, Rivers, Human Heritage
From peaks to valleys: A holistic exploration of the Western Ghats - Yojana - 68(4), Apr, 2024: p.13-19
Nestled along the western coast of India lies a natural wonder of unparalleled beauty and ecological significance: the Western Ghats. Spanning over 1,600 kilometers and covering an area of approximately 140,000 square kilometers, this ancient mountain range is not merely a geographical feature but a cradle of life, harboring an astonishing array of flora, fauna, and cultural diversity. The Western Ghats are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are one of the eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity in the world. This region hosts an exceptional number of endemic species, with lush forests that contribute significantly to India's monsoon rainfall and act as a major carbon sink. The Ghats are also culturally rich, with numerous ancient temples, hill stations, and coffee plantations dotting its landscape. Their rivers, like the Godavari and Krishna, sustain millions of people and agricultural activities. The Western Ghats truly exemplify the intricate balance between ecological diversity, geographical magnificence, and human heritage. – Reproduced
Western Ghats, India, Natural Wonder, Ecological Significance, Flora, Fauna, Cultural Diversity, UNESCO World Heritage, Biological Diversity, Monsoon Rainfall, Carbon Sink, Endemic Species, Rivers, Human Heritage