‘Save Western Ghats Convention’ to be held in Hubballi in May
Environmental activists strongly oppose the attempts made by the State and Centre to clear and implement projects in the Western Ghats despite knowing the adverse impact they would cause to the biodiversity hotspot.
360° Perspective Analysis
Deep-dive into Geography, Polity, Economy, History, Environment & Social dimensions — AI-powered, on-demand
Context
Environmental activists are organizing a 'Save Western Ghats Convention' in Hubballi, Karnataka, in May 2026. The convention aims to protest against various state and central infrastructure projects that threaten the ecologically fragile region, demanding a comprehensive sustainable development plan to protect its rivers and biodiversity.
UPSC Perspectives
Environmental
The Western Ghats is globally recognized as one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity and is designated as a . It harbors thousands of endemic species (plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth) which are highly vulnerable to ecological disturbances. The convention highlights the ongoing friction between rapid infrastructure expansion and ecological preservation. Projects like dams, railways, and highways often lead to habitat fragmentation, threatening endangered species such as the Lion-tailed macaque and the Malabar giant squirrel. From a UPSC Prelims perspective, understanding the criteria for a biodiversity hotspot—high endemism coupled with significant habitat loss—is crucial.
Geographical
Stretching across six states from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu, the Western Ghats act as a massive continuous orographic barrier (mountain ranges that force moist air to rise) that intercepts the southwest monsoon. This mechanism effectively dictates the weather and rainfall patterns of the entire Indian peninsula. The region serves as the primary catchment area and source for critical peninsular rivers, including the , , and . Environmental degradation and deforestation in the ghats directly translate to soil erosion, landslides, water insecurity, and altered micro-climates downstream. For UPSC Mains, candidates must be able to link the physical geography of the ghats to the agricultural and socio-economic stability of South India.
Governance
The governance of the Western Ghats involves complex negotiations between the central government and the states, primarily utilizing the to declare Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) where commercial activities are restricted. Historically, the recommended declaring the entire region as an ecologically sensitive area, which faced severe political pushback from state governments citing economic stagnation. Subsequently, the diluted these recommendations to balance development and conservation by reducing the protected area footprint. The upcoming convention reflects the unresolved nature of these policy debates, highlighting the need for a bottom-up governance model where local communities are integrated into sustainable development planning.