As we travel through the Western Ghats, it feels like a trip to heaven. These forests are a treat to the eyes. Spread across five states and recognised as one of the biodiversity hotspots, it plays an important role in our ecosystem.
The Western Ghats are home to diverse animal species 139 mammal, reptile and amphibian species, 108 species of fish, molluscs and annelid, 508 species of birds and roughly 600 species of insects.
These are some of the species present in the Western Ghats. But like any other rainforest, it is also being destroyed for developmental projects like railway, tea plantation, etc.
What Will Be The Impact Of The Loss Of Western ghats?
Western Ghats is a crucial hydrological watershed. It is a source of water for almost 245 million people, and it is the origin of most of the rivers in South India.
About 50% of the vegetation in the Western Ghats has been lost in the past century. The dense forests contain iron, bauxite and other ores. Illegal mining starts here when there is a high price for iron in the international markets.
We are facing endless environmental problems that will only aggravate with the loss of important heritage forests like the Western Ghats. We can’t waste more time. It is vital for us to save the Western Ghats.
#SaveWesternGhats #SaveOurForest