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Kasturirangan Report on Western Ghats UPSC Notes PDF Download
IMPORTANT LINKS
The Kasturirangan Report on Western Ghats is a comprehensive assessment and conservation plan for the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats region of India. It was prepared by a high-level committee led by Dr. K. Kasturirangan. The report proposes a balanced approach to protect the Western Ghats, considering the ecological significance of the area while allowing for sustainable development and the livelihoods of local communities.
The Kasturirangan Report on Western Ghats is essential to the UPSC IAS exam syllabus. This topic comes under the Environment part of the Mains General Studies Paper 3 syllabus and General Studies Paper -1 of the UPSC Prelims syllabus.
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Dr Kasturirangan Committee Report on Western Ghats
- Since none of the 6 related states accepted the Gadgil Committee report, the Government set up another High-Level Working Group on the Western Ghats under the chairmanship of Kasturirangan in 2012.
- The main objective of this committee was to holistically examine the report of the Gadgil committee in a multidisciplinary manner and consider the feedback received from all the stakeholders.
- This committee submitted its report on 15th April 2003. It was put in the public domain and sent to all the stakeholders for comments and responses.
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Recommendations by Kasturirangan Committee
- The Kasturirangan report recommended only 37% of the area of the Western Ghats should be classified as Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA).
- Around 60% of the area of Western Ghats is categorized as a 'Cultural Landscape' with human settlements, plantations, and agriculture.
- The remaining area, which covers around 60,000 square km, should be classified as a 'Natural Landscape,' which is a biologically diverse area.
- The Kasturirangan report recommended banning mining, quarrying, thermal power plants, township projects, and other 'red industries' in the Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA).
- In the case of ongoing mining operations in the Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA), they must stop in the next 5 years or when their lease expires, whichever is earlier.
- Hydroelectric power projects are to be established only in locations where a standard ecological flow of 30% is maintained and restricted in all other areas.
- Kasturirangan report suggested a cumulative Impact Assessment to be done for Hydropower projects.
- Process and production techniques in the 'orange category' industries (food processing) are to be planned to reduce environmental damage to a minimum.
- Community ownership-based eco-sensitive tourism should be promoted.
- Transport-related infrastructure projects are to be approved only after Cumulative Impact Assessment as per Kasturirangan report.
- Careful planning of Railway infrastructure projects to minimize their negative impact on the ecology is needed.
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Criticism Against Report by Kasturirangan Committee
Following are the primary criticism leveled against the Kasturirangan report:
- Division of the Western Ghats into different zones was made based on aerial data and remote sensing rather than doing the ground assessment. This led to several errors at the ground level.
- The bottom-up approach suggested would be impractical as forest officials and bureaucrats hold the real power.
- The farmers feared eviction if the recommendations were implemented.
- Environmentalists feared that the report would give the miners a free hand and lead to the devastation of the Environment.
- The Kasturirangan report was considered erroneous in including rubber plantation villages under Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA).
- The report did not consider some sensitive areas under Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA).
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Importance of Western Ghats
- The WWF (World Wildlife Fund for Nature) explains the importance of The Western Ghats as 'it performs vital hydrological and watershed functions. Around 245 million people living in those areas receive their water supply through the peninsular rivers originating from the Western Ghats. Thus, this region's water and soil sustain millions of people's livelihoods.
- The importance of the Western Ghats is multi-faceted. Its geomorphic importance is reflected in the fact that it was formed before the Himalayas. It is considered an 'evolutionary ecotone' that represents an 'Out of India' and 'Out of Africa' theories.
- The Western Ghats also affect the Monsoon patterns across the country by acting as a barrier to the Arabian Sea branch of the South West Monsoon winds.
- It majorly influences the bio-physical as well as ecological processes of the entire Indian peninsula.
- The Western Ghats hosts an enormous diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region.
- Out of the 650 tree species found here, more than 350 are endemic. 65% of the 179 amphibian species are endemic, 62% of the 157 reptile species are endemic, and 53% of the 219 fish species are endemic.
- Moreover, several endangered species are also found here, such as Nilgiri Langur, Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, etc.
- Realizing the importance, the Western Ghats are protected under several Indian laws such as the Wildlife (protection) act 1972, the Forest Conservation act 1980, the Indian Forest act 1927, etc.
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Way Forward
Experts should consider the stakeholders' feedback, suggestions, and concerns, and a scientific study to be conducted. A wide-ranging consensus should be created among different stakeholders. All the recommendations of these reports should be placed and discussed at the grassroots level. The common masses should be made aware, and any misinformation should be removed. A balance needs to be achieved between environmental conservation and developmental needs.
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Conclusion
Gadgil and Kasturirangan both reports dealt with conserving the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats. While the Gadgil committee was highly Environment conservation-centric, the Kasturirangan committee tried to balance conservation and development. However, both had their fair share of criticism. It would be true to say that both reports should be considered through the scientific lens, with discussion and deliberations among all the stakeholders to make effective policies for the conservation of fragile Western Ghats.
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Kasturirangan Report on Western Ghats FAQs
Why was the Kasturirangan committee set up?
The main objective of the Kasturirangan committee was to holistically examine the report of gadgil committee in a multidisciplinary manner and consider the feedback received from all the stakeholders.
When was the Kasturirangan committee established?
Government set up a High Level Working Group on the Western Ghats under the chairmanship of Kasturirangan, in 2012.
How much area was brought under Eco Sensitive Area (ESA) by Kasturirangan?
Kasturirangan recommended only 37% of the area of the Western Ghats to be classified as Eco Sensitive Area (ESA). It recommended banning of mining, quarrying, thermal power plants, township projects, and other ‘red industries’, in the Eco Sensitive Area (ESA).
What is the key difference between the Gadgil report and Kasturirangan report on western ghats?
The key difference between the Gadgil Report and the Kasturirangan Report on the Western Ghats is the approach towards the conservation and development of the region. The Gadgil Report recommended a more stringent approach with strict regulations. The Kasturirangan Report proposed a more balanced approach that allowed for sustainable development.
Where can I get the Kasturirangan Committee report on western ghats pdf?
The Kasturirangan Committee Report on Western Ghats can be obtained in PDF format from the official website of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC).