13 February 2025 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) Explain the geological features and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats. (10 marks, 150 words)

ANSWER

• The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous range of mountains that run parallel to the eastern coast of India, spanning over 1,750 kilometers from Odisha in the North to Tamil Nadu in the South.
• The Eastern Ghats are characterized by rolling hills, plateaus, and valleys interspersed with rivers, streams, and waterfalls, creating a mosaic of habitats. 
• The Eastern Ghats play a crucial role in the geological and ecological landscape of the Indian subcontinent.

GEOLOGICAL FEATURES 

1. Age and Rock Types: 

• The Eastern Ghats are composed primarily of charnockites, granite gneisses, khondalites, and quartzite because of high grade metamorphism. 
• These rocks date back to the Proterozoic era, making them some of the oldest geological formations in India.

2. Tectonic Activity:

• The region has experienced multiple phases of tectonic activity, including folding, faulting, and metamorphism. 
• This has resulted in a complex geological structure with varied rock formations.

3. Mineral Wealth:

• The Eastern Ghats are rich in minerals, notably bauxite, chromite, and iron ore. 
• This mineral wealth has significant economic implications, particularly for the states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

4. Soil type: 

• Red, Black, Laterite, and Alluvial soils are the most common types of soil in the Eastern Ghats.

5. Temperature: 

• The region’s mean annual temperature ranges from a low of 14.5 °C to a high of 36.5 °C.

6. Rainfall:

• The tropical monsoon climate can be seen in the Eastern Ghats. Both the South-West and the North-East retreating monsoons bring rain to the area. 
• In the Northern Ghats, the mean annual rainfall distribution exceeds 1500 mm. 
• In and surrounding the Nallamalai highlands, it progressively drops to 1000 mm. Along the East Coast’s Coastal plain, rainfall also tops 1000 mm.

7. Hill Ranges:

• The Eastern Ghats are divided into several hill ranges, including the Nallamala Hills, the Velikonda Range, and the Palakonda Range. 
• This discontinuous mountain range passes through Odisha (25%), Andhra Pradesh (40%), Telangana (5%), Karnataka (5%) & Tamilnadu (25%).

8. Rivers and Waterfalls:

• The Eastern Ghats are dissected by numerous rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi, which have carved out deep valleys and gorges. Waterfalls like the Araku Valley and Borra Caves are prominent geological features formed by river erosion.

9. Fault Lines and Earthquakes:

• While relatively stable, the Eastern Ghats are intersected by several fault lines. These faults occasionally result in minor seismic activity; though major earthquakes are rare.

ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE

1. Biodiversity Hotspot: 

The region of Eastern Ghats is, harboring a variety of ecosystems from dry deciduous forests to moist deciduous forests, scrublands, and grasslands. The region supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic.

(a) Flora: 

• The Eastern Ghats are home to a diverse range of plant species, many of which are endemic. Key species include teak, sal, and various bamboo species.

(b) Fauna: 

• The region supports a wide variety of wildlife, including the Indian leopard, sloth bear, gaur, and Indian pangolin. Bird species such as the Indian pitta, grey junglefowl, and the critically endangered Jerdon’s courser are also found here.

(c) Endemic Species: 

• The unique climatic conditions and varied topography of the Eastern Ghats have led to the evolution of several endemic species of plants and animals.
• This includes rare orchids and medicinal plants, as well as specialized reptiles and amphibians.

2. Protected Areas and Conservation:

(a) National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries: 

• The Eastern Ghats host several protected areas, such as the Similipal National Park in Odisha, the Papikonda National Park in Andhra Pradesh, and the Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. 
• These areas are crucial for the conservation of the region’s biodiversity.

(b) Community Conservation Initiatives: 

• Indigenous communities and local NGOs play a significant role in conservation efforts. Initiatives include sustainable agricultural practices, protection of sacred groves, and promotion of eco-tourism.

3. Ecological Services:

(a) Provisioning Services: 

• Along with food, other types of provisioning services include drinking water, timber, wood fuel, natural gas, oils, plants that can be made into clothes and other materials, and medicinal benefits.

(b) Regulating Services: 

• The forests of the Eastern Ghats act as important watersheds, regulating the flow of rivers like Baitarani River, Rushikulya River. The forests also influence local climate patterns by regulating temperature and precipitation.

(c) Cultural Services: 

• The Eastern Ghats are home to numerous indigenous communities like Konda Reddies, Koyas etc, who have cultural, spiritual, and traditional ties to the land.

(d) Supporting Services: 

• The rivers and rainfall pattern aids the supply of water for agriculture and domestic use.

4. Soil Conservation and Carbon Sequestration:

(a) Erosion Control: 

• The vegetation cover in the Eastern Ghats helps prevent soil erosion, especially in the hilly terrains. For example, Shola Forests

(b) Nutrient Cycling: 

• Forests in the Eastern Ghats play a key role in nutrient cycling, contributing to the overall productivity of the ecosystems.

(c) Carbon Sequestration: 

• Eastern Ghats act as significant carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping mitigate climate change.

Conclusion

• The Eastern Ghats, with their rich geological history and ecological significance, are an integral part of India’s natural heritage.
• By preserving the ecosystems of the Eastern Ghats, we can maintain their ecological services and ensure the well-being of both the environment and the people who depend on them.

For more such UPSC related Mains Answer Writing, Check Out – 12 February 2025 : Daily Answer Writing