Why this matters now
The Western Ghats are examined for their physical features, their role in the monsoon, and the intense GS-3 debate on conservation vs development (the Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports). They are the source of most peninsular rivers.
Physical features
The Ghats are a continuous escarpment (unlike the broken Eastern Ghats), higher in the south, with the highest peak Anamudi (in the Anaimalai/Cardamom hills, Kerala). They are crossed by a few passes (Ghats) — Thal Ghat, Bhor Ghat and the Palghat Gap (a major break used by road, rail and the monsoon). They are the water divide of the peninsula — most rivers (Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri) rise here.
Rainfall and ecology
By forcing the moisture-laden south-west monsoon to rise, the Ghats cause heavy orographic rainfall on their windward (western) side, while their leeward side lies in a rain shadow. This rainfall sustains tropical evergreen forests and exceptional endemism — the Western Ghats are one of India’s four biodiversity hotspots.
The conservation debate
Two expert reports shaped the policy debate: the Gadgil Committee (2011) recommended treating almost the entire Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area with strict curbs; the Kasturirangan Committee (2013) proposed a smaller, ~37% Ecologically Sensitive Area to balance livelihoods and development. The tension between conservation, local livelihoods and development (mining, dams, plantations, urbanisation) remains unresolved — and Ghats landslides have sharpened it.
UPSC angle
Contrast the continuous, higher Western Ghats with the broken Eastern Ghats. Know Anamudi, the Palghat Gap, orographic rainfall, and the Gadgil (2011) vs Kasturirangan (2013) ESA debate.
Frequently asked questions
Why are the Western Ghats a biodiversity hotspot?
For their exceptional endemism (especially amphibians and plants) combined with significant habitat loss; they are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is the highest peak of the Western Ghats?
Anamudi, in the Anaimalai/Cardamom hills of Kerala.
What is the difference between the Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports?
The Gadgil report (2011) proposed treating most of the Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area with strict protection; the Kasturirangan report (2013) proposed a smaller (~37%) ESA to balance development.
How do the Western Ghats affect rainfall?
They force the south-west monsoon to rise, causing heavy orographic rainfall on the windward side and a rain shadow on the leeward side.