Western Ghats a Heritage site

Western Ghats has made it to the list of the World Heritage sites now. Western ghats a mountain range which runs along the western side of India , Approximately 1600Km runs north south from below the river Tapti, and spread across the states of Maharashtra,Goa,Karnataka,Tamilnadu and Kerla ending at Kanyakumari.

The World Heritage Committee observed that the “site’s high montane forest ecosystems influence the Indian monsoon weather pattern. Moderating the tropical climate of the region, it presents one of the best examples of the monsoon system in the planet.”

It is recognised as one of world's 8 Hottest hotspots of Biodiversity.

Totally 39 Spots from western ghats have been inscribed into the list of Heritage, out of which Kerla having 19, Karnataka 10 , Maharashtra 6 and Tamilnadu 4 sites.

The 10 Karnataka sites are: Kudremukh National Park, four wildlife sanctuaries (Someshwara, Pushpagiri, Brahmagiri, and Talacauvery), and five reserve forests (Padinalknad, Kerti, Someshwara, Agumbe, and Balahalli).

But some people in Karnataka Govt  like Forest Minister and others Opposed the Heritage tag given to Western ghats on grounds that it will increase the Naxal activity in the area and also hurt the developmental works.

On the other hand Environmentalists and Scientists reject such words and say that Heritage should be seen as means to save and protect it from negative development.

People should understand and respond to the global issues and look at things with scientific temperament.

What is world Heritage Site?

It is the designation given to Places on earth which are of Outstanding value for Humanity, such places are to be protected for future generations to enjoy.

Whats the Need for Heritage List?

Natural resources and places flora fauna should be made available for our future generations as well.Eg:  i.e before 1990's and may be till recently Sparrow birds which were abundant, are not available mostly n the cities where the Mobile towers are raised. I enjoyed mostly listening to sounds of sparrows in my school hours more than the lessons by teachers. Now they are to be seen mostly in rural areas where much of mobile communications have not grown. There is a need for protection of the sparrows now.

What happens when it is inscribed in the Heritage List?

Now that It has been recognised by an international Community, It will help in creating greater awareness among people and Govts to save and protect the Natural Properties. and the County may also receive Financial assistance and Expert advice from the Heritage community for activities on protection of such sites.

 

Who and how is it done?

Its done by the Convention by UNESCO signed in 1972 for conservation of places on earth which are of outstanding value and important for the humankind as a whole.

187 countries have signed the convention. Once the country signs the convention , it belongs to international community united for the purpose of protecting important places on earth.

Country has to nominate the places to the Heritage Committee and the committee will decide with the Help of advisory bodies and if he nominated place meets at least one of the 10 Necessary criteria by Heritage community, then the place will be inscribed into the Heritage List.

Source for the above notes: Hindu News paper