Western Ghats Crisis: Native Habitats Shrink to One-Third, Hydrological Regulation Disrupted

A comprehensive review article published in The Hindu has sounded an alarm over the rapid degradation of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity. The study finds that native habitats in the mountain range have been reduced to merely one-third of their original area, leading to a severe disruption of hydrological regulation that affects water supply for millions.

The article attributes the decline to two centuries of plantation expansion, dam construction, road building, and other infrastructure development. These historical pressures are now compounded by climate extremes, accelerating invasive species spread, and ongoing urbanization and infrastructure projects. The Western Ghats, which span six Indian states, are crucial for monsoon rainfall and river systems, and their degradation poses a direct threat to regional water security and biodiversity.

The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated conservation strategies that balance development with ecological preservation. Environmentalists and local communities have long advocated for stricter protections, but implementation remains fragmented. As climate change intensifies, the loss of these natural buffers could have far-reaching consequences for agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water supplies across southern India. The review calls for immediate policy interventions to restore and protect the remaining native habitats.