The Konkan region, situated between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, is famous for its unique geographical features, including the sada.
About Sada
- Definition and Formation: The sada are flat-topped lateritic regions in the Konkan area of the Western Ghats, formed over centuries of erosion. Locally, the term “sada” means a large flat area.
- They are similar to the plateaux, locally called pathar, in the Satara district of Maharashtra, of which the Kaas Plateau is a well-known example.\
- Characteristics: These regions remain barren for most of the year but transform during the monsoons, flourishing with endemic flora unique to the area such as Pinda concanensis.
- A biodiversity survey of the region recorded 459 plant species, of which 105 are endemic to the Konkan region.
Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes
About Konkan Region
- Location: Lies between the Arabian Sea (west) and the Western Ghats (east) in western India.
- Extends ~330 miles (530 km) from the Daman Ganga River (north of Mumbai) to the Terekhol River (Maharashtra-Goa border).
- Geography:
- Includes regions like Thane, Greater Mumbai, Raigarh, and Ratnagiri.
- Characterized by seasonal rivers, low lateritic plateaus, and alternating bays and headlands.
- Economic Activities:
- Agriculture: Crops include rice, pulses, vegetables, fruits, and coconuts.
- Other: Fishing, salt manufacturing, and iron/manganese mining.
- Historical Importance:
- Renowned for spice trade with Greeks, Egyptians, and Arabs.
- It hosts historical sites like Elephanta and Kanheri cave temples.
|
- Farming Practices: During the monsoon season, locals cultivate small patches of sada for growing rice and millets such as nanchani (Eleusine coracana) using traditional agricultural methods that avoid pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
- Perennial water sources : The porous lateritic soil of the sada effectively retains rainwater, facilitating a year-round supply of freshwater through open step wells, dug wells, springs, and perennial streams.
Geoglyphs of Konkan Sada
- Definition: The sada hosts ancient geoglyphs, which are a form of prehistoric rock art carved on laterite stone.
- Types: These geoglyphs include rock paintings, etchings, cup marks, and ring marks, some of which date back approximately 10,000 years.
- UNESCO Mention: The “Konkan geoglyphs” have been acknowledged in UNESCO listings.
- Significant Sites: India’s largest rock engraving or geoglyph is located in Kasheli, in the Ratnagiri district.
Ecological Significance
- Biodiversity: The sada supports a rich ecosystem, including 459 plant species (105 endemic to the Konkan region), 31 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians, 169 species of birds, and 41 species of mammals.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides critical habitats for vulnerable species like the Vulnerable (IUCN Status) Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata), as well as leopards, jackals, hyenas, barking deer, and migratory birds.
- Cultural Importance: The region’s water bodies are conserved as part of local rituals dedicated to deities, ensuring the cleanliness and sustainability of these natural commons.
Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store
Threats
- Developmental Projects: The sada is under threat from land-use changes driven by the development of orchards, residential areas, and other projects.
- Laterite Mining: Mining activities for laterite stones pose a significant risk to this fragile ecosystem.
- ‘Wasteland’ Classification: Its classification as “wasteland” in the Wasteland Atlas exacerbates the threats, undermining conservation efforts and the ecological significance of the sada.
To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.
PWOnlyIAS
