Ghats Of India: Western And Eastern Mountain Ranges

The Western and Eastern Ghats of India are two significant mountain ranges with distinct features and biodiversity. The Western Ghats, known locally as Sahyadri, Nilgiri Hills, Anaimalai Hills, and Cardamom Hills, boast high peaks, lush forests, and exceptional biodiversity. In contrast, the Eastern Ghats, running parallel to the Bay of Bengal, showcase diverse forests, including dry evergreen and tropical deciduous, along with a rich variety of flora and fauna.

A Comparative Exploration of Western and Eastern Ghats Of India

A. Western Ghats

• • The Western Ghats mountain chain is older than the Himalayas and holds significant geomorphic features.

• Local Names of the Western Ghats: 

• • • Sahyadri: in Maharashtra, 
    • Nilgiri Hills: in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and 
    • Anaimalai Hills and Cardamom Hills: in Kerala. 
  • Topographical Variation: Higher in elevation (average elevation about 1,500m) and more continuous compared to the Eastern Ghats, with height increasing from north to south.
  • Area: Covers 6 states – Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat [UPSC  2017]
  • Major Rivers: originating in the Western Ghats: Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri etc. 
• 
  • Peaks: Anamudi (2,695 meters, highest peak of Peninsular plateau) on Anaimalai Hills; Dodabetta (2,637 meters) on Nilgiri Hills – Highest peak of Tamil Nadu and second highest of South India.

• Hill Stations: Ooty (Nilgiri Hills); Munnar (Annamalai Hills); Kodaikanal (Palani Hills) 

• Significance of the Western Ghats: It plays a crucial role in influencing the Indian monsoon weather pattern.
  • By moderating the tropical climate of the region, it showcases one of the best examples of the monsoon system worldwide.
• Hottest Hotspots: The Western Ghats boast exceptionally high biological diversity and endemism, making it one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biodiversity.
• Tropical Evergreen Forests: Its forests contain some of the finest examples of non-equatorial tropical evergreen forests.
• Biodiversity: The Western Ghats are home to at least 325 globally threatened species of flora, fauna, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.

B. Eastern Ghats

• • Overview: The Eastern Ghats are discontinuous low ranges running parallel to the Bay of Bengal coast, generally northeast-southwest.
  • Area: Passes through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and parts of Karnataka and Telangana.
• 
  • Hill Ranges (North to South):  Mahendragiri Hills (Odisha; the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats); Nallamala, Velikonda & Palkonda  (Andhra Pradesh); Javadi Hills, Shevaroy Hills, Pachamalai Hills & Sirumalai Hills.
  • Central Ridge of this narrow range hosts Arma Konda, the highest peak at 5,512 feet (1,680 meters) in northeastern Andhra Pradesh.
  • Eastern and Western Ghats converge at the Nilgiri Hills.

• Biodiversity:The Eastern Ghats boast diverse forests with perennial and semi-perennial streams, hosting natural resources. 

• Forests: Dry evergreen, semi-evergreen, tropical dry deciduous, dry savannah, tropical dry scrub, southern tropical thorn, and subtropical hill forests.

• • • Flora: The Eastern Ghats house 13% of India’s flowering plants, with around 3,000 flowering plant species, including nearly 100 exclusive to this region.
    • Fauna: Habitats for various wild animals like elephants, panthers, Indian bison, bears, deer, wild boar, mongoose, jungle cat, and reptiles such as python and monitor lizard. 
      • The region also accommodates about 290 bird species and nearly 4,000 insects.
  • Rainfall: The Eastern Ghats exhibit a tropical monsoon climate, influenced by both the South-West and North-East retreating monsoons.

• Rivers: Major rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, and Pennar traverse through the Eastern Ghats.

• • Numerous small rivers originate in the Eastern Ghats and flow into the Bay of Bengal.
• Lakes: Notable lakes in the region include Chilka, Kolleru, and Pulicat lakes.

Conclusion

• The Western and Eastern Ghats of India serve as important natural resources, contributing immensely to the country’s ecological and environmental richness. 
• While the Western Ghats influence the Indian monsoon and harbour unique biodiversity, the Eastern Ghats offer diverse habitats for wildlife and abundant natural resources. 
• Protecting and preserving these mountain ranges is crucial for maintaining India’s ecological balance and biodiversity.

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