Context:

  • Environmentalists in Goa are concerned about an approved eco-tourism resort on the Surla plateau.
  • They argue this area is a critical tiger habitat within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • They are calling for protection measures for Goa's unique lateritic plateaus due to their high ecological value.

GOA'S LATERITIC PLATEAUS: ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

  • Unique Ecosystems: These are iron-rich rocky outcrops. They are found in the Western Ghats.
  • Biodiversity Hotspots: They may appear barren. However, scientific evidence shows they are full of life.
    • Endemic Flora: Up to 40% of plants on these plateaus are endemic. They are unique to the region.
    • Rare Species: Examples include Dipcadi goaense, a flowering plant. It's known only from a few Goan plateaus.
    • Seasonal Life: They become vibrant with life during the monsoon. They support unique flora and fauna. These species are adapted to harsh conditions.
  • Hydrological Importance:
    • Groundwater Recharge: Critical for replenishing groundwater.
    • Water Sources: They are the source of countless springs and streams. These are vital for homes and agriculture.

THREATS TO LATERITIC PLATEAUS

  • Worrying Trend: The Surla plateau project exemplifies a trend. It involves converting fragile plateau ecosystems into concrete structures.
  • Mischaracterization as 'Wastelands': Officials often wrongly label these areas as 'wastelands'. This paves the way for their conversion for development.
  • Examples of Loss: Other plateaus like Verna, Kundaim, and Bambolim are already lost. They became industrial estates and urban developments.
  • Surla Plateau Project Concerns:
    • Critical Tiger Habitat: The project area is within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a recognized prime habitat for tigers.
    • NTCA Recommendation: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) identified Mhadei as a tiger habitat. It recommended its declaration as a Tiger Reserve.
    • Habitat Fragmentation: The proposed resort threatens to break up this critical habitat. It will disrupt tiger movement.
    • Irreversible Damage: Environmentalists call it a "monumental and irreversible mistake."

ABOUT MHADEI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Protecting Goa's Lateritic Plateaus explained for UPSC
  • Location: Located in the northern part of Goa. It is situated in the Western Ghats.
  • Area: Spreads over an area of 208 sq. km.
  • Name Origin: Named after the Mhadei River. The river flows across this Sanctuary.
  • Waterfalls: Features picturesque waterfalls.
    • Most prominent are the Vazra Sakla Falls and the Virdi Falls.
    • The cliff near Vazra Falls is a nesting ground for critically endangered Long-billed vultures.
  • Highest Peaks: Houses Goa's three highest peaks.
    • Sonsogod (1027 m)
    • Talvche Sada (812 m)
    • Vagheri (725 m)
  • Flora:
    • Dense forests are mainly semi-evergreen and moist deciduous.
    • Hosts trees like teak, sal, and bamboo. Also has medicinal plants and orchids.
    • Known for its sacred groves. These protect rare and indigenous trees.
  • Fauna:
    • Mammals: Bengal tigers, black panthers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur (Indian bison), and various deer.
    • Reptiles: A large variety of snakes. This includes the 'big four' Indian venomous snakes: Indian krait, Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper, and Spectacled cobra. It attracts herpetologists.
    • Birds: Boasts over 250 bird species. Many are endemic to the Western Ghats. Examples include Malabar trogon, great pied hornbill, and Nilgiri wood pigeon.