DECEMBER 2024 GS3 DAW
Q13. Assess the viability of alternative projects compared to conventional projects in Western
Ghats to promote environment and economic development of the region. (150 words, 10 marks)
Approach
Introduction: Write a contextual introduction on Western Ghats.
Body:
• Explain the viability of alternative projects compared to conventional projects in Western Ghats.
• Explain how alternative projects promotes environment and economic development of the region.
Conclusion: Conclude appropriately.
Introduction: The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is rich in biodiversity and natural
resources but faces significant environmental pressures from conventional development projects.
Alternative projects provides a balanced approach that integrates environmental conservation with
economic growth and ensures sustainability in the region.
Viability of alternative projects compared to conventional projects in Western Ghats:
• Promotes environmental conservation: Alternative projects like horticulture, floriculture, and
sustainable tourism reduces deforestation and soil erosion compared to large-scale construction
projects.
• Boosts local economies: Handicrafts, fisheries, and sustainable tourism provides steady income
to local communities, and helps in ensuring economic benefits without harming ecosystems.
• Supports biodiversity: Plantations of native crops like pepper and cardamom maintain the
region’s unique biodiversity, unlike monoculture or mining activities that degrade ecosystems.
• Prevents soil degradation: Alternatives such as floriculture and organic farming protects the rich
soil quality of the Western Ghats compared to large-scale land excavation projects.
• Sustainable resource use: Recycling, waste management, and renewable energy projects
minimizes resource overuse, and helps in ensuring the long-term health of natural resources in the
region.
• Respects cultural heritage: Promoting pilgrimage centers and local crafts aligns with the region's
traditions, and helps in preserving its rich cultural and promotes tourism.
• Supports tourism without ecological damage: Sustainable tourism in destinations like Ooty,
Thekkady, and Agumbe attracts visitors while conserving the region’s environment and cultural
heritage.
• Climate resilience: Sustainable agriculture practices improves resilience to climate change by
maintaining natural vegetation and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Preserves native ecosystems: Alternative projects focused on reforestation and planting native
crops prevents habitat destruction and ensures ecological balance in the Western Ghats.
Alternative projects promotes environment and economic development of the region:
• Eco-sensitive zones: Designation of eco-sensitive zones in the Western Ghats restricts harmful
activities, and helps in preserving biodiversity and also promotes eco-tourism as a sustainable
income source.
• Agroforestry schemes: Agroforestry programs integrate trees with crops, and helps in enhancing
soil fertility and provides farmers with alternative income through timber, fruits, and spices like
cardamom and pepper.
• Rainwater harvesting projects: Rainwater harvesting projects ensures water availability during
dry seasons, and benefits agriculture and reduces dependency on groundwater in this ecologically
sensitive region.
• Renewable energy initiatives: Small-scale solar and wind energy projects reduces reliance on
large hydropower dams, and protects river ecosystems while meeting energy needs sustainably in
the Western Ghats.
• Wildlife corridor development: Establishing wildlife corridors prevents habitat fragmentation,
and allows safe animal movement and boosts eco-tourism through wildlife safaris and nature
trails.
• Climate-resilient infrastructure: Developing climate-resilient infrastructure helps protect
communities from extreme weather events and supports long-term sustainability in the Western
Ghats.
• Organic farming subsidies: Support for organic farming in Western Ghats promotes chemical-
free agriculture, and protects soil and water quality and enables farmers to access premium
markets for organic produce.
Conclusion: Alternative projects in the Western Ghats provides a promising way forward by combining
sustainability with economic development. By following this approach, we can ensure a balanced
growth model that supports the region’s long-term viability and preserve its unique biodiversity for
future generations.
