Q. Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India.
Question from UPSC Mains 2023 GS1 Paper
Model Answer:
India’s Diverse Natural Vegetation
India’s natural vegetation exhibits remarkable diversity, a result of several interacting factors:
1. Climate: India’s varied climate, from tropical in the south to alpine in the Himalayas, supports a wide range of plant life. The monsoon system particularly influences vegetation patterns across the country.
2. Topography: The diverse landscape, including mountains, plateaus, plains, and coastal areas, creates unique microclimates and habitats. For instance, the Western Ghats host tropical evergreen forests, while the Thar Desert supports xerophytic vegetation.
3. Soil types: India’s soil diversity, from alluvial soils in river basins to laterite soils in high rainfall areas, contributes to vegetation variety. The fertile Indo-Gangetic plain supports extensive deciduous forests, while the sandy soils of Rajasthan are home to sparse, drought-resistant plants.
4. Rainfall patterns: Precipitation varies greatly across India, from less than 10 cm annually in parts of the Thar Desert to over 1,100 cm in Mawsynram, Meghalaya. This variation directly impacts vegetation types, with rainforests in high rainfall areas and scrub forests in arid regions.
5. Altitude: Elevation changes, particularly in the Himalayas, create distinct vegetation zones. For example, tropical forests at lower altitudes give way to temperate and alpine vegetation at higher elevations.
Wildlife sanctuaries in India’s rain forest regions:
India’s rainforests are primarily found in the Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Notable wildlife sanctuaries in these areas include Silent Valley National Park (Kerala), Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh), and Mount Harriet National Park (Andaman Islands).
1. Biodiversity conservation: They protect numerous endemic and endangered species. For instance, Silent Valley is home to the lion-tailed macaque, while Namdapha hosts the critically endangered Namdapha flying squirrel.
2. Ecosystem services: These forests regulate local climate, prevent soil erosion, and maintain water cycles. The Western Ghats, for example, influence monsoon patterns across peninsular India.
3. Carbon sequestration: Rainforests are crucial carbon sinks, helping mitigate climate change. India’s forests absorb about 15% of the country’s total CO2 emissions.
4. Scientific research: These areas provide invaluable opportunities for ecological studies and discovering new species. In 2016, 349 new species were discovered in the Eastern Himalayas alone.
5. Livelihood support: Many local communities depend on these forests for their sustenance and traditional knowledge systems.
6. Ecotourism potential: When managed sustainably, these sanctuaries can promote eco-friendly tourism, generating revenue and environmental awareness.
In conclusion, India’s diverse vegetation is a product of its varied physical geography, while its rainforest sanctuaries play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and ecological balance. Protecting these areas is vital for India’s environmental and economic well-being.
