Panel for preservation of Western Ghats

A statement from the Environment Ministry said the Western Ghats neutralised an estimated 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually,which was about 10 per cent of the total greenhouse gas emissions neutralised by Indias forests. Extremely rich in biodiversity as well,the area had come under increasing pressure of population and industry,including tourism on land and vegetation,the statement said.

Given the complex inter-state nature of its geography,as well as the rich biodiversity value of the region,it was felt that the establishment of an expert panel composed of professional members and dedicated specifically to the task of reviewing,implementing and recommending measures for their protection was essential to ensuring the long-term survival of the Western Ghats region, the statement added.

The panel has been asked to recommend modalities for the establishment of Western Ghats Ecology Authority,under the Environment Protection Act,which will be a professional body to manage the ecology of the region and ensure its sustainable development with the support of all states concerned.