Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Introduce the answer by mentioning Eastern and Western Ghats
• Delve into the Contrasting Influence of Eastern and Western Ghats on Climate and Agriculture
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

The Eastern and Western Ghats stand as testaments to the beauty of Indian geography. Yet, despite their shared designation as mountain ranges, their influence on the nation's climate and agricultural practices is a tale of contrasting embraces.

Body

Contrasting Influence of Eastern and Western Ghats on Climate and Agriculture:

• Rainfall Patterns:
  • Western Ghats: Acts as a rain barrier. The southwest monsoon winds carrying moisture rise due to the Western Ghats, leading to heavy orographic rainfall on the western slopes (Kerala, Maharashtra).
    • This creates a rain shadow effect on the eastern side (Deccan Plateau) with significantly less precipitation.
  • Eastern Ghats: Limited impact on monsoon deflection. Due to their lower elevation and discontinuous nature, the Eastern Ghats have a lesser influence on monsoon patterns.
    • However, they allow some of the remaining moisture to reach the coastal plains of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, contributing to moderate rainfall.
• Temperature Regulation:
  • Western Ghats: Moderate coastal temperatures. The Western Ghats act as a physical barrier, preventing the hot, dry winds from the Deccan Plateau from reaching the western coast. This maintains a more pleasant and humid climate along the Malabar Coast.
  • Eastern Ghats: Minimal impact on temperature. Due to their lower elevation and fragmented nature, the Eastern Ghats have a minimal influence on regulating regional temperatures. The adjoining areas experience seasonal variations more directly.
• Influence on Vegetation:
  • Western Ghats: Promote lush, evergreen forests. The high rainfall and moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for dense forests with rich biodiversity.
    • This vegetation further influences rainfall patterns by promoting evapotranspiration and contributes to cooler temperatures.
  • Eastern Ghats: Support drier deciduous forests and scrublands. The lower and more erratic rainfall patterns in the rain shadow of the Eastern Ghats lead to the growth of drier forests with seasonal shedding of leaves.
    • Shrublands and grasslands are also common, adapted to the harsher conditions.
• Influence on Agriculture:
  • Western Ghats: Favor plantation agriculture. The high rainfall and moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for plantation crops like coffee, tea, cardamom, and spices.
    • Additionally, the fertile soils on the slopes support the cultivation of fruits like mangoes and bananas.
  • Eastern Ghats: Promote mixed farming and drought-resistant crops. The moderate and often erratic rainfall patterns necessitate a mix of crops with varying water requirements.
    • Pulses, millets, cotton, and some oilseeds are commonly cultivated. Additionally, drought-resistant crops like sorghum and pearl millet are crucial for food security in these regions.
• Water Resource Management:
  • Western Ghats: Act as natural water towers. The dense forests in the Western Ghats capture and store rainwater, feeding numerous perennial rivers that flow westward. These rivers are crucial for irrigation and water supply in the region.
  • Eastern Ghats: Limited impact on major river systems. The Eastern Ghats have a smaller network of rivers compared to the Western Ghats.
    • However, they contribute to the flow of some major rivers like the Godavari and Mahanadi, playing a vital role in eastern India's water resources.

Conclusion

Both mountain ranges are facing unique challenges in the context of climate change, population pressure, and developmental needs. The conservation and sustainable management of these crucial ecological regions are imperative for India's environmental stability, food security, and overall sustainable development