UPSC Key-22nd June 2026: Western Ghats, Rakhigarhi and Power Exchange Market
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Indian government is finalizing the demarcation of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats to regulate developmental activities and protect biodiversity.
Background
The proposed ESAs in the Western Ghats cover an area exceeding 56,000 square kilometers. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is currently conducting DNA testing and facial reconstruction on skeletal remains at the Rakhigarhi Harappan site in Haryana.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceWestern Ghats: A biodiversity hotspot spanning the western coast of India across six states.
- FactThe demarcated Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats cover over 56,000 square kilometers.
- PlaceRakhigarhi: A major Harappan civilization site located in the state of Haryana.
- BodyASI: The Archaeological Survey of India is the premier organization for archaeological research and preservation.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the ecological significance of the Western Ghats and evaluate the challenges in balancing regional developmental aspirations with the preservation of Ecologically Sensitive Areas.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Federal friction: Conflict between state-led infrastructure projects and central environmental conservation mandates
- Regulatory bottleneck: Lack of clear, standardized criteria for demarcating ESAs across different ecological zones
- Biodiversity loss: Threat to endemic species due to unregulated mining and tourism in fragile corridors
Keywords: Biodiversity conservation · Ecologically Sensitive Areas · Sustainable development · Federalism · Heritage preservation
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Forest department takes over 42.72 hectares of land from private estate in Kolukkumalai · 29 June 2026
- 18 years on, Sariska’s tiger reintroduction pushes Centre to act on big cat-deficient reserves · 28 June 2026
- Delhi heatwave, Not 51 Degrees Celsius, But Feels That Hot: What's Behind Delhi's Heat · 28 June 2026
- Forest squads battle rise in illegal adventure trips in protected forests in Malabar region · 27 June 2026
- Protecting elephants helps safeguard India’s forests as powerful carbon stores: Study · 27 June 2026
- Athirappilly charts biodiversity-led path to sustainable development · 27 June 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.