Unveiling the Marvels of Change: Climate and Ecological Transformations of Kaas Plateau
Written by Amruta Yadav ( Masters student at Azim Premji University)
Walking through Bangalore’s gardens, like Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park, I can’t help but remember my roots in Satara, where Kaas Pathar holds my heart. There, amidst the natural marvels of Kaas Plateau, I find solace and pride in my heritage. It’s a place where the very essence of India’s indigenous beauty blooms, a testament to our ecological treasures. But recent studies describing the frightening ecological and climate changes have made me uneasy.
Kaas Pathar’s unique beauty and ecological importance remind us of our responsibility to conserve our environment. Kaas Pathar from Satara district of Maharashtra is a part of the Deccan Plateau and falls within the Western Ghats biosphere. It has around 850 flowering varieties including orchids and Karvy and grasses. Of these, 624 species have entered the Red Data book and 39 of these are found only in Kaas, stressing the need for their preservation and conservation. The presence of diverse wildlife, including various species of insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds, adds another layer of intrigue to the Kaas Plateau (Menon G, 2018). It showcases how the weather and nature work together in a beautiful way. This unique natural wonder has witnessed significant shifts in its environment over the years, serving as both a warning and an inspiration in the face of climate change and ecological challenges. We embark on a journey to explore the mesmerizing Kaas Plateau and unravel the fascinating climate and ecological changes that have shaped its destiny.
Kaas Plateau often referred to as the “Valley of Flowers of Maharashtra,” is a high-altitude plateau located in the Satara district. Spanning about 1,000 hectares, this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site bursts into a riot of colors during the monsoon season, transforming into a vibrant carpet of wildflowers. The plateau’s fragile ecosystem boasts a diverse array of plant species, many of which are endemic and rare, making it a vital site for conservation efforts.
One of the most significant factors influencing Kaas Plateau’s ecology is the annual monsoon cycle. The southwestern monsoons that sweep across the region from June to September play a pivotal role in the germination and blossoming of the wildflowers. Rainfall during this period ensures a burst of life, as dormant seeds awaken from their slumber and begin to thrive.
However, in recent years, the monsoon patterns have shown signs of change. Irregular rainfall, altered monsoon timing, and variations in intensity have put stress on the delicate balance of the plateau’s ecosystem. This has led to fluctuations in the wildflower blooms and a potential threat to the survival of rare species that depend on specific weather cues.
Recent research by Agharkar Research Institute and the National Centre for Earth Sciences reveals significant climate shifts in Kaas Plateau during the Early-Mid-Holocene and late Holocene. Sediment analysis of a seasonal lake indicates Eutrophication over the last 1000 years due to excessive minerals and nutrients, likely linked to agriculture and livestock farming. Early Holocene saw intensified southwest monsoons 8000 years ago, while northeast monsoons weakened around 2000 years ago. This suggests that Kaas Plateau’s famed floral wonder may have persisted longer, up to March-April, during the early-mid Holocene when monsoonal rainfall was more abundant, with over 100 rainy days.
The porous laterite rock allows most of the water to seep through or drain off. There is only a thin layer of soil, and hence the plateau has no perennial vegetation. Only the rainy season supports vegetation. These peculiarities make this plateau extremely important and sensitive from a botanical point of view. Scientists have noted a reduction in rainfall and a diminished southwest monsoon in the late Holocene period to understand and decipher the past climate of the Kaas Plateau. Lateritic rocky outcrops are rich in biodiversity. Its unique geological features include a laterite crust and wetlands that retain seasonal water. The plateau’s lush vegetation, dependent on monsoon rains, transforms it into a colorful landscape with vibrant flowers. The optimal period to explore the enchanting beauty of the Kaas Plateau is from September to the second week of October, when the entire plateau bursts into a vibrant bloom. During this time, a gentle yet refreshing breeze graces the landscape, and the region is often blanketed in a dense layer of fog, adding to the mesmerizing atmosphere. It’s the perfect season to immerse you in the breathtaking scenery. The unique geological formations, including basalt rock, contribute to its diverse range of plant species, from orchids to carnivorous plants. Many of these species have evolved to thrive in the plateau’s nutrient-poor soil, showcasing nature’s remarkable ability to adapt.
However, alongside climate-driven challenges, anthropogenic activities have also impacted the plateau’s ecology. Flora of Kaas is becoming endangered mainly due to anthropogenic activities like tourism and other human interference. The lack of conservation activities in earlier years threatened the floral diversity of Kaas (Shenai et. al, 2013).In more recent times, the presence of increased pollen and a significant number of planktonic and pollution-resistant diatom species in the lake suggests eutrophication, which could be attributed to human activities and livestock farming in the surrounding area (PIB, 2013). The plateau and its surroundings are seriously threatened by the recent spike in tourism. Numerous problems, including overcrowding, habitat disruption, and increased trash output, may result from the influx of tourists. Plastic bottles, plates, bags, and other consumable garbage have become a typical issue near Kaas Lake. Visitors’ improper disposal and improper disposal of dead livestock or waste materials can be detrimental to the local ecosystem, fauna, and aesthetics of Kaas (Terre Policy Centre, 2018).
Trampling the grass, which bears the flowers, not only kills it for that particular season, but it also results in your weight hardening the soil beneath, thus making it difficult for the pollen and delicate roots to penetrate the surface, and thus reducing the possibility of a flower blooming on that spot in the next season too? As we grapple with global climate change, our actions resonate far beyond our immediate surroundings. The story of Kaas Plateau urges us to adopt a holistic approach to conservation, understanding that even seemingly remote areas are part of a broader ecological web. To secure the future of this natural wonder, stakeholders must collaborate to understand the changing climate patterns is crucial for predicting wildflower blooms and safeguarding the plateau’s biodiversity. Responsible tourism practices, such as limiting foot traffic and educating visitors about the plateau’s fragility, can help preserve its unique ecosystem. Conservationists and local communities have joined hands to protect Kaas Plateau through sustainable tourism practices and habitat restoration initiatives.
The Terre Policy Centre encourages sustainable tourism by creating annual report cards in collaboration with local communities and NGOs. The plateau is efficiently managed by the Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC), which is made up of local village leaders and a member of the Forest Department. In addition to giving them a means of support, hiring locals as tour guides gives tourists a rare window into the area’s nature and culture. The purpose of educational tours led by ecologists and botanists is to increase knowledge of biodiversity. Another method to have an impact is to contribute to the conservation initiatives of Kaas Plateau, such as the planting of trees and the preservation of wildlife (Terre Policy Centre, 2018). One of the notable achievements of ecotourism in Kaas has been the introduction of local homestays, which not only generate income for indigenous families but also foster meaningful interactions between tourists and the local community ( Patil and Phillott, 2022).
The Kaas Plateau stands as a testament to the beauty, fragility, and resilience of Earth’s ecosystems. Its story is a reminder that climate and ecological changes are not isolated events but rather intertwined narratives that shape the destiny of natural landscapes. As we admire the wildflower blooms and breathe in the crisp air of Kaas Plateau, let us remember our responsibility to protect and preserve the wonders that nature has bestowed upon us. It would be great if we could collectively think of measures and precautions for Kaas. Let’s ensure its legacy lives on by safeguarding the delicate balance between nature and progress.
References:
- Ankita Patil and Andrea D. Phillott (2022). When Conservation, Community and Education Come Together: Kaas Plateau’s Sustainable Ecotourism the Bastion Model https://thebastion.co.in/politics-and/environment/when-conservation-community-and-education-come-together-kaas-plateaus-sustainable-ecotourism-model/
- D.D. Shenai, M.U. Borkar and M.K. Pejaver (2013). Comparative study of Flora of three Plateaus in Western Maharashtra National Conference on Biodiversity: Status and Challenges in Conservation http://vpmthane.org/sci/FAVEO/r33.pdf
- Menon G. (2018). Kaas — Maharashtra’s very own ‘valley of flowers’ Vikalp Sangam, Accessed online from
- https://vikalpsangam.org/article/kaas-maharashtras-very-own-valley-of-flowers/ Retrieved on 2 nd September, 2023.
- Mital Thacker, Ruta B. Limaye, D. Padmalal, S.N. Rajaguru, K.P.N. Kumaran, S.A. Punekar, Balasubramanian Karthick (2023). Holocene climate dynamics and ecological responses in Kaas Plateau, Western Ghats, India: Evidence from lacustrine deposits. Science Direct.
Accessed online from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666033423000199
Retrieved on 2nd September, 2023. - PIB, 2023. ‘Sediments decode climate and environmental changes on Kaas Plateau around 8664 years BP’. Accessed online from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1939276 Retrieved on 2nd September, 2023.
- Terre Policy Centre Annual Report (2018). Accessed online from http://terrepolicycentre.com/report/Final%20Kaas%20Report%202017%20in%20pdf.pdf
Retrieved on 5th October, 2023.
