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30 August 2026

Environmental concerns over trekking in Karnataka Western Ghats

The topic provides relevant contemporary context on the environmental impact of tourism in ecologically sensitive zones like the Western Ghats, which is useful for illustrating answers on conservation and sustainable development.

1 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Growing concern over illegal trekking and 'hidden spot' tourism in Karnataka's Western Ghats, specifically Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts.
  • Unauthorised trekking activities are causing irreversible damage to ecologically fragile forests, water sources, and wildlife habitats.
  • Increased tourist footfall leads to significant plastic waste and garbage accumulation in sensitive areas.
  • Social media promotion of remote natural spots, including areas with endemic flora like Strobilanthes kunthiana (Neelakurinji), is driving the influx.
  • Forest Department in Kodagu has intensified action against unauthorised commercial trekking and warned travel agents.
  • Government policy emphasizes that forest areas should not be opened for commercial activities solely due to social media popularity.

Questions

  1. The rise of 'hidden spot' tourism in ecologically sensitive zones like the Western Ghats poses a challenge to biodiversity conservation. Discuss the regulatory mechanisms required to balance sustainable tourism with the protection of fragile ecosystems. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Ecologically sensitive areas in India are increasingly threatened by unregulated commercial activities and social media-driven tourism. Analyze the impact of such activities on endemic biodiversity and discuss the role of the Forest Department in enforcing environmental regulations to mitigate these risks. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Strobilanthes kunthiana, often mentioned in the context of Western Ghats conservation, is commonly known as:

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-30/environmental-concerns-over-trekking-in-karnataka-western