Chikkamagaluru: In the midst of the serene temple town of Sringeri, nestled in the Western Ghats, a groundbreaking study has unveiled the secrets of rainforests and their significance in an era where unseasonal rains pose a growing concern. Dr. Kalkuli Vittal Hegde’s monumental research on this subject has earned him the prestigious D.Litt honour from the Kannada University of Hampi in Karnataka. Conducted in Kannada, his study explores the ecological glossary and best practices of environmental conservation employed by the local tribal communities in their own dialects, thereby reinforcing the importance of preserving the Malenadu region. Dr. Hegde’s D.Litt is the first such recognition awarded exclusively for the study of Malenadu conservation.
Dr. Hegde and His Environmental Endeavours
Renowned for his love and concern for the rainforests of the Western Ghats, Dr. Kalkuli Vittal Hegde has been at the forefront of numerous environmental campaigns, most notably the advocacy for the retention of tribal villages within the Kudremukh National Park. He has been a vocal opponent of the removal of approximately 15,000 forest dwellers residing in 36 revenue villages within the protected area. The campaign, known as Kudremukh National Park Virudhi Horata, is a coalition of socially diverse organisations fighting for the rights of the Kudremukh forest inhabitants. Dr. Hegde’s work, “Malenadu Adhyayana,” focuses on studying the rainforests of the Western Ghats, with a specific emphasis on the Malenadu region of Karnataka. The study encompasses a wide range of aspects related to the South Asian monsoon, which has implications not only for South India but for the entire Southern Hemisphere, playing a crucial role in the global rain ecosystem.
Additionally, Dr. Hegde has actively campaigned against the eviction of tribals from the Kudremukh National Park, garnering national-level attention. He has also presided over the Sringeri Taluk Kannada Literary Festival.
Dr. Hegde says “This rain system has a history of over 20 lakh years. It is as important and ancient as the Himalayas, both significantly influencing global weather patterns and rainfall. This 100 days of rain act as the elixir of life, not only for humankind but also for a diverse range of plant and animal life. During my extensive trips into the heart of the Western Ghats, I have discovered that even tree species from the Jurassic period still exist, albeit in mutated forms. Scientific evidence suggests that the South Asian monsoons hold broader importance in the world’s ecology.”
“I have studied rainfall patterns spanning 125 years, from 1895 to 2020. The variations, distribution, and their effects extend beyond vegetation, influencing the cultural aspects of the people living within the Malenadu rainforest complex. Although my study may focus on a micro area within the global ecology, we can draw parallels with the Amazon rainforest complex in Brazil, where the extent of green cover directly correlates with the survival of biodiversity. If we observe the spread of biodiversity from the Pangea period to the Jurassic period and into the modern world, we witness how the environment and ecology took root on a single landmass, subsequently evolving into different weather systems after continental drift. This suggests that the global rainfall patterns, including the Southwestern monsoons and those in the Amazon rainforest complex, represent two identical rainfall systems, now recognised as two of the world’s largest rainforest ecosystems.”
“Through my study, I have learned from various earlier geological, biological, botanical, entomological, and zoological studies that the Western Ghats constitute 5% of India’s landmass and 27% of its biodiversity hotspots. The Western Ghats ecosystem hosts over 15,000 living beings, including 7,402 types of flowering plants, 1,814 bird species, 190 frog species, 290 types of freshwater fish, 139 animal species, 350 varieties of moths and ants, more than 6,000 insect species, 330 butterfly species, and numerous other forms of biodiversity. This makes the Western Ghats one of the top eight biodiversity hotspots in the world.
The Malenadu region of Karnataka receives over 4,000 millimetres of rainfall annually, making it the highest among the regions sharing the Western Ghats.”
Why unseasonal rains have become new normal common in recent times? Are there any variations in the rainfall pattern according to the data you analysed from 1895 to 2020? This question has haunted me for some years – Within my study area, there are already significant variations. In what we refer to as Malenadu, there are three types of hilly areas: completely hilly, partially hilly, and densely hilly. Some areas traditionally receive just 50 inches of rain, while others receive 100 or even 400 inches. However, over the past 200-250 years, particularly during the British era, extensive modification of vegetation has taken place. Sandalwood, teak, rubber, coffee, and tea plantations were established, which not only altered the vegetation but also impacted the cultural aspects of Malenadu. Changes in vegetation subsequently affected rainfall patterns and cultural practices. With the introduction of plantation crops, new vegetation and people from different regions well-versed in these crops arrived, enriching the already diverse tribal culture of the Western Ghats.
However, that is not the primary concern at the forefront of my mind or that of environmental activists worldwide! Nature operates on a global scale while acting locally. Why have there been so many cyclones in recent years? My study has documented 26 cyclones within the South Asian rain system in 2021. The larger and more powerful cyclones have been named, while the smaller ones have been dismissed as upper area circulation with insignificant nomenclature. Nevertheless, the increased frequency of cyclones indicates a serious change in weather patterns as we know them. Unseasonal cyclonic circulation in the South Asian weather system causes the Southwestern Monsoons to arrive prematurely. This leads to unseasonal rains and subsequent changes in vegetation. We must not forget the significant melting of the South Pole and its impact on Pacific countries, as well as phenomena like El Niño and the Doldrums. All these point to global warming, colloquially referred to as “Earth taking measures to cool off.”
“As environmental thinkers, we must comprehend and facilitate these changes before reaching the point of no return. During my study also I have found there were grave concerns about changes in rainforest vegetation and their effects on various species. These trees are native to Karnataka’s rainforests and used to grow abundantly in the Bhagavati Forest ward of Kudremukh National Park. In the mid-20th century, they were extensively utilised for making railway track sleepers and electric poles due to their density, size, and high oil content. The Balige trees formed monoculture species, with large canopies and the ability to catch fire even while alive. As a young boy, I witnessed the entire forest of Balige trees burning due to the cover-up activities of the timber mafia at that time. Sadly, that forest has not regenerated since then, and the tree now faces a significant risk of extinction.”
When asked if his Malenadu Adhyayana study also highlights concerns about deforestation and its impact on several species. Can you provide further insights into this issue? Dr. Hegde said. “the concerns are genuine, and the threats are real. The Western Ghats have numerous infrastructure corridors passing through them, resulting in extensive deforestation. Pipelines, highways, power lines, and hydro projects all require the clear-cutting of forests. Based on my research for the Malenadu Adhyayana study, I discovered that once clear-cutting occurs, the same species rarely regrow naturally. The vegetation undergoes changes, and tall trees with wide canopies are replaced by various other species. Often, these new species completely transform the endemic vegetation, resulting in significant ecological effects. It is crucial to remember that this is just one system in the world. If such deforestation occurs globally, imagine the consequences it would have!