Context:
The Kalvarayan Hills, part of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, were recently in the news due to:
- Ecological degradation alerts issued by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.
- The proposal to declare a part of the hills as a Biosphere Reserve and eco-sensitive zone.
- Studies highlighting endemic flora and fauna facing threat from shifting cultivation, deforestation, and tourism pressure.
- Renewed interest in tribal development and geotourism in the region.
Location & Geography
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Districts Covered | Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Salem |
| Range | Part of Eastern Ghats |
| Elevation | 900–1200 metres |
| Rivers | Manimuktha, Gomukhi (tributaries of Vellar) |
| Terrain | Upland plateau, forested hills, and valleys |
| Climate | Semi-arid to sub-tropical with distinct dry and wet seasons |
Biodiversity Significance
- Vegetation: Dry deciduous to semi-evergreen forests
- Flora: Endemic species like Cycas circinalis, Chloroxylon swietenia
- Fauna: Slender loris, grizzled giant squirrel, Indian pangolin
- Tribal Communities: Malayali tribe is dominant, practicing shifting cultivation, honey collection, herbal medicine
- Protected Areas Nearby: Sitheri Reserve Forests, Pakkamalai Forest Block
Why It’s in News
1. Environmental Degradation
- Reports of forest fires (Feb–April 2025)
- Illegal encroachments and logging activities
2. Biodiversity Hotspot Under Threat
- Studies by ATREE and Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board warn of invasive species (Lantana, Prosopis)
- Grazing pressure and unregulated eco-tourism
3. Tribal Development Initiatives
- Tamil Nadu Forest Department proposes eco-development projects for Malayali tribes
- Skill training, sustainable agriculture, and community tourism included
4. Geotourism Potential
- Kalvarayan Hills promoted under Tamil Nadu Eco-Tourism Policy 2024
- Waterfalls, trekking trails, and medicinal plant gardens
Relevance to UPSC GS Papers
GS1 – Geography
- Eastern Ghats: fragmented hills with endemic ecosystems
- Role of tribal communities in sustainable forest use
GS3 – Environment
- Human–nature conflict in fragile ecosystems
- Conservation of lesser-known biodiversity zones
- Forest policy, Joint Forest Management, eco-sensitive zones
Prelims Pointers
| Topic | Fact |
|---|---|
| Range | Eastern Ghats |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Key Tribe | Malayali |
| Threats | Forest fires, invasive species, deforestation |
| Conservation Proposal | Part to be declared Biosphere Reserve (proposed) |
Essay & Mains Value Addition
“Conservation begins where invisibility ends – India’s lesser-known ecosystems like Kalvarayan are rich in both life and lessons.”
Use this as a case study in:
- Environmental ethics
- Tribal empowerment and conservation synergy
- Ecotourism vs ecological stability debates
Conclusion
Kalvarayan Hills represent one of India’s lesser-known ecological treasures facing the twin challenge of biodiversity loss and development pressure. Balancing the ecological integrity of this landscape with the socio-economic aspirations of the tribal communities will be key to its sustainable future.
