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Source: The Times of India

Context

Environmentalists are concerned about the licensing of an ecotourism resort project on the Surla plateau, which is located in a vital tiger habitat within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. The project could create lasting ecological damage.

About the lateritic plateaus of Goa

The lateritic plateaus of Goa are ecologically and geologically significant areas that are mostly located inland and along the coast. The laterite rock formations that make up these plateaus provide both building materials and habitats for rare and endangered species. Development and urbanization are putting them in danger, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts.

Geology and Formation

• Laterite, a soil and rock rich in iron and aluminum oxides, originates in hot and rainy tropical environments. 
• Goa's lateritic plateaus are the remains of a worn, old land surface. 
• Laterite caps the plateaus, which range in thickness from a few meters to more than 25 meters. 
• They are constructed from a variety of rocks, including quartz-chlorite-amphibole schist, pink ferruginous phyllite, schitose metabasalt, and metagreywacke. 
• The plateaus are divided by a drainage system, indicating uplift and geologic activity. 

Geographical significance: 

• Goa's lateritic plateaus range in altitude from 30 to 100 meters. 
• They are situated between the hilly region in the east and the plains in the west. 
• Pernem, Mapusa, Porvorim, Panjim, Ponda, Vasco de Gama, Dabolim-Madgaon, Quepem, Cabo de Rama, and Canacona are some examples of plateaus. 
• These plateaus are commonly connected with coastal features such as sandy beaches, estuaries, and headlands. 

Ecological Importance: 

• Lateritic plateaus support indigenous plant and animal species that thrive under harsh environments. 
• They are seasonal ecosystems that thrive during the monsoon season, supporting a diverse range of life. 
• These plateaus serve as groundwater recharge zones and are home to springs and streams. 
• They sustain a variety of flora and wildlife, including carnivorous plants, grasses, and birds.

FAQs

Q1. What are lateritic plateaus in Goa and how are they formed?
Lateritic plateaus in Goa are elevated flatlands formed by the prolonged weathering of basalt rocks under tropical climatic conditions, resulting in iron and aluminum-rich laterite soil.

Q2. Why are Goa’s lateritic plateaus ecologically important?
Goa’s lateritic plateaus support unique ecosystems with endemic plant species and seasonal vegetation, making them crucial for biodiversity and ecological balance.

Q3. Are Goa’s lateritic plateaus under threat?
Yes, Goa's lateritic plateaus face threats from mining, construction, and tourism-related activities, impacting local flora, fauna, and groundwater recharge capacity.

Source: TOI