In News:

A Konkan secret, the flat-top sada is a freshwater paradise.

Key Highlights:

Geography of Sada:

• The Konkan region lies between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats.
• Sada refers to flat-topped hills, formed by centuries of erosion, and is a prominent feature in the Ratnagiri district.
• These areas are typically barren except during the monsoon season when they come alive with flora and fauna.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services:

• A biodiversity survey between 2022-2024 recorded 459 plant species, with 105 being endemic to the Konkan region.
• The survey also identified 31 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians, 169 species of birds, and 41 species of mammals.
• These ecosystems play a vital role in water conservation. The lateritic soil layer atop the Sada acts as a catchment for rainwater, recharging the groundwater and providing freshwater to local communities year-round.

Traditional Land Use and Agriculture:

• Local Farming: During monsoons, the Sada is used by locals for growing traditional crops like rice and millets (e.g., nanchani), using sustainable farming practices without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
• Water Management: The locals rely on open wells, springs, and perennial streams for freshwater, which are carefully maintained through cultural rituals and community hygiene practices.

Conservation and Cultural Importance:

• The region is home to geoglyphs, ancient artworks estimated to be 10,000 years old, adding to its cultural and historical significance.
• Waterbodies on the Sada serve as habitats for species like the Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) and provide water for other wildlife, including leopards, jackals, hyenas, barking deer, and migratory birds.

Environmental Threats:

• Land-use Change: Increasing conversion of open land and croplands into orchards and residential areas, along with various developmental projects, threatens the region's biodiversity.
• Mining: Extraction of laterite stones for construction purposes is another environmental risk.
• Wasteland Classification: The region is often classified as a ‘wasteland’ in the Wasteland Atlas, further complicating conservation efforts.