Shades of Habitat

We live in an age of rapid urban growth, increased vehicular movement, excessive material consumption, selfish devotion, and low tolerance for others. The impact of this age is impossible to ignore in the planet’s changing atmosphere, the piles of solid waste that mar our public spaces, and the loss of natural vegetation. Several far-sighted geologists, in response to the evidence of the changing planet, have given a name for this new epoch: the Anthropocene.

The Palani Hills, nominally a blip on the Western Ghats linear profile, have been a source of inspiration for a spectrum of conservationists in India for years. It’s hard to say what the source of inspiration is-something about the clean mountain air, deep sholas, sublime vista, or perhaps the sweet Kodai water has worked its magic on generations of visitors. These hills, with their misty valleys, patches of Kurinji, and uplifted position, inspire human beings to care just a little bit more about our fragile planet.

I commend B. Sateesh Muthu Gopal in his effort to share his impressions from the Palanis (and other locations) in the hope that it will further broaden awareness and action in support of conservation initiatives in the Palani Hills.