News: Operation Sahyadri Checkmate was launched recently by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
About Operation Sahyadri Checkmate
- “Operation Sahyadri Checkmate” was anti-narcotics operation.
- Aim: It dismantled a clandestine mobile mephedrone manufacturing laboratory in the remote hinterland of the Sahyadri ranges.
- Launched by: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
- What was recovered: Around 21.9 kilograms of mephedrone in various forms and over 70 kilograms of chemical precursors and raw materials were recovered.
- Note: Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant and is commonly described as a party drug.
- The total value of the seized contraband is estimated at Rs 55 crore in the illicit market.
About Sahyadri Ranges
- About: The Northern-Western Ghats of India are popularly known as ‘Sahyadri’.
- Location: They extend from the Goa–Karnataka–Maharashtra tri-junction in the south to the Tapi River near the Gujarat border in the north.
- Length: About 640 km long and 10 to 20 km wide.
- Height: Average elevation is of around 1,000 m.
- Formation: They are formed about 60 million years ago due to massive volcanic activity and are part of the Deccan Traps.
- Composition: They are mainly composed of basalt rocks.
- Features
- The western slopes of the Sahyadris rise steeply from the Konkan Coast, while the eastern slopes descend gradually into the Deccan Plateau.
- They act as a natural barrier to the southwest monsoon winds and receive heavy rainfall on their crestline.
- Annual rainfall: Between 4,000 and 6,000 mm.
- Rivers: The rivers Godavari and Krishna originate from these ranges.
- Peaks: Kalasubai (Highest – 1,646 meters), Salher and Mahabaleshwar.
- Important passes: Thal Ghat, Bhor Ghat, Naneghat, Amba Ghat, and Amboli Ghat.
- Vegetation: Evergreen forests are found mainly along the wet western crestline, while drier regions support deciduous forests and grasslands.
- Flora: It is home to over 4,000 plant species, with at least 159 endemic flowering plants.
- Sacred groves are protected by local communities.
- Fauna: The Sahyadris support various wildlife species, including the purple frog (endemic), leopards, gaur, Indian giant squirrel, Tigers, Asian elephants, sloth bears, etc.
- Some of the important birds include the Nilgiri wood-pigeon, Malabar grey hornbill, grey-headed bulbul, and the Malabar parakeet.
- Important protected areas: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandoli National Park, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.
- Historical Importance: Famous forts like Raigad, Rajgad, Sinhagad, and Shivneri are located in this range.
- Conservation International has recognized the Sahyadri range (Western Ghats) as part of one of the world’s 34 global biodiversity hotspots.
