KOCHI: The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri or the Rain Hills, spanning a length of 1,600 km, is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, older than the Himalayas. Fossil studies prove Western Ghats originated when Peninsular India broke away from African subcontinent 150 million years ago. Realising the importance of Western Ghats, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has made it the central theme for Kochi Metro stations. Going a step ahead, KMRL has come up with a novel initiative to acquaint children, who are the future of our country, with the uniqueness of the Ghats.The agency has decided to conduct one-day tours for school students during which they will get a chance to see the flora and fauna of the Western Ghats depicted in the paintings and writings on the walls of the stations.
“Initially, we had decided to give character schemes and themes for select stations like Aluva, Kalamassery, Cusat, Edappally, Changampuzha Park and MG Road. But later, the authorities opined that ‘transits are also methods to create awareness’ and this made us shift our focus to the Western Ghats,” said an official spokesperson of KMRL. The officer said KMRL is working on special packages for schools. It will be organising ‘experience trips’ during which students will get to enjoy joy rides along with getting to know what makes Kerala, Kerala.
“Special brochures on the peculiarities of Western Ghats will be shared with the students. The special packages will be rolled out when the services get extended up to Maharaja’s College Ground by September end.”The brochure will contain details of the rivers of Western Ghats, the hills in the mountain range, information on birds and various endangered species, fishes, data on dragonflies and butterflies along with general information on Sahyadri.
In addition to Western Ghats, the Cusat station has the maritime history of Kerala painted on its walls, Edappally station has the spices and crops of Kerala, Changapuzha Park stations showcases the cultural and artistic heritage of the state while Jawaharlal Nehru Station Stadium will reflect the sporting heritage. The Maharaja’s College Ground stadium will have Ernakulam and its history as the theme.
Western Ghats: Fact file
The mountain chain passes through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The average elevation of the Western Ghats is 1,000 m, whereas the Anamudi peak, the highest point of the mountain, is at an altitude of 2695 m above sea level. Out of around 1200 species of vertebrates found in the Western Ghats, more than 350 species are endemic to this region. The presence of the Purple Frog, supposed to have shared the earth with the dinosaurs, gives evidence to the fact that India was part of Seychelles eons ago. The Western Ghats is home to more than 15,000 species of life forms, including 300 endangered species of flora and fauna, stressing the urgent need for conservation of this region.
Kochi Metro stations and themes:
Aluva: Western Ghats (WG): Periyar and other rivers
Pulinchodu: Ecological region and Flora and Fauna of WG
Companypadi: Hills and peaks of WG
Ambattukavu: Snails, slugs and snakes of WG
Muttom: Birds of WG
Kalamssery: WG
Cusat: Maritime history of Kerala
Pathadipalam: Fishes of WG
Edappally: Spices and crops of Kerala
Changampuzha Park: Cultural Heritage of Kerala
Palarivattom: Flowers of WG
Stadium: Sporting Heritage of Kerala
Kaloor: Monsoon, waterfall and waterbodies of WG
Lissie: Dragon Flies and butterflies of WG
MG Road: Endangered species of WG
Maharaja’s: Ernakulam and its History