The present investigation deals with the chemical characteristics/composition of the natural waters of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), located within Kerala and Karnataka states respectively. Waters of both localities differ significantly in their chemical characteristics and composition. The waters of NBR - Kerala are bereft of dissolved minerals in their per unit volume, irrespective of their sources and location. In contrast to above, the waters of Karnataka have sufficient dissolved minerals in their per unit volume.

Sholas, which represent a unique vegetation complex, are very rich in biodiversity and support a high degree of endemism are known for their intrinsic values in terms of providing sustained water supply in the hills. Shola forests faced severe stress from biotic interferences like collection of firewood and fodder, recurrent man made fires in surrounding grasslands and conversion into exotic plantations, which caused their depletion.

Landslides in Nilgiris are mainly due to rainfall, but human intervention in the form of deforestation and plantation has turned this into a calamity.

A field experiment under runoff plots was conducted at Devala, Gudallur taluk of the Nilgiris from 2001 to 2003 to evaluate the impact of vegetative barriers and mechanical measures on erosion losses on 25 per cent sloping land under cultivation of cassava.