Geography and Environment of Uttarakhand

Geography and Environment of Uttarakhand

Geography and Environment of Uttarakhand : Uttarakhand, located in the northern part of India, is a Himalayan state with a diverse geography and rich environment. It was carved out of Uttar Pradesh and became a separate state in 2000. Uttarakhand spans over 53,483 sq km and is divided into two distinct regions – the Garhwal region in the northwest and the Kumaon region in the southeast.

The state shares international borders with Nepal in the east and China (Tibet) in the north and northeast. Within India, it borders Himachal Pradesh in the northwest and Uttar Pradesh in the south. Uttarakhand has a varying landscape that consists of the mighty Himalayan peaks and glaciers in the north, dense forests in the center and Gangetic plains in the south. Here is a detailed look at the various geographical and environmental aspects of Uttarakhand:

Physiographic Divisions

Uttarakhand can be divided into four physiographic zones running parallel from north to south:

1. The Great Himalayas

• This is the northernmost physiographic zone of Uttarakhand bordering Tibet/China
• Consists of the highest mountain peaks (over 7000 m) like Nanda Devi (7816 m), Kamet (7756 m), Badrinath, Kedarnath, etc
• Has major glaciers like Gangotri, Pindari, Milam, etc
• Zone is difficult to access and sparsely populated

2. The Lesser Himalayas

• Runs parallel to the Great Himalayas in the south
• Altitude varies between 1000-3500 m
• Has famous hill stations like Mussoorie, Almora, Ranikhet, etc
• Dense forests found in this region

3. Shivalik Hills

• Located further south of Lesser Himalayas
• Altitude varies between 300-1500 m
• Comprised of fragile soil prone to erosion
• Sub-tropical climate and vegetation

4. Terai Plains

• Include the Bhabar and Tarai regions
• Foot-hills of the Shivaliks descending to the plains
• Rich, moist alluvial soil with high groundwater levels
• Supports agriculture and human habitation

Drainage and River Systems

The major river systems of Uttarakhand flowing from north to south are:

A. Ganga River System

• Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers originating from Gangotri and Satopanth glaciers respectively meet at Devprayag to form Ganga river
• Major tributaries: Mandakini, Pindar, Nandakini, Dhauli Ganga

B. Yamuna River System

• Yamuna river originates from Yamunotri glacier
• Major tributaries: Tons and Giri rivers

C. Sharda River System

• Sharda river (Kali river) originates from Kalipani glacier
• Joins Ghaghra river in Uttar Pradesh

Climate and Rainfall

The climate of Uttarakhand varies significantly from place to place owing to great altitudinal differences. However, the state can be divided into four climatic zones:

1. Tropical Wet Climate

• Below 900 m altitude
• Hot summers and mild winters
• Average temperature of 15-20°C
• Heavy rainfall of over 2000 mm

2. Subtropical Humid Climate

• 900-1800 m altitude
• Summers are cooler and winters cold
• Average temperature of 13-19°C
• Rainfall between 1500-2000 mm

3. Cool Temperate Climate

• 1800-2400 m altitude
• Cool and pleasant summers and cold winters
• Average temperature of 10-15°C
• Rainfall between 1250-1750 mm

4. Alpine Climate

• Above 2400 m altitude
• Extremely cold climate throughout the year
• Average temperature below 10°C
• Rainfall under 1250 mm
• Snowfall very heavy

Forest Types

Uttarakhand is endowed with diverse types of forests owing to the variation in physiography and climate. The major forest types are:

1. Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests

• Found below 900 m mostly in the Tarai region
• Comprised of Sal, Teak, Bamboos, etc
• Common animals found are Tiger, Elephants, Sambar, etc

2. Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests

• Found in Bhabar area and drier parts of Tarai below 900 m
• Comprised of Sal, Teak, Shisham, Khair, etc
• Common animals found are Cheetal, Sambar, Barking Deer etc

3. Sub-Tropical Broadleaf Forests

• Found between 900-1800 m
• Comprised of Oak, Rhododendron, Pine, Deodar (Cedar), etc
• Common animals found are Black Bear, Barking Deer, Langur Monkeys etc

4. Sub-Alpine Forests

• Found between 1800-3000 m
• Comprised of Silver Fir, Spruce, Birch, Rhododendron, Juniper etc
• Common animals found are Black Bear, Musk Deer, Monal, Snow Leopard etc

5. Alpine Forests and Pastures

• Found above 3000 m
• Grasslands and Meadows
• Animals like Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr etc found here

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

Uttarakhand has rich biodiversity and unique flora and fauna owing to its location in the Himalayas and varying climatic conditions. It has the following protected areas:

A. National Parks

• Corbett National Park
• Gangotri National Park
• Govind Pashu Vihar National Park
• Nanda Devi National Park
• Rajaji National Park
• Valley of Flowers National Park

B. Wildlife Sanctuaries

• Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary
• Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
• Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary

These protected areas are home to endangered wildlife like Snow Leopard, Musk deer, Himalayan Tahr as well as numerous bird species.

Natural Disasters

Some environmental hazards and natural disasters that Uttarakhand is vulnerable to:

1. Landslides and Soil Erosion

• Frequent landslides in the fragile Himalayan region
• Soil erosion in Shivalik hills

2. Floods and River Bank Erosion

• Floods and changing river course common during Monsoons
• 2013 Kedarnath tragedy one of the worst disasters

3. Forest Fires

• Forest fires pose a threat especially in summers
• 2016 forest fires caused severe damage

4. Earthquakes

• Located in seismic zone IV and V
• Vulnerable to earthquakes like 1991 Uttarkashi and 1999 Chamoli quakes

Conclusion to Geography and Environment of Uttarakhand

Geography and Environment of Uttarakhand : Uttarakhand is truly blessed by nature in terms of its spectacular landscape, perennial rivers, diverse flora and fauna and a wide variety of climates across relatively small geographical area. However, its fragile Himalayan environment also makes it prone to multiple natural disasters and climate change impacts. There is an urgent need for sustainable development policies to help preserve ecological balance and mitigate disaster risks. The above detailed analysis gives a good overview of the diverse geography and environment of Uttarakhand.

What is the geography of Uttarakhand like?

Uttarakhand has great altitudinal variation and has almost all major climatic zones, making it an area of rich biodiversity. It has geographic features ranging from snow-clad mountain peaks in the north to the Gangetic plains in the south.

What major rivers flow through Uttarakhand?

The key rivers flowing through Uttarakhand are Ganga, Yamuna, Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Mandakini, Pindar and Kali. These rivers have created fertile alluvial valleys.

What types of forests are found in Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand has Alpine forests in the northern mountainous regions and Tropical, Subtropical, Pine and Deciduous forests in the lower hills and plains.

What is the wildlife of Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand has diverse wildlife habitats ranging from sub-tropical forests to alpine meadows. Key animal species include Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, Bharal and monal pheasant.