Indian Geography – Uttarakhand PSC (General Awareness & Current Affairs)
Objective – Provide a concise, yet comprehensive overview of the physical and political geography of India, with a special focus on Uttarakhand.
Format – Simple explanation → Key points → Worked example → Quick revision summary.
1. Simple Explanation
India is a vast country in South Asia that stretches from the Himalayan mountain range in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south. Its geography is extremely diverse – from towering peaks and lush forests to arid deserts and fertile plains. This diversity shapes India’s climate, culture, economy, and political boundaries.
Uttarakhand, located in the northern part of India, is a “land of mountains” and “land of rivers.” It is bounded by Nepal to the north, Himachal Pradesh to the west, Haryana & Punjab to the south, and Sikkim & Arunachal Pradesh to the east.
2. Key Points
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Latitude: 29° N – 33° N Longitude: 80° E – 86° E |
| Area | 53,483 sq. km (Rank‑8 among Indian states) |
| Population | ~10.3 million (2021 census) – Population density 193 / sq. km |
| Topography | 3 major zones: • Himalayan Foothills (Shivalik range) • Central Himalayas (Alpine zone) • Mountainous plateau (Uttarakhand Himalaya) |
| Major Rivers | Ganga, Yamuna, Ghaghara, Kali, Sharda, Tons, Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Rishikesh, etc. |
| Climate | <ul><li>Subtropical (lowlands)</li><li>Temperate (mid-elevation)</li><li>Alpine (high peaks)</li></ul> |
| Flora & Fauna | 12 national parks, 4 wildlife sanctuaries; biodiversity hotspots include Jim Corbett NP and Valley of Flowers. |
| Natural Resources | Timber, coal, limestone, mica, hydropower potential. |
| Climate Zones | 3 main: <ul><li>Low‑land subtropical (western valley)</li><li>Mid‑altitude temperate (central belt)</li><li>High‑altitude alpine (eastern Himalayas)</li></ul> |
| Political Divisions | 13 districts, 3 divisions – Garhwal, Kumaon, Pithoragarh; 2 statutory cities (Dehradun, Rishikesh). |
| Important Landmarks | <ul><li>Roopkund (Mysterious Lake)</li><li>Mussoorie (Hill station)</li><li>Haridwar & Rishikesh (holy cities)</li></ul> |
| Transport | NH 7 (National Highway 7), NH 23, NH 28, NH 309; rail: Garhwal Railway, Uttarakhand State Transport; airports: Dehradun (Jolly Grant), Pantnagar, Jolly Grant (Badrinath), etc. |
| Bordering States & Countries | Nepal (north), Himachal Pradesh (west), Punjab & Haryana (south), Sikkim & Arunachal Pradesh (east). |
| Economic Significance | Tourism, hydropower, forestry, agriculture (pulses, horticulture), mining. |
| Key Historical Events | <ul><li>Gandhi’s “Quit India” movement (Haridwar, 1942)</li><li>Uttarakhand statehood (2000)</li></ul> |
3. Worked Example
Question – Calculate the approximate area of Uttarakhand that lies above 2000 m altitude.
Steps
-
Data –
Total area of Uttarakhand: 53,483 sq. km.
Area above 2000 m (Alpine & high Himalayan zones): roughly 18% of total area (from topographic studies). -
Calculation
[ \text{Area}_{>2000m} = 53,483 \times 0.18 = 9,617.94 \text{ sq. km} ] -
Interpretation
About 9,618 sq. km (≈ 18%) of Uttarakhand lies above 2000 m, covering major peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and parts of the Garhwal Himalaya.
Why It Matters
- Hydropower: High‑altitude glaciers feed rivers → hydro‑projects.
- Biodiversity: Alpine flora & fauna unique to this zone.
- Tourism: Trekking routes (e.g., Kedarnath, Valley of Flowers) are located here.
4. Quick Revision Summary
- Geography: 53,483 sq. km, 10 million people, 3 climatic zones.
- Topography: Shivalik foothills → Central Himalayas → High plateau.
- Rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Tons, Bhagirathi, Alaknanda.
- Climate: Subtropical (low), temperate (mid), alpine (high).
- Key Landmarks: Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mussoorie, Roopkund.
- Border: Nepal (N), Himachal (W), Punjab & Haryana (S), Sikkim & Arunachal (E).
- Economy: Tourism, hydropower, forestry, mining.
- Transport: NH 7, 23, 28; Garhwal Railway; Dehradun & Pantnagar airports.
- Important Fact: 18% of Uttarakhand’s area is above 2000 m, a major factor for its hydropower potential and biodiversity.
Tips for Exam
- Map Questions – Practice locating districts, rivers, and borders