3.3.7 Resources Mineral

Project: Social Assessment of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Sheet 1 of 13
Document: F2006040 February 2008

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3.3.7 Resources
Mineral
The state is rich mineral resources. The major mineral resources are coal, glass sand,
limestone, lignite, natural gas, bauxite, Chromium, Copper, Gold, Manganese, Graphite,
Gypsum, Sapphire and Zinc.
Forest and Wild Life

Kashmir is rich in forests. A variety of spruce, stately trees some of which are towering
masses, grow in them such as Blue Pine, silver Fir, Himalayan spruce, Birch, Maple, Beech,
Hazel, wild Oak. Almost all the mountains are coated with dense forests, which, besides
lending charm and healthful fragrance to the atmosphere, are a great factor of revenue to
the country. The best varieties of pine and Deodar are found in the dense forests of Kishtwar
and Bhaderwah. The Lolab valley too is thick with them. These forests are regular haunt of
lovers of sports. Among these forests are situated the famous health resourts like Gulmarg,
Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Achhabbal, Verinag and Kokarnag etc. Industries Dependent on
forests are Match Industry, wood of poplar and willow trees is used for making cricket bats
and mulberry wood is used for making hockey sticks, Sentonin Factory in Baramula
manufactures sentonin from artimisia, and Rifle Half-Wrought Factory.
Ibex, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Wolves, red Bear, Markhor, Backbear, Barasingha, etc can
be found in these forests. Ibex is a wild goat with very long horns. Snow leopards are found
in high forests.
The country also holds a variety of winged game, such as duck, goose, chakor, monal
pheasant, Patridge and Snipe. These are found in low forests, in swamps and on banks of
the lakes. Kashmir is pre- eminently the land of forests which stately among other things are
the mainstay of its economy.
3.4 MIZORAM
3.4.1 Administrative Setup

Mizoram is a mountainous region which became the
23rd state of the Indian Union in February, 1987. It
was one of the districts of Assam until 1973 when it
became a Union Territory. Under the British
administration, Mizoram was known as Lushai Hills
district. In 1954 by an Act of Parliament, the name
was changed to Mizo Hills district.
Mizoram is situated between 21o 58’ to 24o 29' north

latitude and 92o 29' to 93o 22' east longitude. The
tropic of Cancer passes near the capital, Aizawl town.
Mizoram occupies the north east corner of India. It is
bounded on the north by the district of Cachar
(Assam) and the state of Manipur, on the east and
south by Chin Hills and Arakan (Myanmar) on the
west by the Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh
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and the state of Tripura. Mizoram borders three states of India - Assam, Manipur and
Tripura. The boundaries with Myanmar and Bangladesh is total of 722 kilometres .Its
geographical borders with Assam, Manipur and Tripura extended over 123 km, 95 km and 66
km, respectively. Mizoram is a land of hills. The hills run in ridges from north to south. They
have an average height of 900 metres, the highest point being the Blue Mountain (2165
metres).
Table 3.9 Mizoram: Administrative Divisions

1. Districts 8
2. Development Blocks 22
3. Sub-Division 23
4. Towns 22
5. Census Villages (As per 01 census) 817
The total area of the State is 21,081 sq.km. The State consists of 8 districts, 22 blocks, 23
sub-divisions, 22 towns, and 817 villages.
3.4.2 Physiography and Climate

Mizoram is a land of rolling hills, rivers and
lakes with mainly clayey loam soil mixed
with broke angular shale of varying size.
The Mizo Hills, which dominate the state's
topography, rise to more than 6560 ft near
the Myanmar border. There are as many as
21 major hills ranges or peaks of different
heights run through the length and breadth
of the state with the highest peak
'Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) towering 2,065
metres above the sea level. The terrain has,
perhaps, the most variegated topography
among all hilly areas in this part of the
country. The hills are extremely rugged and
leaving some plains scattered occasionally here and there.
Although many rivers and streamlets drain the hill ranges the most important and useful
rivers are the Tlawng (also known as Dhaleswari or Katakhal), Tut (Gutur), Tuirial (Sonai)
and Tuivawl which flow through the northern territory and eventually join river Barak in
Cachar.
The Koldoyne (Chhimtuipui) which originates in Myanmar, is an important river in the south
Mizoram. It has four tributaries and the river is in patches. The Western part is drained by
Karnaphuli (Khawthlang tuipui) and its tributaries. A number of important towns including
Chittagong in Bangladesh is situated at the mouth of the river.
Lakes are scattered all over the state. But the most important of them are Palak, Tamdil,
Rungdil; and Rengdil. The Palak Lake is situated in Chhimtuipui District in southern Mizoram
and covers an area of 30 Ha. It is believed the lake was created as a result of an earthquake

or a flood. The Tamdil lake is a natural lake situated 110/85 kms from Aizawl.
Mizoram has a mild climate. It is generally cool in summer and not very cold in winter.
During winter, the temperature varies from 11ºC to 21ºC and in summer it varies between
20ºC to 29ºC. The entire area is under the regular influence of monsoons. It rains heavily
from May to September and the average rainfall is 254 cm, per annum. The average annual
rainfall in Aizawl and Lunglei are 208 centimeters and 350 centimeters, respectively. Winter
in Mizoram is normally rain-free.
3.4.3 Demography
The total population of Mizoram is 8.85 lakhs (Census of India, 2001) with a sex ratio of 935
females per 1000 males. Mizoram accounts for only 0.09% of India’s population. About 50
percent of the total population of the state lives in rural area.
The literacy rate of Mizoram (excluding children in the age group 0-6 years) has been
recorded at 88.8 percent, the second highest in India only next to Kerala. The literacy rate
has increased by 6.23 percent over 1991 Census
The work participation rate is about 53 percent in the state. Among the working population,
cultivators and agriculture labourers comprise about 67 percent of the total working
population. The main crop in the state paddy.
Table 3.10 Mizoram: Demographic Indicators (According to Census of India, 2001)

Total Population 888,573
Male Population 459,109
Female Population 429,464
Sex ratio (Females per Thousand Male) 935
Total Urban Population 441006
Percentage of Rural Population 50.4 %
Total SC Population 272
Total ST Population 839,310
Percentage SC 0.01 %
Percentage ST 94.5 %
Work Participation Rate 53.2 %
Literacy Rate 88.8 %
3.4.4 Agriculture and Horticulture

Agricultural still occupies a very important place in the economy of Mizoram. About 70
percent of the total working population is engaged in some form of agriculture. The age-old
practice of Jhum cultivation is carried out annually by a large number of people living in rural
areas. The climatic conditions of the state, its location in the tropic and temperate zones,
and its various soil types along with well-distributed rainfall of 1900 mm to 3000 mm spread
over eight to ten months in the year. Paddy remains the chief food crop of the state. The
major fruits are Mandarin Orange, Hatkora, Lemon, Banana, Pineapple, Papaya, Grape,
Passion Fruit, Aonla (Gooseberry) and Avocado. The major plantations are Arecanut,
Betelvine, Coconut and Tung.
The major vegetables grown are Squash, Potato, Cabbage, Brinjal, Tomato, French Bean,
Lady's Finger, Iskut (Chow chow), Pumpkin, French Mustard, Bitter gourd, Ash Gourd. Spices
crops like Turmeric, Chillies, Ginger are chillies are also grown of which Ginger is the most
dominant.
The mild climate of the hills in Mizoram has the unique advantage of growing almost all type
of flowers round the year. Flowers like Anthurium, Roses, Bird of Paradise, Gladiolus,
Chrysanthemum etc. are grown successfully round the year.
3.4.5 Industry
There are not many major industries in the state due to lack of mineral resources, lack of
transport and communication and infrastructure. Mostly in the state are cottage industries of
handloom, handicraft and bamboo products. Mizoram has plenty of raw materials for
industry mostly from forest, agriculture and horticulture.
In Mizoram traditional industries weavers and blacksmiths played an important role - first
was a home industry for respective home consumption only and the second was for making
weapons and implements for war, hunt, agriculture and domestic use.
A craft centre was started in Aizawl which produces floor rugs, bags, aprons, cane works,
etc. In fact, these types of local produce including Mizo hats, side bags and Mizo shawls
have become very popular all over India.
Some ginger and fruit processing plants have come up in the state, Zoram industrial
development corporation (ZIDCO) has been set up by the state government in collaboration
with the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI). It is setting up industrial units of its
own and is also assisting various enterprises.
A State Government undertaking - Mizoram Food and Allied Industries Corporation has been
set up to develop, industries based on agro-horticultural products. Apart from the ginger,
maize and fruit juice plants, there is potential for setting up different industrial projects
based on locally produced fruits, tea, coffee, chillies, oilseeds, sugar cane, meat, milk, etc.
Government unit, Zoram Electronics Development Corporation, has been set up to promote
the electronics industry. The climate condition, pollution free atmosphere and delicate skill of
the Mizo women are conducive for successful electronic units like manufacture and assembly
of television, radios, amplifiers, calculators, etc.
Apart from ginger, maize and fruit juice plants, there is a potential for setting up different
industrial projects based on locally produced fruits, tea, coffee, chillies, oilseeds, sugarcane,
meat, milk etc. There are 4600 registered SSI Units in Mizoram upto March 2001. Recently,
Godrej Agrovet Limited has entered for a new venture wherein Oil Palm and Jatropha
cultivation is their main theme in Mizoram.
The State Government had made commendable break-through in all round development of
Sericulture in Mizoram. The total number of farmers engaged in sericulture activities during
2000-01 was 3332 and the total production of raw-silk during 2000-01 was 2064.88 kg.
Sericulture has played a significant role for reconstruction and upliftment of the rural
economy.

Hand looms and handicrafts

Tribal clothes of the north-eastern states with attractive local motifs and designs are
becoming very popular all over the country. Similar demand exists for the typical tribal
handicrafts. The State Government has set up the Mizoram Handloom and Handicraft
Development Corporation for this purpose.
To promote various types of village industries Mizoram Khadi and Village Industries, board
was set up in 1986. The different training cum production centres set up by the Board in the
state cover silk spinning and weaving, cotton spinning and weaving, soap making, oil
extraction, carpentry, cane and bamboo works etc.
Mizo women typically use a handloom to make clothing and other handicrafts, such as a type
of bag called Pawnpui and blankets. Currently, the production of handlooms is also being
increased, as the market has been widening within and outside Mizoram.
Tourism
With its abundant scenic beauty and a pleasant climate, Mizoram scope to develop its
tourist-related industries. Specific tourist projects can be developed to put Mizoram on the
"tourist map" of India. With the development of Reiek resort centre and numbers of resort
centres in and around Aizawl and establishment of tourists’ huts across the entire state,
tourism has been much developed. Mizoram has a number of places which are of historical
interest and are associated with folklore, legends and stories which are passed on from
generation to generation.
The major tourist destinations in Mizoram including the state capital Aizawl, Tamdil,
Vantawang, Champhai, Phawngpui, Saiha, Lunglei, Sibuta Lung, Phulpui Grave, Chhingpui,
Pangzawal, Mangkahia Lung, Tualchang, Lungvandawt, Khawnglung Run, Thangliana Lung,
Suangpuilawn and Thansiama Sena Neihna.
3.4.6. Transport
The State is well connected with rest of the country by air and road. Aizawl is connected to
Kolkata, Imphal and Guwahati. Nearest railhead is Silchar which is in Assam (184 km away)
from Guwahati.
NH - 54 connects Aizawl with the rest of the country through Silchar. Buses and taxis are
available from Silchar to Aizawl. Aizawl is also accessible by road from Shillong and
Guwahati. Almost 50% of the total road network has bituminous surfaces. Excepting NH -
54, which is under upgradation to double-lane standards, all Mizoram roads are single lane,
having carriageway widths of mostly 3.00 metres.
Table 3.11 Mizoram: Composition of Road Network (Source: PWD, Mizoram)

S. No. Category of Roads Length (Km) Percent of Total Length
1. National Highways (NH) 885 12.94
2. State Highways (SH) 225 3.29
3. Major / Other District Roads (M/ODR) 3471 50.75
4. Village Roads 935 13.67
5. Roads within Towns and Villages 704 10.29
6. Other Purpose Link Roads 620 9.06
Total 6840 100.00

Formidable terrain had been

the major obstacle in road
building in Mizoram. During
the expeditions into the hills,
the British took with them a
large number of work forces
mainly to clear the jungles,
make earth cuts for the laden
animals to proceed and for
the entire column to move to
the interior. Thus, bridle
paths fit for loaded ponies
came into existence. The
main bridle paths connected
Mizoram with Chittagong in
the west, Cachar plains in the
north and the Chin Hills in Burma in the east. By 1935, the important bridle paths were:
Demagiri (border of Chittagong Hill Tracts) - Lunglei (70 Km), Dwar band (cachar) - Aizawl
(125 km), Aizawl - Falam (Burma) (165 Km) and Lunglei - Haka (Burma) (90 Km). Inside
Mizoram the bridle paths were: Sairang - Changsil (10 Km), Aizawl - North Vanlaiphai (128
Km), Aizawl Lunglei (165 km), Aizawl Tipaimukh (115 Km) Lunglei Serkawar (108 km),
Dokhma - Koladyne (50 km) Zawngling - Tongkolong (67 Km), Tuipang - Chakang (72 km)
and Loch's trace road (83 km). These totalled 1,248 Km of bridle path in the Mizo Hills. In
addition, some unmetalled roads fit for animal drawn carts also came up. These were Aizawl
- Sairang (22 Km) and town roads in Aizawl (10 Km), Lunglei (4 Km), Sairang (3 Km) and
Demagiri (2 Km) making a total of 41 Km. The bridle paths were mostly used for
maintenance of supplies to the Assam Rifle Posts in the interior.
During the Second World War (1939-45) with the Japanese occupation of Burma, the
strategic importance of the Mizo hills came into focus. A 190 Km jeepable road was
constructed connecting Silchar and Aizawl. In 1950, construction of the 205 Km Aizawl -
Lunglei jeep road was completed.
After the Chinese invasion into Arunachal Pradesh in 1962, the Government accorded priority
to strategic road building in the border areas of the north - east. The Border Roads Task
Force (BRTF) was deployed in Mizoram in 1963 and they started up-gradation of the Aizawl -
Lunglei road to good black topped standard fit for heavy vehicles and cars. They later took
up the Aizawl -Silchar road and other trunk roads in the state. The PWD was strengthened
to take up construction of subsidiary road. Under the employment generation scheme,
about 700 Km of jeep able roads were constructed in the early 1970s connecting the remote
villages with the nearest BRTF/PWD road. These roads were of much use to the villagers as
essential commodities like rice and other food articles could be sent to the interior by jeeps
instead of depending on costly and uncertain airdropping and head loads.
Even though numbers of roads have been constructed, the road position in the state is not
up to the requirement. The road density in Mizoram is 22 Km per 100 Sq Km as against the
national average of 49 and average 39 in the other areas of the north - eastern region. By

the end of the seventh plan 623 villages got road connection. During the Eighth Plan this
number have been increased to 746.
There is a good scope for the development of inland water ways in Mizoram. Before partition
of India in 1947 there was an excellent waterway between Chittagong in Bangladesh and
Demagiri in Mizoram through the Karnafuli River. With coming up of Kaptai dam on the
Karnafuli in Bangladesh, a huge area around Demagiri has been submerged. This has
created a good potential of inland water transport in the area. Another waterway in the
south is the Kolodyne.
In the north, the most frequently used waterway was the Tlawng by which the British used
to move men and material from Silchar to Sairang, gateway to Aizawl. It was a journey of
about seven days inward and three days outward.
There is a big scheme for development of water ways in Mizoram for having a dam on the
Tlawng at Bairabi which will provide navigation from Bairabi to Lunglei, a distance of about
350 Km, in addition to a supply of 100 MW of hydel power. There is good possibility of inland
water transport in the Tuichawng River near Chawngte and also on the Koladyne.
3.4.7 Resources
Mineral
The present main mineral of Mizoram is a hard rock of teriary period formation. This is
mainly utilised as building material and for road construction work. However, several reports
(both from Geological Survey of India and State Geology and Mining Wing of Industries
Department) revealed that the availability of minor mineral in different places.

Mizoram has a vast area of forest covering as much as 18,338 sq.km which forms about 87
per cent of the total Geographical area of
the State. About 20 per cent of the
Geographical area is under dense forest
while 68 per cent are open forest. The
reserved/protected forests constitute about
38 per cent of the geographical area.
Mizoram has mainly three types of forest:
Sub-Tropical forest, Semi-evergreen forest
and Sub-montane tropical forest.
Type of forest found in Mizoram are mainly

Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest, semi
evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests
and sub-mountain forests. Forest in
Mizoram support variety of Flora and Fauna.
More than 400 medicinal plants and 22
species of Bamboo have been reported to exist. The total Forest produce during 1999-2000
was valued at Rs. 125.85 lakhs. The State Government is aware and active to the needs of

the conservation of wildlife. At present, the State Government has notified 8 protected areas
for preservation and management of wildlife.
The socio-economic life of the rural people depends on their local vegetation from where
they derive all their material requirements – timber, food, fuel wood, medicinal plants etc.
About 95 population of the interior population depends on herbal medicine and nearly 98
percent of raw materials are harvested from the wild plant resources without replenishing
the growing stocks. The villages' herbal preparations include uprooting of the plants, which
is detrimental to both the plants themselves and the growing area. As a result of this
practice, many commonly used and effective medicinal plants have become rare and
endangered species. Some are on the verge of extinction unless conservation measures are
taken up for revival.
The state has 8 national parks and Sanctuaries i.e. Dampa Tiger Reserve, Murlen National
Park, Blue Mountain National Park, Ngenpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Khawnglung Wildlife
Sanctuary, Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary and Thorangtlang Wildlife
Sanctuary which includes different types of species Tiger, Elephant, Sambar, Barking deer,
Hoolock gibbon, Humes bar- tailed pheasant, Serrow, Ghoral, Leopard, Himalayan black
bear, Tragopan, Barking deer, Sloth Bear and variety of birds.
3.5 UTTARAKHAND
3.5.1 Administrative Setup
Uttaranchal was formed on 9th Nov 2000 and was carved out of Uttar Pradesh with a total
area of 53,566 km². Uttarakhand lies in the Northern part of India surrounded by Himalayas
and dense forests. The state is bordering Himachal Pradesh in the north-west and Uttar
Pradesh in the South and has international borders with Nepal and China. It extends from
28°43' and 31°27' North latitude to 77°34' and 81°02' East longitude.
The State is divided into 13

Districts viz. Almora, Pauri
Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal,
Bageshwar, Chamoli,
Haridwar, Champawat,
Nainital, Dehradun, Udham
Singh Nagar, Uttarkashi,
Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag.
Dehradun is the interim-
capital city.

Table 3.12 Uttarakhand: Administrative Divisions

Divisions 02
Districts 13
Tehsils 78
Development Blocks 95
Nyaya Panchayats 670
Gram Panchayats 7227
Census Villages (As per 01 16828
census)
(i) Inhabited Village (including 15761
forest settlements)
(ii) Un-inhabited Village 1065
Town/ Urban Agglomeration
(i) Municipal Corporation 01
(ii) Nagar Palika Parishads 31
(iii) Nagar Panchayats 31
(iv) Cantonment Boards 09
(v) Census Towns 12
(vi) Industrial Townships 02
3.5.2 Physiography and Climate

Uttarakhand can be grouped into three distinct geographical regions: the High mountain
region, the Mid-mountain region and the Terai region. Uttarakhand lies on the south slope of
the mighty Himalaya range, and the climate and vegetation vary greatly with elevation, from
glaciers at the highest elevations to tropical forests at the lower elevations. At 7,817 m
above sea level, Nanda Devi in the district of Chamoli is the highest point in the state. The
highest elevations are covered by ice and bare rock. The Western Himalayan Alpine Shrub
and Meadows eco-region lies between 3000-3500 and 5000 meters elevation; tundra and
alpine meadows cover the highest elevations, transitioning to Rhododendron-dominated
shrub lands below. The Western Himalayan sub-alpine conifer forests lie just below the tree
line; at 3000-2600 meters elevation they transition to the Western Himalayan broadleaf
forests, which lie in a belt from 2,600 to 1,500 meters elevation. Below 1500 meters
elevation lies western end of the drier Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands belt, and the
Upper Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests. This belt is locally known as Bhabhar. These
lowland forests have mostly been cleared for agriculture, but a few pockets remain.
The temperature ranges between -2.70 C in Mukteswer during winter to 41.50 C in

Dehradun during summer. The average rainfall is 1,397 mm. The state has two distinct
climatic regions: the predominant hilly terrain and the small plain region. The climatic
condition of the plains is very similar to its counterpart in the Gangetic plain-that is, tropical.
Summers are unbearable with temperature going over the 40°C mark and a lot of humidity.
Winters can be chilly with temperatures going below 5°C at times.
The Himalayan region has Alpine conditions characterized by cold winters with snowfall for
quite a long time, good rainfall in the monsoon, and
3.5.3 Demography
The total population of Uttarakhand is 84.89 lakhs (Census of India, 2001) with a sex ratio of
962 females per 1000 males. The work participation rate is quite low i.e. 36.9 percent
indicating high dependent population in the state. Among the working population, cultivators
and agriculture labourers comprise about 60 percent of the total working population.
Literacy rate in the state is 71.6 percent which is higher than the all India national average
of 65.38 percent.
Table 3.13 Uttarakhand: Demographic Indicators (According to Census of India, 2001)

Total Population 8,489,349
Male Population 4,325,924
Female Population 4,163,425
Sex ratio (Females per Thousand Male) 962
Total Urban Population 2,516,638
Percentage of Rural Population 74.33%
Total SC Population 1,517,186
Total ST Population 256,129
Percentage SC 17.9 %
Percentage ST 3%
Work Participation Rate 36.9 %
Percentage Main Worker 27.4 %
Percentage Marginal Worker 9.6 %
Percentage Non Worker 63.1 %
Percentage Cultivators 50.1 %
Percentage Agricultural Workers 8.3 %
Percentage Household Industrial Workers 2.3 %
Percentage Other workers 39.3 %
Literacy Rate 71.6 %
3.5.4 Agriculture and Horticulture
The economy of Uttarakhand is predominantly agrarian. More than 50 percent of the

working population is directly engaged in agriculture. Agriculture in Uttarakhand is fraught
with another peculiar characteristics. The topography of the area is steep, the rainfall is high
(1200-1600 mm) and the soils range from sandy to sandy loam. As a result of these factors,
percolation losses of rainwater from individual farmers' terraced fields are very high. The soil
does not hold water for long and in the absence of available soil moisture, agricultural crops
would not do too well. The important crops are wheat, rice, sugarcane, ragi and potato.
The very specific agro-climatic conditions of the region offer tremendous potential for the
development of horticulture. The varied climatic and soil conditions are ideally suited for
growing different sub-tropical and temperate fruits, vegetables and ornamentals. Sub-
tropical fruits like mango, citrus, litchi, guava, jackfruit, etc. adapted to lower elevations
occupy the largest area in the zone.
Among temperate fruits, apple is the main crop Apple can successfully be grown at mid and
high elevations (1700- 2500m) that experience cold climate for at least 3-4 months during
winter and are not prone to hail-storms and strong winds. The average productivity of apple
is very low as compared to other states of North-West Himalayan region mainly due to
critical resource and technological gaps.
Other temperate fruits like peach, plum, apricot, pears and cherry are grown on a very
limited area though there is great potential for their commercial production. Apart from that,
nuts and dry fruits are also grown in limited quantity.
The major production constraints for non-adoption of these crops on commercial basis are
their perishable nature, lack of technical knowhow with the growers, poor transportation,
storage and communication infrastructure, lack of proper marketing facilities and non-
availability of suitable cheap packaging materials.
3.5.5 Industry
Mostly in the state there are traditional industries. They are as follows:
Ø Handicrafts
Ø Handlooms
Ø Wool based industry
Ø Khadi and village industry
Ø Waxed based industry
In addition to the above there are certain sunrise industries too including:
Ø Biotechnology
Ø Agro based and food processing industry
Ø Floriculture
Ø Industry based on herbal and medical plants
There is also a potential to develop tea industry, forest based industry and information
technology and recreation and entertainment industry.
Tourism
The state has recognized tourism as an industry and source of major financial resource.
From the very beginning tourism is an important activity in these regions. Since times
immemorial the Hindus have considered the land sacred. Legends and myths have it that
this is the abode of the Gods with the holy river Ganges and numerous temples.
A travel to Uttarakhand would take one to the land of breathtaking snow-capped mountains,
wooded valleys and magnificent glaciers, which is a source of many rivers of India. Large
numbers of people travel to Uttarakhand to learn a few lessons of Yoga and get a treatment
of Ayurveda. These ancient Indian medical sciences have phenomenal healing power for
many modern day maladies. There are places for adventure tourism, eco-tourism and
religious tourism.
3.5.6 Transport
Although Uttarakhand is a very

young state in India, an extensive
road network covers the state.
The state has road connection
with Delhi and state highways link
the destinations and important
places like Nainital, Corbett
National Park, Haridwar,
Rishikesh, Almora, to each other.
Uttarakhand is served by five
National Highway: 73 NH, 58 NH, 74 NH and 87 NH. The detail road network in the state is
given in the following table.
Table 3.14 Uttarakhand: Road Network

Items Year/ Period Length in Km
Motor Roads Maintained by PWD
(i) National Highways 2004-2005 1328.30
(ii) State Highways 2004-2005 437.12
(iii) Major District Roads 2004-2005 1368.92
(iv) Other District Roads 2004-2005 6909.61
(v) Rural Roads 2004-2005 5630.15
(vi) L. V. Roads 2004-2005 2632.98
Motor Roads Maintained by BRTF
(i) National Highways 2004-2005 875.93
(ii) State Highways 2004-2005 101.95
(iii) General Staff Road 2004-2005 231.95
Roads Maintained by Local Bodies
(i) District Panchayats 2004-2005 353
(ii) Urban Local Bodies & Others 2004-2005 1649
Roads Maintained by Other Departments
(i) Irrigation 2004-2005 702
(ii) Cane Development 2004-2005 704
(iii) Forest 2004-2005 3358
(iv) Others 2004-2005 500.47
Source: http://gov.ua.nic.in
Rail network is also very convenient in Uttarakhand. The keys Railway Stations in the state
are Dehradun, Haridwar and Kathgodam. The state has its only airport in Jolly Grant, which
is close to the state capital Dehradun. Nearly all public and private airlines operate regular
flights to Dehradun.
3.5.7 Resources
Mineral
Uttarakhand state is not rich in mineral resources. Moreover, it is also part ecologically
sensitive area, extensive quarrying is not practiced in the state. However, there are some
mineral sparsely distributed in the state. It includes limestone, Gypsum, Iron Ore, Graphite
and Copper.

Uttarakhand is rich in forest resources. The total area under the forest is 34,651 sq. km
which 64.69 percent of the total area. Out of the total forest area, 70.19 percent of the land
is under forest department. The total land under the forest department, 99.38 percent of is
reserved forest. Apart from that, there are other forest area i.e. Civil and Soyam Forest,
Panchayati Forest, Private/Municipal and other, etc.
The state has diverse forest types. Near the snow line occur the forests of creeping
Rhododendron and Birch (Bhojpatra). They are succeeded down by forests of Silver fir
(Abies pindrow), Spruce (Picea smithiana), Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Chir pine (Pinus
roxburghii) and Oaks (Quercus spp.). On the foot hills and in adjoining plains of Bhabhar and
Tarai occurs the most valuable Sal (Shorea robusta) forest. Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo),
being a pioneer species, is abundant, especially along river courses.
The major forest types based on altitude (Champion and Seth, 1968) consist of four broad
vegetation zones, mainly on the basis of climate and altitude with some overlapping of
transitional features:
i. Tropical- sub Tropical Forest zone: This zone is dominated by deciduous- sub
deciduous types. Sal is the most predominant species found up to an elevation of about
1300 m. The other prominent species are Khair, Semal, Kanju, Sissoo and Haldu etc.
ii. Sub Tropical- Temperate zone: The sub tropical to Temperate pine forests (with `chir'
pine as the dominant coniferous tree) and sub-Tropical to Temperate shrubs dominate at
elevations varying between 900 m and 2100 m.
iii. Temperate- sub Alpine zone: This zone of natural vegetation extends generally
between 1500 & 3300 m and contains mixed coniferous forests of fir, spruce and birch.
iv. Alpine forests and shrubs: These are found generally up to 4200 m of altitude. With
increasing altitude, a gradual transition from larger flora to smaller bushes and Alpine
pastures can be observed, beyond which there is a total lack of vegetal cover. 1
With the vast forest coverage in Uttarakhand, there is excellent potential for the
development of forest resources based industry in the State, while taking due care to
maintain the ecological balance and compliance with laws relating to forest conservation and
environmental protection. Some such industries could include paper and paper products,
plywood/flush boards, furniture, wood carvings, sports goods, toys, educational aids (in
particulars pencils), matchsticks, katha, bamboo-based products, etc. Uttarakhand is a
storehouse of a rich variety of species of herbs, medicinal and aromatic plants. This massive
potential has remained largely unexploited in the absence of a well planned and coordinated
strategy for commercial cultivation and integrated arrangements for processing and
marketing.
Apart from the forest resource, the state has 6 national parks and wildlife sanctuary. The
common animals in the state are Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Musk Dear, Black Bear and Sloth
Bear.
1
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Project: Social Assessment of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Sheet 1 of 13

Document: F2006040 February 2008

Forest and Wild Life

3.4.1 Administrative Setup

Mizoram is situated between 21o 58’ to 24o 29' north

Table 3.9 Mizoram: Administrative Divisions

3.4.2 Physiography and Climate

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Table 3.10 Mizoram: Demographic Indicators (According to Census of India, 2001)

3.4.4 Agriculture and Horticulture

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Hand looms and handicrafts

Table 3.11 Mizoram: Composition of Road Network (Source: PWD, Mizoram)

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Formidable terrain had been

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Forest and Wild Life

Type of forest found in Mizoram are mainly

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3.5.1 Administrative Setup

The State is divided into 13

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Table 3.12 Uttarakhand: Administrative Divisions

3.5.2 Physiography and Climate

The temperature ranges between -2.70 C in Mukteswer during winter to 41.50 C in

Table 3.13 Uttarakhand: Demographic Indicators (According to Census of India, 2001)

3.5.4 Agriculture and Horticulture

The economy of Uttarakhand is predominantly agrarian. More than 50 percent of the

Although Uttarakhand is a very

Table 3.14 Uttarakhand: Road Network

Forest and Wild Life

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