Regional Divisions of India ·A Cartographic Analysis

Home , Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Khasi Hills, North Arcot, Tuivai River

CENSUS OF INDIA 1991

REGIONAL DIVISIONS OF INDIA ·A CARTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

OCCASIONAL PAPERS

SERIES ·1 VOLUME·XVI MIZORAM

Planning & Supervision Dr. R.P.SINGH Assistant Registrar General (Map)

General Direction & Editing J.K. BANTHIA Of the Indian Administrativo Service Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India 2A Mansingh Road, New Delhi

(1) (2) (3)

2.6.5. Proper Delta (i) North 24 Parganas (ii) South 24 Parganas

2.7.1. Western Brahmaputra Valley (i) Kokrajhar (ii) Bongaigaon (iii) Barpeta OV) Nalbari (v) Dhubri

2.7.2. Central Brahmaputra Valley (i) Sonitpur (iQ Marigaon

2.7.3. J;;astern Brahmaputra Valley (i) Dhemaji (ii) Tinsukia (iii) Jorhat OV) Golaghat

3.1.3. Banas Chambal Basin (i) Dhaulpur

3.2.2. Mirzapur Uplands (i) Sonbhadra

3.3.1. Ranchi Plateau (i) Gumla (ii) Lohardaga

3.3.2. Hazaribag Plateau (i) Dumka (ii) Deoghar (iii) Godda OV) Sahibganj

3.3.4. Singhbhum Plateau (i) Pashchimi Singhbhum (iQ Purbi Singhbhum

3.7.2. Wardha-Penganga-Wainganga Plain (i) Gadchiroli

3.8.1. Eastern Plateau (i) Jalna (iQ Latur

3.9.3. Southern Kamataka Plateau (i) Bangalore Rural (iQ Bangalore Urban

3.10.1. Eastern Flanks of Sahyadri (i) Dindigu'_Anna

3.10.2. Tamil Nadu Uplands (i) North Arcot-Ambedkar (iQ Tiruvannarnalai- Sambuvarayar

3 (1) (2) (3)

4.2.1. Maharashtra Littoral 0) Sindhudurg

4.2.2. Goa Coast (i) North Goa (ii) South Goa

4.2.4. North Kerala Coast (i) Kasaragod (ii) Kannur

4.2.5. Central Kerala Coast (i) Palakkad (iO Thrissur

4.2.6. South Kerala Coast (i) Alappuzha (ii) Pathanamthitta (iii) Kallam Ov) Thiruvananthapuram

4.3.2. Sandy Littoral (i) Pasumpon Muthu Ramalinga Thevar (ii) Kamarajar (iii) Chidambaranar

4.3.3. Coromandel Coast (i) Chengalpattu M.G.R.

4 The; R(:f,Tional Divisjem oOndia 1991 ~ A Cart()gr~:phiG {\nalysis is th~: sc(;ond such puhlicatiun. 'I'h,,,; iir-st publication of a simHal \lOlOlIL";; was underlak~n aft~r th.c CCilSll..'i of India i 981. For tht.~ hend,t of planners, research s(.',holars, various govemment and non-government agencies ,md tilth..:::r data uscrs various updated data and maps relatcd to the population of the Slate and other a.spects have OCt.."11 incoq)orated in 1his publication. Hence this pUblication can be [als:cn ~¥~~~ ~ ccntin~uatirln {~:ftl~.e 1~)81 c,ompilation :ll1.d release ()f tb.e V()lUl11C 'wlder the sanle title

In this volume apart fh:m1. the Regional Divisions with reference to Physio Gcographil.: R..:giuns of India, various data 011 i.ite;; Regional Divisions of !vlizoram suppurted by a number of mans have also been included at Part n of this ouhltcatiorL The remonal divisions are t 11. '-' prescnkd in the order of mAcro, meso, micro and sub micro level.

1 n,.K)"'1,1 1;1u., .j..., ·~("""'r.:l ,~: nu)r1r 0.(' ¥. ¥V\ "'ft ,U 1!.II.n.l\." ""-.1' 1""'""'Ht ...A.... .IJUl '.~'W" .. r.""" m·"_..y af.l.lJJ."",,,,·Yri.Jl.U ...... "";,,,i·'on IIJ],'tl'" .~.t';" ha"dIII II 'f'f''-. h. .I.)._8""; JI.I.Il~ Lainghtnglova., Senior Draftsman and Shn L,alrov3, Senior Draftsman in the preparation of variOll~; map~ +ududed in this voJutn.e.,

I would Hkc~ to (',nnvey my d~;cp scnS(~ of gratitud~,; to Shri J"KBan.1hi3, Registrar Gelleral, Iwlid, tut hi'! ~UlltiiliJ.OUS guidaH~e and advi~t; tight b:um th~ begiuning of the preparatory works underta~en 1:0 bring out this publication. 1 am also grateful to Shri RP.Singh, /·J..RG. ('f\,{ap) [;:)r his 3uggcstions and comm'-'nl:s in the proc,css ofhrl:provcmcnt of the quality of the contents of this volume.

Pla.ce : i\17.awl

P.K,BHAT'LA~CHARJEE Director of Census Operations, _Mizoratn

(V J~

REGIONAL DIVISONS: MIZORAM

Technical staff of the ORGI Hqrs. and Directorate of Census Operations, Mizoram associated with the Project.

Planning & Supervision Dr. R. P. Singh Asstt. Registrar General (Map)

Progress &; Monitoring R. N. Chhipa Research Officer (Map) Computer Mapping & other Computerised work Pooran Singh Sr. Geographer

Dinesh, D'man Ani! D. Dhengle, Sr. o 'man

Cover Design Mohd Jshaque, S.D.A.

Secretarial Work A K.. Jain, P.A. P. K l\jmani, P.A

Initial analysis of Maps & Cartographic work Lalnginglova, Sr. Draftsman Lalrova, Sr. Draftsman

Reprographic Assistant work C. La1bm.ingliana Junior Gestetner Operator

Secretarial work Rajib Sinha

(vii)

C()NTENTS Pages

(iii) (v)

Tcduucal St~n oflhc (JROI Hqrs. and 1)1rcctora1e 01 Census OperatlOns, Mizof'.?.m \vlth thG pn~ie(~t. (vii)

PART·--I REGiONAL DIV]SIONS 01i' INDIA-- A CARTOGRAIllJIC ANALYSIS

5-14 17-25

PART--·n RKGIONAL BIVlSIONS Olf M1Z,ORAM.

i("gi(IIWi Un L,ioH3 .. Ii 1\Jizuram -- A Cartographic An.aiY~'iis General Note

RC$~Hlnal lJIV!SIOIlS ot Ml.Zoram 33-35

, , . \J~OJOgy 43 45

Distrihuhon !)i Population" i 991 47 49 51

" ,.... ~., 'i<'")~';I''' , .•.. Ur'D"l ";""11 0.)1 1"'\ 1~1"'<"1' ,. "·.)tll.,or' "' ....dtl,}iI.'y '~n, 4.1I,.lt.'.u..•• a ·.l~J 'J'1 ./_. Jl OJ'''."")L;"J.JlR'i..'.,,,\ 1"v(>1.)~ ,,"-'II ,' .. ,I 55

(IX). PART-III REGIONAl. DIVISIONS OF DISTRICTS

AIZAWL DISTRICT (i) Regional Divisions S9-60 (n) Data on Regional Divisions 63 (iii) Region -.- wise village Codes, 1991 65

(iv) Slab..wenl 011 Region-wise Physio-cullural details 67-70 T;(JNGI JIl DlSllUCT (i) Regional Divisions 73-74 (it) nata on Regional nivisions 75 (iii) Region .... wi.'le village Codes, 1991 76-77 (iv) Statement on Region wise Pbysio Cultural details 78-81

CmUMIUIPUI DISTRICT (i) Regional Divisions 85 (li) Data on Regional Divisions 87 (iii) Region ... wi'le village Codes, 1991 88 (iv) Statement on Region .. -wise Physio-cultural details 89--91

APPENDIX 93

(X) PART -I REGIONAL DIVISIONS OF INDIA REGIONAL DIVISIONS OF INDIA-A CARTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS GENERAL NOTE

Region is a complex phenomenon which varies according to purposes but must have homogeneous 2 characteristics. To delineate a region in a country like India with an area of 3287,263 Km , extending between latitudes of 8° 4' 28" and 37° 17' 53" North and longitudes of 68° 7' 53" and 97° 24' 47" East and having a great range of geographic variations is a gigantic task. In the changed scenario of planning where emphasis is being laid on grassroot level planning, the delineation of sub-micro region having village as unit, is significant. For carving out such natural regions, the following considerations, inter-alia, are to be kept in view:

(i) Contiguous geographical area; (ii) Homogeneous administrative machinery capable offormulating and implementing integrated area plans; (iii) Reliable statistical data base ;

(IV) Existence of nodal regions ; and (v) Amenability of the natural boundaries to marginal adjustments so that the former, by and large, conform to administrative boundaries at given points of time.

In India, district is a defined administrative unit which is planning unit also. The district boundaries do coincide with regional boundaries and have reliable statistical data base. Hence, district has been taken as a basic unit of delineation.

A number of scholars have delineated the natural regions ofthe country which was mainly based on physical factors. Accordingly they divided the c~untry into traditional regions of mountains, plateaus and plains. In Census of India, A. Mitra and late P. Sengupta attempted the regionalisation ofthe country taking into consideration district as basic unit of data presentation but they have not taken into consideration the intra-district variations. Hence this study was undertaken during 1981 to delineate sub-micro region in each district based on physio-geographical characteristics. While delineating the sub-micro region, village was taken as a basic unit of demarcation. Since each sub-micro region has been clearly delineated in rural and urban constituents, the demographic characteristics and other statistical data can be generated for the post-census period also to the extent to which village-wise I town-wisp. data are available. The scheme was the first of its kind in the history of the Census in India and would serve as a useful framework for administrators, planners, researchers and other data users for area specific planning.

The basic work of delineation of sub-micro region at district level was undertaken during 1981 Census as a plan project and separate volumes for each State I Union Territory was published during 1981 Census. Present study is in continuation of the 1981 project in which sub-micro regions delineated during 1981 Census and published in the respective volume were adopted in the same pattern without any change. The code structures ofthe sub-micro regions are also the same used in 1981 Census. A detailed description of code structure is given in the Macro and Meso regional divisions of India. However, the new administrative changes during 1981-91 were added in the respective sub-micro regions as per list given herewith:

Region Micro region· Newly Created Districts No. (1981-91)

(1) (2) (3)

1.4.3. Western Arunachal Pradesh-Himalaya (i) Tawang 1.4.4. Eastern Arunachal Pradesh-Himalaya (i) Chang lang 1.5.2. Manipur Hills (i) Ukhrul (ii) Senapati (iii) Tamenglong Qv) Churachandpur (v) Pocket of Imphal (vi) Chandcl 1.5.3. Imphal Valley (i) Imphal (iQ Bishnupur (iii) Thoubal

1.5.7. Cachar Plain (i) Haila Kandi (iQ Karimganj

2.2.1 . Eastern Haryana Plain (i) Yamuna Nagar (ii) Kaithal (iii) Panipat

2.2.3. Southern Haryana Plain (i) Rewari

2.4.1. Northern Upper Ganga Plain (i) Hardwar

2.4.2. Southern Upper Ganga Plain (i) Firozabad

2.5.1. Middle Ganga Plain-West (i) Kanpur Dehat (iQ Kanpur Nagar

2.5.2. Middle Ganga Plain-East (i) Mau (iQ Siddharth Nagar {iiQ Maharajganj

2.6.1. North Bihar Plain (i) Madhepura (ii) Araria (iii) Kishanganj

2.6.2. South Bihar Plain (i) Khagaria (ii) Jehanabad

2 (1) (2) (3)

2.6.5. Proper Delta (i) North 24 Parganas (ii) South 24 Parganas

2.7.1. Western Brahmaputra Valley (i) Kokrajhar (iO Bongaigaon (iiij Barpeta Ov) Nalbari (v) Dhubri

2.7.2. Central Brahmaputra Valley (i) Sonitpur (iij Marigaon

2.7.3. Eastern Brahmaputra Valley (i) Dhemaji (ii) Tinsukia (iiij Jorhat (IV) GoJaghat

3.1.3. Banas Chambal Basin (i) Dhaulpur

3.2.2. Mirzapur Uplands (i) Sonbhadra

3.3.1. Ranchi Plateau (i) Gumla (ii) Lohardaga

3.3.2. Hazaribag Plateau (i) Dumka (ii) Deoghar (iiij Godda OV) Sahibganj

3.3.4. Singhbhum Plateau (i) Pashchimi Singhbhum (ii) Purbi Singhbhum

3.7.2. Wardha-Penganga-Wainganga Plain (i) Gadchiroli

3.8.1. Eastern Plateau (i) Jalna (iij Latur

3.9.3. Southern Karnataka Plateau (i) Bangalore Rural (iij Bangalore Urban

3.10.1. Eastern Flanks of Sahyadri (i) Dindigul-Anna

3.10.2. Tamil Nadu Uplands (i) North Arcot-Ambedkar (iij Tiruvannamalai- Sambuvarayar

3 (1) (2) (3)

4.2.1. Maharashtra Littoral (i) Sindhudurg

4.2.2. Goa Coast (i) North Goa (ii) South Goa

4.2.4. North Kerala Coast (i) Kasaragod (iQ Kannur

4.2.5. Central Kerala Coast (i) Palakkad (ii) Thrissur

4.2.6. South Kerala Coast (i) Alappuzha (ii) Pathanamthitta (iii) Kallam OV) Thiruvananthapuram

4.3.2. Sandy Littoral (i) Pasumpon Muthu Ramalinga Thevar (ii) Kamarajar (iii) Chidambaranar

4.3.3. Coromandel Coast (i) Chengalpattu M.G.R.

4 BRIEF CHARACTERISTICS OF REGIONAL DIVISIONS

1. THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS :

The Northern Mountains corresponding with the Himalayan zone facing the northern frontier ofthe sub~continent comprise Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Northern Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Northern West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya and part of Assam. The Northern Mountains have been divided primarily according to the geology and forest cover. The relief and drainage however, have also played a dominant role in establishing various sub-divisions within the Himalayan zone. This macro region has been divided into 5 sub-regions (meso) and 24 divisions (micro) on the basis of above mentioned factors.

These su~regions are :

1.1 Jammu and Kashmir Himalaya

This sub-region covers the entire Jammu and Kashmir and is further divided into following three divisions (micro regions)

1.1.1 Ladakh 1.1.2 Kashmir Valley 1.1.3 Jammu

In these divisions the relief presents remarkable variations. The grouping of the districts has been made in conformity with the geological structure, elevation and forest cover. Other factors do not play significant role in delineating these divisions. However, sub~montane soil (Podsolic) is dominant in the Kashmir Valley and brown hill soil is seen in the southern part of Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh region is fully predominated by mountain meadow soils as well as glaciers and eternal snow. Forest is mostly alpine type in the northern regions and sub~alpine in the southern regions.

1.2. Himachal Pradesh Himalaya :

The entire state of Himachal Pradesh falls underthis sub-region. It has been further divided into the following 4 divisions :

1.2.1 Northern Himachal Pradesh 1.2.2 Trans-Himalayan Zone 1.2.3 Central Himachal Pradesh 1.2.4 Southern Himachal Pradesh

Geologically, it is almost similar to that of Jammu and Kashmir Himalaya. However, this sub region is characterised by marked variations in the relieffeatures, mainly on the consideration of micro-relief and little variations in soils.

5 1.3. Uttar Pradesh Himalaya :

This sub-region has been divided into three divisions, viz.,

1.3.1 Kumaon Himalaya-North

1.3.2 Western Kumaon Himalaya, Siwalik and Doons

1.3.3 Kumaon Himalaya-East

In these areas, the elevation has been taken as the main basis for classification. Geology and forest have also been taken into account. The soils are mostly of brown hill type in the sub-region with marked differences in the southern Siwalik zone, locally known as 'Tarai' and 'Bhur' soils. The Kumaon Himalaya-North has important peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet and Badrinath. The Ganga and the Yamuna have their sources in this region. The Western Kumaon Himalaya, Siwalik and Doons cover Dehradun, Garhwal and Tehri Garhwal districts and have an elevation of 900 to 1000 m. The Kumaon Himalaya-East which comprises Almora and Nainital districts is marked with some narrow valleys on high altitudes.

1.4 North Eastern Himalaya :

This region includes four sub-regions extending over Sikkim, Darjiling and 'Duar' areas of West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh. The Darjiling section of the Himalayan zone rises abruptly from 'Duar' plains of West Bengal. Three high peaks namely, Siwalik Phu (3630 m), Sabargam (3546 m) and Phalut (3596 m) are located in this section of Himalayan zone. Similarly, the lofty range of about 5000 m. with intermittent summits are the chief characteristics of Arunachal Pradesh. Weather is damp and cold and the forests are dense. Annual rainfall ranges between 250 and 350 cm. The drainage is in evolutionary stage and immature. This region has been divided into 4 divisions as below:

1.4.1 Sikkim Himalaya 1.4.2 Darjiling Himalaya including 'Duars' 1.4.3 Western Arunachal Pradesh Himalaya 1.4.4 Eastern Arunachal Pradesh Himalaya

1.5 Eastern Hill Zone :

This region represents the eastern section of Himalayan zone extending over Nagaland, Manipur Mizoram, Tripura, part of Assam and Meghalaya. This region is interspersed with plains especially in Silchar, North eachar Hills and adjoining areas. Topographically it is rugged. The slopes are quite steep. Overthe Tripura region the topography has interspersed ranges and valleys. Consequently communication is difficult.

The Khasi and Jaintia Hills region in Meghalaya is like a table land. Geologically it is an eastward extension ofthe massive block of the peninsular region broken by the alluvium of Bengal basin. In its long geological history this region is said to have been submerged during Mesozoic and early Tertiary times due to marine transgression which was further uplifted at the time of Himalayan orogenesis.

6 The region has been divided into 10 divisions as below :

1.5.1 Nagaland Hills 1.5.2 Manipur Hills 1.5.3 Imphal Valley 1.5.4 Mizo Hill Zone 1.5.5 Tripura Plain 1.5.6 Tripura Hills '1.5.7 Cachar Plain 1.5.8 Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills 1.5.9 Eastern Meghalaya 1.5.10 Western Meghalaya

2. THE GREAT PLAINS : This is the most important zone in view of human concentration and it stretches from Rajasthan via Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal to the eastern section of Brahmaputra Valley. It is an enclosed vast basin of various small and large rivers separated by 'alluvial divides'.

The western section comprising arid Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Western Uttar Pradesh is slightly higher in elevation (over 150 m) than the eastern section of the plain. However, according to elevation, this plain shows three levels of relief configuration, between 0 to 75 m. in the eastern section, 75 to 150 m in the Central Uttar Pradesh and 150 to 300 m. in the western zone with the exception of small zone in eastern Jaisalmer district where the elevation is below 75 m. Geologically the whole region is made of alluvium brought by rivers from the Himalayas and this is a gradational plain formed during Pleistocene and Recent geological times. On the basis of drainage, soils and rainfall, the region has been divided into 7 (meso) sub-regions and 24 (micro) divisions :-

2.1 Punjab Plain :

In this plain 4 divisions as listed below have been delineated on the baSis of soils and rainfall. Soils are alluvial with variations of'banger' and 'Khadar'. Agriculturally, this is the most important region.

2.1.1 Ravi-Beas Inter-Fluvial Plain 2.1.2 Hoshiarpur-Chandigarh sub-montane Plain 2.1.3 Beas-Satluj Doab 2.1.4 Punjab Malwa Plain

2.2 Haryana Plain :

In this region which also includes Delhi, three divisions have been delineated on the basis of topography and distribution of soils which are sandy and calcareous.

2.2.1 Eastern Haryana Plain 2.2.2 Western Haryana Plain 2.2.3 Southern Haryana Plain

7 2.3 Arid Rajasthan Plain :

This meso region receives an average rainfall of less than 40 cm. It has been divided into four micro regions mainly on the basis of distribution of rainfall which are :

2.3.1 Ghaggar Plain 2.3.2 Rajasthan Bagar 2.3.3 Extremely Arid Tract 2.3.4 Luni Valley

2.4 Upper Ganga Plain :

This is the vast stretch of the Ganga Plain where the rivers are playing an important role in carrying out definite influence of their own. In general, the soil is alluvial but variations have developed on the upland and the low land areas. The Upper Ganga Plain has been divided into 2 divisions, viz.,

2.4.1 Northern Upper Ganga Plain 2.4.2 Southern Upper Ganga Plain

2.5 Middle Ganga Plain :

This is the transitional zone between the Upper Ganga Plain and the Lower Ganga Plain and has been divided into two divisions, viz.,

2.5.1 Middle Ganga Plain-West 2.5.2 Middle Ganga Plain-East

2.6 Lower Ganga Plain :

The characteristics of the landscape in the Ganga Plain change abruptly in Lower Ganga ,Plain extending over Bihar and West Bengal due to high rainfall. It has an elevation of below 75 m. and has been further divided into following six micro regions :-

2.6.1 North Bihar Plain 2.6.2 South Bihar Plain 2.6.3 Barind Tract 2.6.4 Moriband Delta 2.6.5 Proper Delta 2.6.6 Rarh Plain

2.7 Brahmaputra Valley :

The Brahmaputra Valley presents typical geographical features. In general, the valley has an elevation of below 75 m. The eastern section is more undulating. Rainfall is very high and river pattern is braided in various sections of the Brahmaputra. The tributaries joining the main river Brahmaputra

8 region. It is also covered with luxuriant vegetations throughout. Hence, on these basis this valley has been divided into three divisions with definite characteristics.

2.7.1 Western Brahmaputra Valley 2.7.2 Central Brahmaputra Valley 2.7.3 Eastern Brahmaputra Valley

3. THE DECCAN PLATEAU :

The Deccan Plateau represents the whole of South Indian tableland. From the point of view of geology, the whole region is compose,d of metamorphic rocks of pre Cambrian age. Considering drainage, elevation, forest cover, soils and rainfall, sub-divisions were delineated. In general, the elevation rises to over 1000 m. in the south while it hardly exceeds 500 m. in the north. The rivers of this region have mostly reached their base level of erosion which have carved wide valleys in various regions of considerable importance. This region has been divided into,12 (meso) sub-regions and 33 micro divisions.

3.1 Semi-Arid Rajasthan :

This portion of Rajasthan is marked with intervening valleys where the soils are red, yellow and mixed red-black in character. The regional characteristics of this region are different from those ofthe arid zone ofthe Rajasthan (2.3). The annual rain fall here varies from 35 to 45 cm. Besides, the vegetation is partly developed overthe hills and slopes which mostly belong to semi-arid type; while the arid plains are infested with thorny scrub and bushy vegetation. This region has further been divided into three divisions

3.1.1 Aravalli Range and the Associated Uplands 3.1.2 Semi-Arid Uplands of Eastern Rajasthan 3.1.3 Banas-Chambal Basin

3.2 Uttar Pradesh Uplands :

Uttar Pradesh Uplands represent well defined zone of Vindhyan System in the south. The average elevation is 500-600 m. and slope towards the plain in the north. The divisions made in this meso region are:

3.2.1 Jhansi Uplands 3.2.2 Mirzapur Uplands

Jhansi Uplands are comparatively dry while the Mirzapur Uplands are wet.

3.3 Bihar-West Bengal Uplands :

Bihar-West Bengal Uplands region is one of the most interesting regions for the studies in geomorphology and cultural geography. The whole region belongs to the unclassified crystalline rocks. The elevation of the Bihar Highlands known as Chotanagpur Plateau, is in the range of 300-900 m. which is often high above 900 m. at places in the form of rounded hills. Soils in this region are mainly red

9 and yellow, and red sandy. Red and black soils are predominant in Singhbhum region. The drainage is radial. Forests are dense in Palamu, Ranchi and Hazaribag areas, while it becomes sparse in Puruliya on account of degenerated soils on the uplands. On the basis of elevation and nature of topography the region has been divided into 4 divisions :

3.3.1 Ranchi Plateau

3.3.2 Hazaribag Plateau

3.3.3 Puruliya Uplands

3.3.4 Singhbhum Plateau

3.4 Northern Madhya Pradesh Uplands :

The Northern Madhya Pradesh Uplands region has been sutrdivided into three divisions. In general, the elevation is between 300-600 m. with numerous hills which are thickly forested. The Northern Madhya Pradesh is typically a ravine and derelict land zone on account of erosion by the tributaries of Chambal system. The Northern Madhya Pradesh UplandS-East region represents the Vindhyas with well developed scraps. Three divisions made in this meso region are :

3.4.1 Northern Madhya Pradesh Ravine Uplands-West

3.4.2 Northern Madhya Pradesh Uplands-Central

3.4.3 Northern Madhya Pradesh Uplands-East

3.5 Central Madhya Pradesh Plateau :

The Central Madhya Pradesh Plateau inherits a complex geology. In general, Gneisses, Vindhyans and Gondwanas are fairly represented here. Forest is deciduous and presents large varieties of Sal.Soils are primarily medium black to deep black types. The region has been sub-divided into three divisions

3.5.1 Sagar Plateau 3.5.2 Bhopal Plateau 3.5.3 Ratlam Plateau

3.6 Southern Madhya Pradesh Uplands :

The region in general represents black soil. Annual rainfall varies between 200-300 cm. The whole region is densely forested in general. According to the elevation, drainage and micro-orographic characteristics the region has been divided into three divisions.

3.6.1 Narmada Region including Flanks ofVindhya and Satpura 3.6.2 Mahanadi Basin

3.6.3 Madhya Pradesh Dandakaranya

10 3.7 Northern Maharashtra :

The Northern Maharashtra represents the major soil regions developed over 'Deccan Flows'. In this region average annual rainfall ranges between 40 and 80 cm. The altitudinal characteristics are quite pronounced and hence the delineation of above regions is based on the 'Valleys and divides' concept of orography ofthe region. It has been further divided into following two divisions

3.7.1 Tapti-Puma Valley 3.7.2 Wardha-Penganga-Wainganga Plain

3.8 Maharashtra Plateau :

This meso region in general, has an altitude ranging between 300 and 900 m. and extends over basalts. Some high ranges like Ajanta range, Harischandra range, Mahadeo range and Balaghat range break the monotony and thus form a mosaic of plateau with protruded hills. Annual rainfall in general, varies between 80 and 100 cm. except in the central region of Maharashtra Plateau which generally gets less than 80 cm. rainfall. Forest c,over, in general, is sparse and at places dense which is of dry deciduous type. Consequently two divisions have been made in this region, viz.,

3.8.1 Eastern Plateau 3.8.2 Western Plateau with Protruded Hills

3.9 Karnataka Plateau:

The Karnataka Plateau is a well defined plateau region of the Deccan overthe unclassified crystalline rocks in general, the northern portion is having an elevation of about 300 m. with a westward slope, while the southern portion is high (over 900m.) and slopes towards the southeast. Tungabhadra river cuts it into two regions. Average annual rainfall is around 80 cm. in major parts ofthis region. SoilS in the northern Karnataka are black, while in the south these are mostly laterite, red sandy and red loamy. Forests are dense only in Malnad bordering Sahyadri where the main elevation reaches 1000 m. with heavy rainfall of 150 cm. per annum. Three divisions made on the above considerations in the region are :

3.9.1 Northern Karnataka Plateau 3.9.2 Central Karnataka Plateau 3.9.3 Southern Karnataka Plateau

3.10 Tamil Nadu Uplands :

This region is the southern extension of unclassified crystalline rocks of Cambrian period and is marked with fairly wide valley of Cauvery and its tributaries. In general, the elevation is over 900 m. in the west due to southern Sahyadri and Nilgiri Hills. The western and the eastern flanks get ail annual rainfall of about 80-200 cm. but the central part of the uplands is almost dry. Due to comparatively high rainfall the hilly areas are forested.On the basis of elevation two divisions have been carved out which are

3.10.1 Eastern Flanks of Sahyadri 3.10.2 Tamil Nadu Uplands

11 3.11 Andhra Plateau :

Andhra Plateau is another well·defined plateau region overthe Archaean gneissic rock of Southern India which is drained mostly by Godavari, Krishna and Penner river systems. Over the western margins, the soils are mostly medium black with intrusion of deep black soils in Krishna valley. The rest ofthe region is characterised by red sandy soils. The average annual rainfall is below 80 cm. in this region.The region is covered with deciduous forests. On the basis of elevation and other considerations, the region has been divided into four divisions and identified as :

3.11.1 Godavari Depressions 3.11.2 Telangana Plateau 3.11.3 Krishna Piedmont Plain 3.11.4 Rayalaseema

3.12 Orissa Highlands :

The Orissa Highlands region is comprised ofthe north·eastern extension of unclassified crystalline rocks of the Deccan Plateau. Here the topography is rugged and elevation is about 1,200 m. in Koraput Plateau. The Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers have carved out well defined valleys. Sails ofthe region are mostly red and sandy interspersed with red and yellow soils in some areas. The western portion of the region consists of deep valleys with spurs. In general, the southern portion is much more dissected and higher than the northern, where the range of elevation is between 300 and 900 m. Average annual rainfall of the region is between 200 and 300 cm. The region has been divided into two well marked divisions according to elevation, viz.

3.12.1 Northern Orissa Highlands 3.12.2 Southern Orissa Highlands (Orissa Dandakaranya)

4. THE COASTAL PLAINS AND ISLANDS :

Geologically the Coastal Plains adjacent to the Peninsular region are mere 'Shore Facies' of the Deccan Trap. The region has attained a definite regional approach for classification on account of coastal alluvium characteristics hemmed in between the Sahyadri and Arabian sea in the west and the Eastern Ghats and Bay of Bengal in the east. The rainfall varies in the sections which is high (above 300 cm.) in the Western Coastal Region and low (100 em.) in the Eastern Coastal Region. The Coastal Plain has been sub divided into 4 (meso) sub-regions and 20 micro divisions.

4.1 Gujarat Coastal Plain :

This region represents almost the whole of Gujarat state. This region is composed of 'Deccan Flows' and coastal Tertiary deposits. Gujarat Plain is drained by Sabarmati and Mahi rivers. Eastern Hilly Region is comprised of Panch Mahals and the Dangs districts. Kathiawar Peninsula is partly rocky having an elevation of above 75 m. Radial drainage is the chief characteristic feature ofthis zone.

12 Kachchh Peninsula solely corresponds with Kachchh district. The chief characteristic feature of the region is the sandy plain with isolated rocky hills. All these regions may typically be said as semi-arid while the Kachchh Peninsula is arid. The above mentioned four regions are as follows :

4.1.1 Gujarat Plain 4.1.2 Eastern Hilly Region 4.1.3 Kathiawar Peninsula 4.1.4 Kachchh Peninsula

4.2 Western Coastal Region :

The Western Coastal Region lies just bordering the Sahyadri (the Western Ghats). The width of the region is often very narrow in Karnataka Coastal Region which broadens further south in Kerala. Rainfall is quite heavy over 300 cm. per annum. Six divisions have been demarcated in this region which cover portions of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe district of Pondicherry and South Goa and North Goa districts of Goa. The six divisions are:

4.2.1 Maharashtra Littoral 4.2.2 Goa Coast 4.2.3 Karnataka Coast 4.2.4 North Kerala Coast 4.2.5 Central Kerala Coast 4.2.6 South Kerala Coast

4.3 Eastern Coastal Region :

The Eastern Coastal Region can be distinguished from the Western Coast because the basic geographical factors of these two regions vary to a great extent. The 100 cm. isohyetalline separates the eastern and western coastal areas at the district level at Kanniyakumari. The Eastern Coastal Region is wide and the soils differ appreciably within this region. The big rivers carve out broader valleys or deltas which give further help in establishing the division in the Eastern Coastal Region. The Eastern Ghats are broken as they do not run as continuous geographical barrier. The region has been divided into 8 divisions viz.

4.3.1 Kanniyakumari Coast 4.3.2 Sandy Littoral 4.3.3 Coromandel Coast 4.3.4 Southern Andhra Coastal Plain 4.3.5 Krishna Delta 4.3.6 Godavari Delta 4.3.7 Northern Andhra Coastal Plain 4.3.8 Mahanadi Delta

13 4.4 The Islands :

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea vary between themselves in geographical location as well as in human geography and form two micro regions.

4.4.1 The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are composed of more than 300 named and unnamed Islands. Out of them 33 major islands are inhabited, while the remaining islands are uninhabited. Geologically, sandstone and shales of Eocene period predominate. Due to hot and humid climate, soils are lateritic and degenerated with luxuriant growth of vegetation cover. Coral formation is the chief characteristics of the islands and so the group of islands forms a definite entity of a region on these considerations.

4.4.2 The lakshadweep islands have developed very near to the continental shelf of the Indian coast. The total number of islands is 27 of which 10 are inhabited and the remaining 17 uninhabited.

These two present a peculiar geographical environment, ecology and cultural zone of India.

14 MAP 1

?liD INDIA I I PHYSIO·GEOGRAPHIC ZONES I Boundary, internaliollu i . Boundarv, ~tale;UT . Bou lldary, !Istrict I o KILml~TRES 32 100 C)O 0 100 GOO :JOO 400 i 500 t:=i:==t:::=±==r--r-:::J

MYANMAR (BURMA )

H~11J M UOIo' I \I.\DIA)

BAY o F

BEN GAL

ARABIAN N<) me of Dislricts STH E /DISTR ICT Kh '{hftg"ri~ (BIHAR) Ki Kid-tellllfll 'j (BIHAR) !,jAN)P!)R l!e.h~l1d~,.!:a r h (H AR YANA) I. SenapaU u," ltIokokchullg 2. Ukhrul M Il ~~frarpur !~i~~~k1~ N D) SEA "m 3. Chane",1 " .C f'~ ~ h rhi m Champar" n 4 Thou~ l (nMIL N,\DlJ) Pasumpon htu l hu n" !I~hn;:a 5. Imphal The';",r (l (xo 13 p, Pl'Ithllllllmt.h, t t.1I (KERALA) 6. Tam e:.glong , (BUR~!A) Pu.C 1'u:-l>1I Cham p'trlm (BIHAR) 7 [lj shn o:pur 8. C l lllrti ~hant p u r S. &.hiIJO:I1". (B~ ~ AR) Samaslq,ur S[?( K[W ., "~? 1· IS T l ruvOnn am3.l~ i Snmtluvo ro.yar (TAMllNADU ) : • {.~;' (IN DIA) \ T" Tu"nsa n ~ l.Northl)i3trict II .K.II 'fe::;lKheSlH:1I 3 t ~~~i1~~)A) 2. 'II ",,\' Di.l r id W, 'jfokhll (NAGA I A'ID) 3.s<'>u lhDislricl 7 4. E:e.st District ;f~."d'm "c Zun heboto (IW;"'.INll) :s::. ~J. "'rr~ n 1 K '" K " pLlr lh~ l a (PUN.AHi 7 \0:,' '(IN DIAI " J[, q REGIONS (W:~CRO) _____ ._ , ,\~ SUB - RECIONS (Y.ESO) ..• D1VlSJONS()O(ICROj __,._,,_ ·~. A 1'1 0 ,\ 1'01 1\ N S [ A

Q 0··"7'-J. 4.4.1 MACRO RJJ: IONS 4 - 0::1 __L'0 ----- D TII 1 NOR1H!IINM OIINT,IINS V .,. / (' D THF GRClTPLAINS a '" 8 0 _ DTHEDECCANPLA11: AU _ 8 0 o T HLWAST.ILI'l! INSA~ DI SLANJl)

N.A. - Data not ava ilable. 1:-': D1 R.~ "d

N D A N o c E A N

72 0 I'AST or GRLEH IC H

Based upon Survey of India map with the permission of the Surveyor General of India. © Government of India, copyrighl2001. The territorial waters of India extend into the sea to a distance of twelve nautical miles measured from the appropriate base line . The interstate boundaries between Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya shown on this map are as interpreted from the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation ) Act, 1971 but have yet to be verified \

PHYSIO-GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS OF INDIA (REGIONAL DIVISIONS)

Regions with Sub-Regions Divisions with State/Union Code No. with Code No. Code No. Districts Territory (Macro) (Meso) (Micro)

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

The Northern Jammu & Ladakh Ladakh & Kargil Jammu & Kashmir Mountains Kashmir [1.1.1] (1 ] Himalaya Kashmir Valley Anantnag (K.S.), Jammu & Kashmir [1.1 ] [1.1.2] Baramula (K.N.), Pulwama, Badgam, Kupwara and Srinagar.

Jammu Doda, Jammu, Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir [1.1.3] Punch, Rajauri and Udhampur

Himachal Northern Himachal Chamba Himachal Pradesh Pradesh Pradesh Himalaya [1.2.1] [1.2]

Trans Himalayan Kinnaur and Himachal Pradesh Zone Lahul & Spiti [1.2.2]

Central Himachal Kangra, Kullu, Una, Himachal Pradesh Pradesh Hamirpur and Mandi 11.2.3]

Southern Himachal Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla Himachal Pradesh Pradesh and Sirmaur [1.2.4]

Uttar Pradesh Kumaon Chamoli, Pithoragarh Uttar Pradesh Himalaya Himalaya-North and Uttarkashi [1.3J [1.3.1]

Western Kumaon Dehra Dun, Garhwal Uttar Pradesh Himalaya, Siwalik and Tehri Garhwal & Doons . [1.3.2]

Kumaon Almora and Nainital Uttar Pradesh Himalaya-East [1.3.3]

17 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

North·Eastern Sikkim Himalaya North District, Sikkim Himalaya [1.4.1] West District, South [1.4] District and East District Darjiling Himalaya Darjiling and Jalpaiguri West Bengal including Duars [1.4.2J Western Tawang, West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh East Kameng, Lower Himalaya Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, [1.4.3] West Siang and East Siang Eastern Arunachal Dibang Valley, Lohit, Arunachal Pradesh Pradesh Himalaya Chang lang and Tirap [1.4.4] Eastern Hill Nagaland Hills Kohima, Mokokchung, Nagaland Zone [1.5.1] Mon, Wokha, Zunheboto, [1.5] Phek and Tuensang Manipur Hills Ukhrul, Senapati, Manipur [1.5.2] Tamenglong, Pocket of Irnphal Churachandpur .and C'11andel I Imphal Valley Imphal, Bishnupur, Manipur [1.5.3] Thoubal Mizo Hill Zone Aizawl, Lunglei and Mizoram [1.5.4] Chhimtuipui Tripura Plain South Tripura and Tripura [1.5.5] West Tripura Tripura Hills NorthTripura Tripura (1.5.6] Cachar Plain Cachar. Hailakandi and Assam [1.5.7] Karimganj Karbi Anglong & Karbi Anglong and Assam North Cachar Hills North Cachar Hills. [1.5.8] Eastern Meghalaya West Khasi Hills, East Meghalaya (1.5.9] Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills Western Meghalaya West Garo Hills and Meghalaya [1.5.10J East Garo Hills The Great Punjab Plain Ravi·Beas Amritsar and Gurdaspur Punjab Plains [2.1 ] Interfluvial Plain [2] [2.1.1 ]

18 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Hoshiarpur- Chandigarh, Hoshiarpur Chandigarh U.T. Chandigarh Sub- and Rupnagar and Punjab Montane Plain [2.1.2]

Beas-Satluj Doab Jalandhar and Punjab [2.1.3J Kapurthala Punjab-Malwa Bathinda, Firozpur, Punjab Plain Ludhiana, Patiala, [2.1.4J Sangrur and Faridkot Haryana Plain Eastern Haryana Ambala, Yamunanagar, Haryana [2.2] Plain Kurukshetra, Kaithal, [2.2.1] Jind, Kamal, Rohtak, Panipat and Sonipat

Western Haryana Hisar, Sirsa and Haryana Plain Bhiwani [2.2.2]

Southern Haryana Delhi, Gurgaon, Delhi U.T. and Plain Mahendragarh, Rewari Haryana [2.2.3] and Faridabad

Arid Rajasthan Ghaggar Plain Ganganagar Rajasthan Plain [2.3.1 ] [2.3J Rajasthan Bagar Churu, Jhunjhunun, Rajasthan [2.3.2} Nagaur and Sikar

Extremely Arid Bikaner and Jaisalmer Rajasthan Tract [2.3.3]

Luni Valley Barmer, Jalor, Jodhpur Rajasthan [2.3.4] and Pali

Upper Ganga Northern Upper Bijnor, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh Plain Ganga Plain Meerut, Moradabad, [2.4] [2.4.1] Muzaffarnagar, Rampur, Saharanpur and Hardwar

Southern Upper Aligarh, Agra, Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh Ganga Plain Bareilly, Budaun, (2.4.2] Bulandshahr, Etah. Etawah, Farrukhabad, Kheri, Mainpuri, Mathura, Pilibhit and Shahjahanpur

19 (1 ) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Middle Ganga Middle Ganga Allahabad, Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh Plain Plain-West Bara Banki, Faizabad, [2.5] [2.5.1] Fatehpur, Gonda, Hardoi, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Lucknow, Pratapgarh, Rae Bareli, Sitapur, Sultanpur and Unnao

Middle Ganga Azamgarh, Ballia, Mau, Uttar Pradesh Plain-East Siddharthnagar, Basti, [2.5.2] Deoria, Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Varanasi, Jaunpur and Ghazipur

Lower Ganga North Bihar Plain Pashchim Champaran, Bihar Plain [2.6.1J Purba Champaran, [2.6) Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Purnia, Madhepura, Saharsa, Araria, Kishanganj, Saran, Sitamarhi, Begusarai, Madhubani, Katihar, Samastipur, Vaishali, Siwan and Gopalganj

South Bihar Plain Bhagalpur, Gaya, Munger, Bihar [2.6.2J Khagaria, Patna, Bhojpur, Nalanda, Jehanabad, Nawada, Rohtas and Aurangabad

Barind Tract Koch Bihar, Maldah and West Bengal [2.6.3J West Dinajpur Moriband Delta Murshidabad and Nadia West Bengal (2.6.4J Proper Delta Barddhaman, Calcutta, West Bengal [2.6.5] Hugli, Haora, North Twenty Four Parganas and South Twenty Four Parganas

Rarh Plain Bankura, Birbhum and West Bengal [2.6.6] Medinipur

Brahmaputra Western Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Assam Valley Brahmaputra Kamrup, Bongaigaon, [2.7] Valley Nalbari, Goalpara and [2.7.1] Dhubri

20 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Central Darrang, Sonitpur, Assam Brahmaputra Nagaon and Marigaon Valley [2.7.2]

Eastern Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Assam Brahmaputra Tinsukia, Sibsagar, Valley Dibrugarh, Jorhat and [2.7.3] Golaghat

The Deccan Semi-Arid Aravalli Range and Ajmer, Alwar, Banswara, Rajasthan Plateau Rajasthan The Associated Chittaurgarh (Part), [3] [3.1 ] Uplands Dungarpur, [3.1.1] Jaipur, Sirohi and Udaipur

Semi-Arid Uplands Bhilwara, Bundi, Kota, Rajasthan of Eastern Jhalawar, Tonk and Rajasthan pocket of Chittaurgarh [3.1.2]

Banas-Chambal Bharatpur, Dhaulpur and Rajasthan Basin Sawai Madhopur [3.1.31 Uttar Pradesh Jhansi Uplands Banda, Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh Uplands [3.2.1] Jalaun, Lalitpur [3.2] and Jhansi Mirzapur Uplands Mirzapur and Sonbhadra Uttar Pradesh [3.2.2]

Bihar-West Ranchi Plateau Palamu, Ranchi, Gumla Bihar Bengal Uplands [3.3.1] and Lohardaga [3.3]

Hazaribag Plateau Dhanbad, Hazaribag, Bihar [3.3.2] Giridih, Dumka, Deoghar, Godda and Sahibganj

Puruliya Uplands Puruliya West Bengal [3.3.31

Singhbhum Plateau Pashchimi Singhbhum Bihar [3.3.4) and Purbi Singhbhum

Northern Northern Madhya Bhind, Datia, Guna, Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Ravine Gwalior, Morena and Pradesh Uplands-West Shivpuri Uplands [3.4.1] [3.4)

21 (1 ) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Northern Madhya Chhatarpur, Panna and Madhya Pradesh Pradesh Uplands- Tikamgarh Central [3.4.2]

Northern Madhya Rewa, Satna, Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh Pradesh Uplands- Sidhi and Surguja East [3.4.3]

Central Sagar Plateau Damoh, Sagar Madhya Pradesh Madhya [3.5.11 and Vidisha Pradesh Plateau [3.5]

Bhopal Plateau Dewas, Indore, Raisen, Madhya Pradesh [3.5.21 Bhopal and Sehore

Ratlam Plateau Dhar, Jhabua, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh [3.5.3] Ratlam, Rajgarh, Shajapur and Ujjain

Southern Narmada Region Balaghat, Betul, Madhya Pradesh Madhya including Flanks of Chhindwara, Hoshangabad, Pradesh Vindhya and Jabalpur, West Nimar, Uplands Satpura East Nimar, Mandla, [3.6] [3.6.1] Narsimhapur and Seoni

Mahanadi Basin Bilaspur, Durg, Raigarh, Madhya Pradesh [3.6.21 Raj Nandgaon and Raipur

Madhya Pradesh Bastar Madhya Pradesh Dandakaranya [3.6.3]

Northern Tapti-Puma Amravati, Akola, Buldana, Maharashtra Maharashtra Valley Dhule and Jalgaon [3.7] [3.7.1]

Wardha Penganga Bhandara, Chandrapur, Maharashtra Wainganga Plain Gadchiroli, Nagpur, [3.7.2] Wardha and Yavatmal

Maharashtra Eastern Plateau Aurangabad, Jalna, Latur, Maharashtra Plateau [3.8.1] Bid, Kolhapur, Nanded, [3.8] Osmanabad, Parbhani, Sangli and Solapur

22 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Western Plateau Ahmadnagar, Nashik, Maharashtra with protruded Pune and Satara Hills [3.8.2)

Karnataka Northern Belgaum, Bidar, Bijapur Karnataka Plateau Kamataka Plateau and Gulbarga [3.9] [3.9.1]

Central Karnataka Bellary, Chikmagalur, Karnataka Plateau Raichur, Chitradurga, [3.9.2) DhalWad, Shimoga and pocket of Tumkur

Southern Bangalore Rural, Karnataka Kamataka Plateau Bangalore Urban, Kodagu, [3.9.3) Hassan, Kolar, Mandya, Mysore and Tumkur (part)

Tamil Nadu Eastern Flanks of Coimbatore, Madurai, Tamil Nadu Uplands Sahyadri Nilgiri, Dindigul-Anna [3.10) [3.10.1) and Periyar

Tamil Nadu Tiruvannamalai Tamil Nadu Uplands Sambuvarayar, [3.10.2) North Areot Ambedkar, Dharmapuri and Salem

Andhra Godavari Karimnagar, Khammam Andhra Pradesh Plateau Depression and Warangal [3.11) [3.11.1)

Telangana Plateau Adilabad, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh [3.11.2J Medak, Mahbubnagar, Nizamabad and Rangareddi

Krishna Piedmont Nalgonda Andhra Pradesh Plain [3.11.3]

Rayalaseema Anantapur, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh [3.11.4] Cuddapah and Kumool

23 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Orissa Northern Orissa Dhenkan~,Kend~ha~ Orissa Highlands Highlands Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur [3.12] [3.12:1] and Sundargarh

Southern Orissa Phulabani, Balangir, Orissa Highlands (Orissa Ganjam, Kalahandi Dandakaranya) and Koraput [3.12.2]

The Coastal Gujarat Region Gujarat Plain Ahmadabad, Bharuch, Gujarat, Plains and [4.1 ] [4.1.1] Banas Kantha, Dadra & Nagar Islands Gandhinagar, Kheda, Haveli U.T. and [4] Mahesana, Sabar Kantha, Daman & Surat, Vadodara, Valsad, DiuU.T. Daman and Dadra & Nagar Haveli

Eastern Hilly Panch Mahals and Gujarat Region The Dangs [4.1.2]

Kathiawar Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gujarat and Peninsula Jamnagar, Junagadh, Daman & Diu U.T. [4.1.3] Surendranagar, Rajkot and Diu

Kachchh Peninsula Kachchh Gujarat [4.1.4]

Western Maharashtra Greater Bombay, Maharashtra Coastal Region Littoral Raigarh, Ratnagiri, [4.2] [4.2.1 ] Sindhudurg and Thane

Goa Coast North Goa and Goa [4.2.2] South Goa

Karnataka Coast Uttara Kannada and Karnataka [4.2.3] Dakshina Kannada

North Kerala Coast Kasaragod, Kannur, Kerala and [4.2.4] Kozhikode, Wayanad Pondlcherry U.T. and Mahe

Central Kerala Ernakulam, Kottayam, Kerala Coast Idukki, Malappuram, [4.2.5] Palakkad and Thrissur

24 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

South Kerala Coast Alappuzha, Kerala [4.2.6] Pathanamthitta, Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam

Eastern Kanniyakumari Kanniyakumari Tamil Nadu Coastal Region Coast [4.3] [4.3.1]

Sandy Littoral Pasumpon Muthu Tamil Nadu [4.3.2] Ramalinga Thevar, Ramanathapuram, Kamarajar, Chidambaranar and Tirunelveli Kattabomman

Coromandel Coast Chengalpattu M.G.R., Tamil Nadu [4.3.3] Madras, Thanjavur, Tiruehirappalli, South Areot, Pudukkottai, Karaikal and Pondicherry Pondicherry U.T.

Southern Andhra Nellore and Prakasam Andhra Pradesh Coastal Plain [4.3.4]

Krishna Delta Guntur and Krishna Andhra Pradesh [4.3.5J

Godavari Delta East Godavari, West Andhra Pradesh and [4.3.6] Godavari and Yanam Pondieherry U.T.

Northern Andhra Srikakulam, Vizianagaram Andhra Pradesh Coastal Plain and Visakhapatnam [4.3.7]

Mahanadi Delta Baleshwar, Cuttaek Orissa [4.3.8J and Puri

The Islands Andaman and Andamans and Nicobars Andaman and [4.4] Nicobar Islands Nicobar Islands U.T. [4.4.1J

Lakshadweep Lakshadweep Lakshadweep U.T . . :::.-:_:_...... _ [4.4.2]

PART II REGIONAL DIVISIONS OF MIZORAM

REGIONAL DMSION OF MlZORAM

The Mizo District was elevated to the Union Tenitory of Mizoram on 21 It January 1912. IL attained Statehood in 20.2.1981.

Mizoram is situated at the southern most part of North Eastern region of India, lying between 21 °58' and 24°35' North. Latitude and 92°15' and 93°29' East Longitude. The tropic of cancer runs through this state. The State covers an area of 21,081.00 Km2 and is haOOted by 689,756 persons of which 371,810 reside in rural areas and 317,946 reside in urban areas as per the 1991 Census. :Miloram is bounded on the north by Cachar District of Assam and the state of Manipur, on the east and south by Myanmar, and on the west by Bangladesh and the state of Tripura.

Mizoram state consists of ranges of hills running from north to Routh in paranel series separated from one another by narrow valleys with only a very small portion lying on the plains. The hills have very steep gradients. The average height of the ranges is about 900 m some of the peaks rise over .l828m in height. The Blue Mountain (Local name, Phawngpui) in south Mizoram rises to the height of 21 57m. In. genera~ the hill ranges of the eastern parts of Mizoram are higher than those of the west. The hills of the southern part of the state are generally smaller and more fragmented by small brooks than those of the northern side. On the top soil erosion is rapid resulting in less fertility than on the lower hills.

There are a few small plain areas in Mizoram situated in the midst of hills and narrow valleys. These plains arc belicved to have been fonned in beds of silted-up lakes. They havc an elevation of about 1~371m and are covered with thick layer of alluvial soil. They are surrounded by hills which slope gently towards the plains. The largest of the plains is Champhai plain which has a length of about 11.27 Kilometers. This plain area is situated on the eastern border of ~zoram. At present this plain area is converted into pennanent cultivation of rice. Besides, there are few small plains found in other parts of the state.

There are smal~ deep and turbulent rivers in Mizoram, the most inlportant rivers arc R Dawng (Dhaleswari), R Tuirial (Sonai) and R Tuivawl which drain the northern part of the state and eventually fall into RBarak. The southern hills are drained by R Chhimtuipui (Koladyne) on the east with its tributaries; R.Mat, R Tuichang, R Tiau etc. while the Karpaphuli at the mouth of which stands Chittagong of Bangladesh Its tributaries are R Tuichawng, R.Kau, R.De, RPhairuang and R. Tuilianpui funning the western drainage system.

All the Rivers in Mizoram are fed by Monsoon rain only. They swell rapidly during thc rain and rcccdc shortly after thc rain. In winter thc volumc of water in the rivers arc very small and many small rivers almost dry-up. The rivers are swift, their courses are narrow and hence it can produce hydro-electricity power easily. But the river basins are rocky and infertile and they are not suitable for agriculture.

!v1izoram state is composed of sand stones and shales which belong to the Tipam serieR and Chengapara formation (Garo hills) of Pliocene era, Sunna series and Raghmara fomlation (Garo hills) of Miocene period and Barail series and Simsang formation (Garo hills) of Oligocene era. Most of the area of the state is occupied by Sunna series and Baghmara fonnation (Garo hills) with numerous faults and thrusts. The Barail series and Simsang fonnation (Garo hills) occupy small area in the north-east of the state where no 29 faults or thrusts are seen. A very small area in the northern part of the state has the geology of Tipam series and Cbengapara formation (Oaro hills) ofPbiocene era. The soil types generally found in the state are clayey loam mixed with broken angular shalC::1!I of varying si~s. Though thca-c:: is a fair percentage:: of clay in the:: soil, the:: moislw-c:: retaining capacity of the soil is very low and due to this the top soil becomes very dry during winter. In the southern part of the state soils are more clayey and deeper than that in the n~. .

Due to continuous washing away of alkaline soil by rain water, the soils of the state are generally acidic in nature. But the portions which are lying in the plains contains rich alluvial soil. However, in the present report, soils have been grouped into the following four sub-order associations;-

Udalfs - Ochrcpts (22), Udalfs - Ochrepts - Orthents - Fluvents (24) Udalfs - Orchrcpts - Aquepts (26) and Ochrepts - Aquepts - Fluvents (85)

The tropic of cancer (230 30') runs through Mizoram. The climate should therefore be wann and humid. Howc.vc::r due to modc::rale::ly high altitude:: and billy lcaTain, lhe slate enjoys a pleasant climate and is neither very hot nor very cold. During the rains, the climate, even on the hills is moist. In higher ridges, it is fairly cool and pleasant even in the hottest season of the year. Spring generally starts from the end of February and lasts till the end of April. By the month of April and May, it is usually warm the temperature rising upto 29" C. At this time haze covers all the hills and makes the sight of them very dim. In April violent storms sweep over the hills marking the beginning of summer.

Owing to the steepness of the hills and the narrowness of the valleys, the river rises after heavy rain with amazing rapidity. In the southern part of the state the level of Kamaphuli River rises over 1 S ft during this season. In autumn (September to October) except for a few shower, heavy rain cease and the temperatures is usually between 11.80 C and 24.1UC.

Mizoram bas abundant forest resourccs. The sides of the hills are covered with thick forest or bamboo jungle. Rainfall and temperature of the state are suitable for growing trees, plants and bamboo. As the climate:: varies from place to place various kinds of vegetations are fmmd. About 7161.54 I(m:l or 34 per cent of the total area (21081.00 KJn2) of Mizoram is Wlder forest covcr. The types of forest fOWld in Mizoram. arc Tropical wet evergreen forest and Montane sub-tropical tOrest. Due to large scale practice of Jhwnming, the large parts of the forests are now destroyed converting them into bamm lands. The state is famous for its bamboo reseIVcs apart :from palm, Cinnamon, medicinal plants and orchids. Forest department has taken steps to regenerate the forest area either naturally or by artificially through plantation. The plantation of teak, coffee and ta are the most successful regeneration of forest in :Mizoram.

Wild animals used to be nwnerous in the more sparsely populated area of the state, but they are now becoming very rare. At present only a few elephants, few Royal Bengal tigers, leopards. bears. few bisons and foxes etc. are seen in the deep forest. Game birds also met the same fate as their animal counterparts. A few that are still to be seen in the less populated areas are jungle fowls, hom bills, dove and pigeon. Wild goats are still reported to

30 be surviving on the ridges of the steepest slopes. Fishes are becoming very scare inspite of steps taken by Fisheries Department and snakes are not very numerous in Mizoram.

The slaw economy is predominantly agricullural. The faclors explaining lhe distributional patterns of rural population relate mostly to the productivity of soil, climatic and physiographic conditions. Agriculture is carried out mostly in shifting cultivation. However, terrace and sedentary wet cultivation are now being taken up. Rice is the most important crop. Other crops include maize, pulses, sugarcane, chilies, ginger, tobacco, potato, vegetables, banana, twmeric and pineapple. With assured water supply the state can produce rubber, coffee and tea as it has favorable climatic condition.

The popUlation of Mizoram is 689756 as per the 1991 census. The present population consists of 358978 males and 330778 females, i.e., 921 females per 1000 males. The distribution of population is Wleven in Mizoram due to various reasons. The density of Mizoram as a whole is 33 person per Kml. The density of population is influenced by various factors such as productivity of soil, climate. topography•. urbanisation and other features of the economic development of the area. The density of population in Aizawl district is 38 persons per KJn2, and the same is 25 persons per K.JnZ in both Lunglei and Chhimtuipui districts. Mizoram has 22 towns and 785 villages. The capital of Mizoram is Aizawl and is located in Aizawl district

According to 1991 Census, total numerical strength of scheduled caste is 691 persons accounting tor 0.10 per cent of the total population in Mizoram. Like the general population, they are unevenly distributed in the state. Aizawl district claims for 0.07 per cent of the total scheduled caste population in the state while Chhimtuipui district the same is 0.02 per cent of the total scheduled caste population of the state. The percentage of scheduled caste population in Lunglei district is 0.014 per cent.

A person who can both read and write with understanding in any language is taken as literate. The percentages have been calculated on the total population exclusive of the population in age group 0-6. The literacy percentage is 82.27 for the state as a whole, 72.47 per cent for rural areas and 93.45 per cent for urban areas. The literacy rate is 85.61 per cent for males as against 78.60 for females. The Jiteracy is higher among the males. Among the districts, literacy is highest in Aizawl district (88.06%) and the lowest (59.11 per cent) in Chhimtuipui district

The total percentage of main workers to total population in Miznram is 42.03 and the marginal workers to total population is 6.82.

Within the broad frame of Meso region i.e, Eastern Hill Zone (1.5) as delineated at the district level the entire state comes Wlder single micro region, Viz, 1.5.4 the hill zone, which has been fwther delineated into 11 sub-micro regions as given in the table given below. Further details of these sub-micro regions are given in Part ill of this volume. These regions may serve a step further in the process of planning in the districts in particular and the state in general for intergrading the multi-level development of the state. 1.5 EASTERN ffiLL ZONE

Micro Region with District with Code Number Sub-micro Regions Code Number 1.5.4 Hill Zone Aizawl District 1.5.4.1 Hachhek TIangRegion 01 1.5.4.2 Al7.awl MrnmtainoWl Region 1.S.4.3 Claaltitb KaWlkunl nang Region 1.5.4.4 Eastern MolUlWnoUi Region LWlglei District 1.5.4.1 Bara Harina C River Plain Region 02 I 1.5.4.2 Til . Tlang Region I 1.5.4.3 Lunglei Mountainous Region I 1.5.4.4 Purun 11ang Region Chhimtuipui District 1.5.4.1 Uipham 11ang Region 03 1.5.4.2 Mualbu S Tlang Region L 1.5.4.3 Eastern 8aiha Mountainous l\.egion

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