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Arunachal is a mountainous region in the northeastern part of the Indian Subcontinent. It contains a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 5000 species of flowering plants and 650 bird species. Among the 200 important ecoregions, it is considered one of the top biodiversity regions.
The state also has minerals, such as coal and petroleum reserves, limestone, iron, marble, etc. A minor mineral concession rule came into force in 2002 to preserve the land’s natural resources.
Land Relief
Arunachal Pradesh mostly consists of deep valleys covered by highland plateaus and 7,000 metres (23,000 ft) hills.
The region constitutes three physiological areas that have features, such as valleys and intermontane plateaus rising in the Himalayas and Shivalik ranges. The major hills are Daphne hills, Mishmi hills, and Patkai hills.
Drainage system and Soil
The main rivers of this region are the Brahmaputra, and its tributaries, such as Lohit, Dibang and Siang. The Brahmaputra flows in the east direction from Mansarovar lake in Tibet before going southwards towards the Himalayas into the northern part of Arunachal Pradesh. The snow has helped these rivers from the mountains over the years. A broad valley is created by the rivers flowing through the hills, which have become a significant geographical souvenir of this place.
Soil mostly depends on the type of terrain but is generally acidic in nature and erosion-prone. The soils found here are entisols, inceptisols and ultisols. However, river valleys have alluvial soil, which is good for agricultural purposes.
Climate
The climate in this state differs exponentially with changes in topography and elevation. The hilly area has a hot and humid climate being a subtropical zone. The average winter temperature is 15-20 degrees (celsius), while it remains in the 30s during summers. Normally, it rains about 130 inches (3300 mm) on average, primarily between April and September following the wet-dry monsoon pattern. The temperatures decrease with the rise in elevation in the mountains.
Flora and Fauna
The differential terrain, climate and land of Arunachal Pradesh are visible in its diverse portfolio of flora and fauna. The state’s forest cover is about two-thirds of its landmass, consisting of belts of tropical rainforests lying near the hills. Forests of subtropical and tropical evergreen pines and broad-leafed pine forests can be found on the lower elevations. With the rise in height, the woodland provides a way for coniferous and mixed forests. Alpine and Subalpine, including rhododendrons, occupy the upper slopes.
A significant diversification of medicinal herbs and plants, such as ginseng, orchids, ferns, and yew, grow in the valleys of Arunachal. The majority of the population uses these plants to cure and treat different diseases.
Animals found in this region include elephants, wild buffalo, goral goats, tigers, deers, snow leopards, and many species of monkeys and apes. Rare species, such as musk deer, red pandas, and black bears, can also be found at higher altitudes. The state has a wide variety of snakes, fish and birds.
Agriculture
Nearly half of the population of Arunachal Pradesh engages in agriculture. However, the state has a small portion of cultivable land. Over the years, the hill people have learned to do wet rice farming and shifting agriculture. The most popular crops are millet, rice, corn and buckwheat. Majorly grown cash crops are potatoes, oilseeds, sugarcane and vegetables.
Yaks and mithuns are kept as beasts of burden as they can sustain higher elevation. Some groups also keep sheep and also do aquaculture. Some local industries help utilise the forest resources and make them available to the rest of the country.
Mineral Resources in Arunachal Pradesh and Minor mineral concession rules 2002
Arunachal Pradesh has significant coal and petroleum reserves with many rivers which are largely untouched with heavy potential. Most of the power supply is derived from hydroelectric power plants. Other mineral resources of the region include quartz, marble, limestone, dolomite, iron and graphite.
The government implemented the minor mineral concession rules in 2002 in Arunachal Pradesh to protect, preserve, and monitor the land’s natural resources. It also helps impose taxes against the use of minor minerals in the state. Efforts have also been made to develop and improve hydroelectric and solar power generation in the past decades.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing unit consists mainly of medium and small-scale industries. Carpets, Basketry, and Weaving are popular handicraft products. Fruit processing, vegetable oil milling, and steel fabrication are also practised here. Raw silk production, also known as sericulture, is an established sector because the state produces important varieties of silk yarns. The state’s economic and development policies promote the expansion of industries across the various regions.
Conclusion
Arunachal Pradesh is a storehouse of unutilised mineral resources, such as coal and petroleum. It has an abundance of rivers supporting hydroelectric power generation. Being a tropical zone, it has a wide variety of flora/fauna. The environment is also favorable for many agricultural purposes.
Being profound in such qualities, this region is a huge asset to the country for its economy as well as social growth. Consisting of various tribes and traditions, Arunachal’s cultural heritage is also of national importance. For preserving mineral resources in Arunachal Pradesh, rules, such as minor mineral concession rules 2002, have been passed.
