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    Geography of Arunachal Pradesh

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    Geography of Arunachal Pradesh
    RegionNortheast India
    Area
     • Total83,743[1] km2 (32,333 sq mi)
     • Land98.09%
     • Water1.91%
    BordersBhutan, China, Burma, Assam, Nagaland
    Highest pointKangto, 7,060 metres (23,160 ft)
    Lowest point~50 metres (160 ft)[2]
    Natural resourcesHydro-power

    Forest cover: 79.63% (2019)[1]

    • Very Dense Forest = 25%
    • Mod. Dense Forest = 36%
    • Open Forest = 18%
    Boleng, Siang district

    Arunachal Pradesh is primarily a hilly tract nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in northeast India. It is spread over an area of 83,743 km2 (32,333 sq mi).[3] 98% of the geographical area is land out of which 80% is forest cover;[1] 2% is water.[4] River systems in the region, including those from the higher Himalayas and Patkoi and Arakan Ranges, eventually drain into the Brahmaputra River.[5]

    Elevation ranges from mountains that are above 7,000 metres (23,000 ft),[6] to the towns in the plains with an elevation of less than 300 metres (980 ft).[7] Arunachal shares international borders with Bhutan, Tibet (China) and Burma (Myanmar). Internally, Arunachal borders the states of Assam and Nagaland. Arunachal is called the "orchid state of India"[8][9] and "dawn-lit mountain/Land of Dawn/Land of Dawn-Lit Mountains".[10][11]

    Area and borders

    [edit]

    Arunachal Pradesh is located in northeast India, bordering Bhutan, Tibet (China) and Myanmar internationally.[12] The border with Bhutan is 160 km (99 mi), the China border is 1,080 km (670 mi), and the Myanmar border is 440 km (270 mi).[12] Internal borders includes the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border 804.1 km (499.6 mi),[13] while the border with Nagaland is 55 km (34 mi).

    The territory covers 83,743 km2 (32,333 sq mi).[3] 98% of the geographical area is land.[1] Most of this land state is hilly terrain, with flat land covering about 4,450 km2 (1,720 sq mi).[12] Water covers 2% of the area.[4] It is the 14th largest among the states and union territories of India by area.[14]

    Physical geography

    [edit]

    Topography and relief

    [edit]

    Relief range varies between plains that are a few hundred meters in height and mountains above 7,000 metres (23,000 ft).[15] The elevation of the towns of Naharlagun, Pasighat and Tezu in the south are 290 m, 155 m and 210 m respectively,[7] while Kangto, Nyegi Kangsang and the Gorichen group of mountains are some of the highest peaks in this region of the Himalayas.[16] The southern borders of Arunachal Pradesh are encompassed by the Shivalik ranges which merge into plains.[15] The hills and mountains have associated features such as valleys and intermontane plateaus, that is plateaus between mountains.[15]

    Map
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    Maps: terms of use
    60km
    37miles
    Gori Chen
    1
    Tsangdhar
    47
    Lamdo La
    46
    Vorjing Peak
    45
    Tunga Pass
    44
    Shoka La
    43
    Poshing La
    42
    Tse La
    41
    Chera La
    40
    Milakatong La
    39
    Hadigra Dakhru
    38
    Aguia La
    37
    Siang Pass
    36
    Kepang La
    35
    Mayodia Pass
    34
    580m
    275m
    Glai-takru Pass
    33
    Tsang Khang La
    32
    Adjamkho La
    31
    Kangri Karpo La
    30
    Lusha Pass
    29
    Chumo
    28
    Tulung La
    27
    Pakhain Range High Point
    26
    Dapha Bum
    25
    Dafla Range High Point
    24
    Hpungan Pass
    23
    Chaukan Pass
    22
    Kumjawng Pass
    21
    Pangsau Pass
    20
    Kaya la
    19
    Zhabu La
    18
    Andra La
    17
    Kashong La
    16
    Chupung La
    15
    Tapgyu La
    14
    Tama La
    13
    Shagam La
    12
    Lo La
    11
    Gyoa La
    10
    Chubumbu La
    9
    Dzo La
    8
    Sela Pass
    7
    Diphu Pass
    6
    Nyegyi Kansang
    5
    Yonggyap La
    4
    Bum La
    3
    Kangto
    2
       
    Passes and mountains in Arunachal, or on or close to its borders.[17][18][19][20]

    Legend：
    1: Gori Chen 2: Kangto 3: Bum La Pass 4: Yonggyap La 5: Nyegyi Kansang 6: Diphu Pass 7: Sela Pass 8: Dzo La 9: Chubumbu La 10: Gyoa La 11: Lo La 12: Shagam La 13: Tama La 14: Tapgyu La 15: Chupung La 16: Kashong La 17: Andra La 18: Zhabu La 19: Kaya La 20: Pangsau Pass 21: Kumjawng Pass 22: Chaukan Pass 23: Hpungan Pass 24: Dafla Range High Point 25: Dapha Bum 26: Pakhain Range High Point 27: Tulung La 28: Chumo 29: Lusha Pass 30: Kangri Karpo La 31: Adjamkho La 32: Tsang Khang La 33: Glei Dakhru 34: Mayodia Pass 35: Kepang La 36: Siang Pass 37: Aguia La 38: Hadigra Dakhru 39: Milakatong La 40: Chera La 41: Tse La 42: Poshing La 43: Shoka La 44: Tunga La 45: Vorjing Peak 46: Lamdo La

    47: Tsangdhar
    Major Mountains and their Peaks
    Mountain name Peak Coordinates Refs
    Kangto # 7,089 metres (23,258 ft) 27°51′54″N 92°31′55″E / 27.865°N 92.532°E / 27.865; 92.532 [6][21]
    Nyegyi Kansang # 7,047 metres (23,120 ft) 27°56′10″N 92°39′58″E / 27.936°N 92.666°E / 27.936; 92.666 [22]
    Chumo # 6,890 metres (22,600 ft) 27°54′32″N 92°37′30″E / 27.909°N 92.625°E / 27.909; 92.625 [23]
    Tapka Shiri # ** 6,565 metres (21,539 ft) 28°10′34″N 92°46′01″E / 28.176°N 92.767°E / 28.176; 92.767 [6][24]
    Gori Chen 6,530 metres (21,420 ft) 27°47′42″N 92°23′13″E / 27.795°N 92.387°E / 27.795; 92.387 [25][26]
    Shalundi 4,810 metres (15,780 ft) [6]
    Dapha Bum 4,578 metres (15,020 ft) 27°39′36″N 96°41′56″E / 27.660°N 96.699°E / 27.660; 96.699 [6][27]
    Komdi 4,185 metres (13,730 ft) [6]
    Vorjing 3,991 metres (13,094 ft) 28°31′30″N 94°06′00″E / 28.525°N 94.100°E / 28.525; 94.100 [6]
    Ladu 3,041 metres (9,977 ft) [6]
    # Mountain (as compared to the peak) is located in both India and China
      • This is not Dakpa Sheri, 5,735 metres (18,816 ft)[24]
    Gorichen group
    Sangestar Tso

    Parts of the Lohit district, Changlang district and Tirap district are covered by the Patkai hills. The hills extend towards Nagaland, and form a natural boundary between India and Burma.[28][29]

    Namcha Barwa Himal range extends into India up to Siyom River.[30]

    Major hills found in this region include:[31]

    • Aka Hills
    • Daphla Hills
    • Miri Hills
    • Abor Hills
    • Mishmi Hills
    • Patkai Hills
    Map
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    60km
    37miles
    Mishmi Hills

    Bomdila
    2415m

    Khonsa
    1278m

    Changlang
    580m

    Hayuliang
    750m

    Tezu
    210m

    Roing
    390m

    Anini
    1968m

    Yingkiong
    500m

    Pasighat
    155m

    Aalo
    300m

    Daporijo
    500m

    Koloriang
    1004m

    Naharlagun
    290m

    Seppa
    363m

    Ziro
    1572m

    Tawang
    3025m
    Naga Hills
    Patkai Bum
    Dafla Hills
    Miri Hills
    Arbor Hills
       
    Hills[32][33] and altitudes of selected towns in the state.[7]

    Drainage and river systems

    [edit]

    Water/wetland cover is 154,609 hectares (1,546.09 km2) or 1.91% of the total area.[4] Out of this, 86% of wetlands are rivers.[4] Lohit district and Dibang Valley district have the highest number of wetlands in the state.[4]

    Lohit River
    Nuranang Falls

    The major river systems are (from west to east clockwise):[34][35]

    • Kameng
    • Subansiri
    • Siang
    • Dibang
    • Lohit

    All of these are fed by snow from the Himalayas and numerous rivers and rivulets and eventually flow into Siang/Brahmaputra. Abrasion by the rivers which flow through the mountains has created a broad valley, which is a major feature of the geography of the state.

    River Siyom

    Other rivers include Tawang Chu, Dikrong, Ranga, Kamala/Kamla, Kamplang, Siyum, Dihing/ Noadihing and Tirap.[36]

    Major rivers in Arunachal and their basins
    • Four major river basins of the state
    • Kameng River Basin
      Kameng River Basin
    • Subansiri River basin
      Subansiri River basin
    • Dibang River basin
      Dibang River basin
    • Lohit River basin
      Lohit River basin

    Biodiversity

    [edit]

    Eco-regions and forest types

    [edit]

    Arunachal consists of a number of eco-regions. At the lowest elevations, at Arunachal Pradesh's border with Assam, are the Brahmaputra Valley semi-evergreen forests. Much of the state, including the Himalayan foothills and the Patkai hills, are home to Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests. Towards the northern border with Tibet, with increasing elevation, come a mixture of Eastern and Northeastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests followed by Eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows.[citation needed]

    • Ecoregions
    • Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests
      Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests
    • Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests
      Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests
    • Northeastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests
      Northeastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests
    • Brahmaputra Valley semi-evergreen forests
      Brahmaputra Valley semi-evergreen forests
    • Eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows
      Eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows

    Climatically, the forests can be categorised as Tropical forests, subtropical forests, temperate forest, subalpine coniferous forest, alpine and secondary forests.[37][38] At the lowest elevations, densely forested areas are seen with the trees ranging from seasonal tropical forest to broadleaf and semi-alpine coniferous forests. Alpine shrubs and meadows follow, ultimately leading to ice-clad peaks.

    Evergreen forest of Pakke, Aurnachal Pradesh.

    The Forest Research Institute of India's India State of Forest Report 2019 lists area under different forest types in the state.[39] The major forest types as a percentage of the forest cover area are:

    • East Himalayan Sub-Tropical Wet Hill Forest = 24.35%[39]
    • East Himalayan Wet Temperate Forest = 22.92%[39]
    • East Himalayan Sub-Alpine Birch/Fir Forest = 13.46%[39]
    • Alpine Pastures = 6.73%[39]
    • Sub-Himalayan Light Alluvial Semi-Evergreen Forest = 6.60%[39]
    • Others = Remaining[39]

    Forest cover varies from 54% in Tawang district to 92% in Papum Pare district.[40] There are 110 species of trees.[39]

    Protected areas include the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve, Namdapha National Park, Mouling National Park, and 11 wildlife sanctuaries and reserves including elephant reserves, tiger reserves and an orchid sanctuary,[a] covering about 12% of the geographical area of the state.[41]

    Flora and fauna

    [edit]

    Flora and fauna in the state includes over 4000 species of flowering plants,[42] 600 bird species, 200 fish species,[43] 42 amphibian species, 85 terrestrial mammals and a wide number of insects, butterflies and reptiles.[37][44] Orchids, fern, bamboo, cane, rhododendrons, oak, hedychiums, and various medicinal plants form a diverse range of the state's green cover. Among the crops grow are rice, nigros, maize, millet, wheat, pulses, sugarcane, ginger, and oilseeds. Arunachal is also ideal for horticulture and fruit orchards. Its major industries are rice mills, fruit preservation and processing units, and handloom handicrafts Apart from them, the forests of Arunachal are also home to a large number of people belonging to the different tribes. These tribal people, aloof from urbanization, dwell in these forests where the various forest-based products form a part of their livelihood. Right from the south of the state where the altitude is low we get to see a variety of trees like teak, sal, gutjan, more.

    • The Strobilanthus flower at the Namdapha National Park
      The Strobilanthus flower at the Namdapha National Park
    • Hornbills at the Namdapha National Park
      Hornbills at the Namdapha National Park
    • Male azure sapphire
      Male azure sapphire
    • Renanthera imschootiana
      Renanthera imschootiana
    • View of Eaglenest forest canopy
      View of Eaglenest forest canopy

    Climatic conditions

    [edit]
    Sela

    As per the Köppen–Geiger climate classification system, the most prevalent climate types in the state are humid subtropical climate and monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate.[45] Other climates include subtropical highland climate, monsoon-influenced warm-summer humid continental climate and monsoon-influenced subarctic climate.[45]

    The regions in the lower belts of the state experience hot and humid climates, with a maximum temperature in the foothills reaching up to 40 °C (during the summer). The average temperature in this region in winter ranges from 15° to 21 °C while that during the monsoon season remains between 22° and 30 °C.[46][47][48]

    Arunachal Pradesh experiences heavy rainfall during May to September. The average rainfall recorded in Arunachal Pradesh is 300 centimeters, varying between 80 centimeters and 450 centimeters.[49]

    Human geography

    [edit]

    Demographics

    [edit]
    Main article: Demographics of Arunachal Pradesh

    Administrative divisions

    [edit]
    Main articles: List of districts of Arunachal Pradesh and List of constituencies of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly
    Geography of Arunachal Pradesh is located in Arunachal Pradesh
    Tawang
    Tawang
    West Kameng
    West Kameng
    Pakke-Kessang
    Pakke-Kessang
    East Kameng
    East Kameng
    Kurung Kumey
    Kurung Kumey
    Papum Pare
    Papum Pare
    Lower Subansiri
    Lower Subansiri
    Kamle
    Kamle
    Kra Daadi
    Kra Daadi
    Upper Subansiri
    Upper Subansiri
    Lower Siang
    Lower Siang
    Lepa Rada
    Lepa Rada
    West Siang
    West Siang
    Shi Yomi
    Shi Yomi
    Siang
    Siang
    Upper Siang
    Upper Siang
    East Siang
    East Siang
    Dibang Valley
    Dibang Valley
    Lower Dibang Valley
    Lower Dibang Valley
    Anjaw
    Anjaw
    Lohit
    Lohit
    Namsai
    Namsai
    Changlang
    Changlang
    Tirap
    Tirap
    Longding
    Longding
    Itanagar
    Itanagar
    class=notpageimage|
    Districts of Arunachal Pradesh since 2018
    Legend： Capital Year created 2018 Year created 2017 Year created 2015 Created before 2015

    See also

    [edit]
    • Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve

    References

    [edit]
    Notes
    1. ^ D'Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kameng Elephant Reserve, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Pakke Tiger Reserve, Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary and Sessa Orchid Sanctuary
    References
    1. ^ a b c d ISFR Vol 1, Forest Survey of India (2019), pg. 24.
    2. ^ AP State Action Plan (2011), pp. 12.
    3. ^ a b "Arunachal Pradesh: Physiography, At a glance". gbpihedenvis.nic.in. Hosted by: G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development. Sponsored by: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt of India. ENVIS Centre on Himalayan Ecology. Retrieved 23 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
    4. ^ a b c d e Space Applications Centre, ISRO (2009), pg. 19.
    5. ^ Sharma & Shukla 1992, p. 6–7.
    6. ^ a b c d e f g h Singh 2005, p. 5.
    7. ^ a b c State Profile of Arunachal Pradesh, Branch MSME Itanagar (2013), pg. 41.
    8. ^ "4 Reasons Why Arunachal Pradesh is a Natural Wonderland". Outlook India Traveller. 26 June 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2021. We may as well call Arunachal a flowery paradise. Arunachal is also called Orchid State of India
    9. ^ "Launching IUCN Red-listing Process for Orchids in Arunachal Pradesh, India". IUCN. 3 December 2020. Retrieved 23 June 2021. The biodiversity rich North-East States in India are endowed with over 870 species in 159 genera constituting over 73% of the total Orchid species reported from India. Arunachal Pradesh has the highest number of orchid species (around 622 species) reported from the state. Arunachal Pradesh has also been termed as 'Orchid Paradise of India' because of the maximum concentration of orchid species (about 40% of the country) in the State.
    10. ^ Bolingbroke-Kent, Antonia (15 June 2017). Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-4711-5657-1.
    11. ^ Arunachal Pradesh: Human Development Report (2005), pg. 3.
    12. ^ a b c "Border Area Development Programme in Arunachal Pradesh" (PDF). Department of Planning, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 July 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
    13. ^ "Boundaries of Assam. Inter-State Border Areas". Directorate Of Border Protection And Development, Border Protection And Development, Government Of Assam. Retrieved 31 July 2021. Length of Inter-state Boundary (Source–SOI) ... [...] Assam-Arunachal Pradesh – 804.1 Km
    14. ^ "Area of Indian states" (PDF). Government of Andhra Pradesh. p. 598. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 November 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
    15. ^ a b c Sharma & Shukla 1992, p. 6-7.
    16. ^ Sharma & Shukla 1992, p. 7.
    17. ^ OpenStreetMap contributors (4 July 2021). "Arunachal Pradesh" (Map). OpenStreetMap. Retrieved 4 July 2021. {{cite map}}: |author= has generic name (help)
    18. ^ "State Map of Arunachal Pradesh (1:750000; 2 centimeters= 15 kilometers)" (PDF). Survey of India, Government of India. 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 April 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2021. Published under Dr Swarna Subba Rao, Surveyor General of India
    19. ^ Frank Ludlow. "Eastern Himalaya 1940" (PDF). claudearpi.net. Archived from the original on 12 January 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2021. Map prepared by Frank Ludlow during his visit to NEFA
    20. ^ *U.S. Army Map Service (1955), NG 46-2 Towang. Tile of the Map India and Pakistan 1:250,000. Series U502, retrieved 6 July 2021
    21. ^ "Kangtö". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
    22. ^ "Nyegyi Kansang". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
    23. ^ "Chumo". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
    24. ^ a b "Takpa Shiri". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
    25. ^ U.S. Army Map Service, Corps of Engineers (1955), NG 46-2 Towang. Tile of the Map India and Pakistan 1:250,000. Series U502, U.S. Army Map Service, 1955 (published 1961), retrieved 4 July 2021
    26. ^ Bailey, Frederick Marshman (1913), North-East Frontier of India (Arunachal Pradesh) and eastern Tibet, exploration in 1913 by Morshead and Bailey, retrieved 4 July 2021
    27. ^ "Dapha Bum". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
    28. ^ Choudhury, S. Dutta, ed. (1980). Tirap District, Arunachal Pradesh, Gazetteer of India (PDF). R.N. Bagchi, Director of Information and Public Relations, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Shillong. pp. 3, 226. ISBN 9788190658713. Retrieved 1 August 2021. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
    29. ^ "North East India: People, History and Culture" (PDF). National Council of Educational Research and Training. April 2017. p. 10. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
    30. ^ Carter, H. Adams (1985). "Classification of the Himalaya" (PDF). American Alpine Journal: 111. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
    31. ^ Sharma & Shukla 1992, p. 6.
    32. ^ Coudurier-Curveur, A.; Tapponnier, P.; Okal, E.; Van Der Woerd, J.; Kali, E.; Choudhury, S.; Baruah, S.; Etchebes, M.; Karakaş, Ç. (1 February 2020). "A composite rupture model for the great 1950 Assam earthquake across the cusp of the East Himalayan Syntaxis". Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 531. Figure 1, 2 and 3. Bibcode:2020E&PSL.53115928C. doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2019.115928. hdl:10356/136999. ISSN 0012-821X. S2CID 210142365.
    33. ^ Páll-Gergely, Barna & Fehér, Zoltán & Hunyadi, András & Asami, Takahiro. (2015). Revision of the genus Pseudopomatias and its relatives (Gastropoda: Cyclophoroidea: Pupinidae). pp. 8. Zootaxa. 3937. 1-49. 10.11646/zootaxa.3937.1.1.
    34. ^ Singh 2005, p. 6.
    35. ^ Sharma & Shukla 1992, p. 8–10.
    36. ^ Singh, Abujam & Das 2019, p. 1.
    37. ^ a b Bharali, Sanjeeb; Khan, Mohamed Latif (2011). "Climate change and its impact on biodiversity; some management options for mitigation in Arunachal Pradesh". Current Science. 101 (7): 855–860. ISSN 0011-3891. JSTOR 24079121.
    38. ^ "Arunachal Pradesh Geography". mapsofindia.com. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
    39. ^ a b c d e f g h ISFR Vol 2, Forest Survey of India (2019), pg. 18.
    40. ^ ISFR Vol 2, Forest Survey of India (2019), pg. 15.
    41. ^ Rina, Tongam (31 December 2019). "Arunachal registers decline in forest cover for second year in a row". The Arunachal Times. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
    42. ^ Zoological Survey of India (2006), pg. 6.
    43. ^ Singh, Abujam & Das 2019, p. 2.
    44. ^ "Arunachal Pradesh at a Glance". arunachalpradesh.gov.in. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
    45. ^ a b "Climate Arunachal Pradesh: Temperature, climate graph". en.climate-data.org. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
    46. ^ Mizuno & Tenpa 2015, p. 3.
    47. ^ "Par Monthly Climate Averages, Arunachal Pradesh, IN". WorldWeatherOnline.com. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
    48. ^ "Arunachal Pradesh". Weatherbase. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
    49. ^ Sharma & Shukla 1992, p. 12.

    Bibliography

    [edit]
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