The Himalayas are made up of a series of mountain ranges that run parallel to each other. The general orientation of these ranges in the northwestern part of India is from northwest to southeast. In the Darjeeling and Sikkim regions, the Himalayas run east-west, whereas, in Arunachal Pradesh, they run from southwest to northwest. This article will explain to you about North Eastern Mountains which will be helpful in preparing for Geography for the UPSC Civil service exam.

North Eastern Mountains

• The Brahmaputra forms the Himalayas' eastern boundary.
• The Himalayas curve steeply southward beyond the Dihang canyon, forming the Eastern highlands, or Purvanchal.
• North Eastern Hills & Mountains are part of the Himalayan mountain chain, with a basic alignment from north to south.
• They are recognized by many local names. They are known as Patkai Bum in the north, Naga hills in the south, and Manipur hills in the north.
• These are low hills populated by a variety of tribes that practice Jhum agriculture.
• The region is geologically unstable, with multiple faults crisscrossing it. Its north-south hill ranges are formed by small parallel valleys that slope westward.
• Mount Dapha (in Arunachal Pradesh) is the tallest mountain in the area, rising 15,020 feet (4,578 meters).
• Lohit, Burhi Dihing, Diyung, Kusiyara, Gumti, Kaladan, Manipur, Tixu, Nantaleik, and Naurya are the prominent rivers.

Temperature and Rainfall

• The North-Eastern Mountains have the coldest temperatures, with heavy snowfall and temperatures below freezing point in the winter.
• Summers are cool, with a mean maximum of 25 °C and a mean minimum of 15 °C below 2,000 meters above sea level.
• There is no part of the Northeast Mountains that receives less than 1,000 millimeters (39 inches) of rain per year

Wildlife

• As this area is so unspoiled and unexplored, it serves as a safe haven for many rare and endangered animals.
• There are numerous UNESCO-listed national parks in the area.
• Kaziranga National Park in Assam is one of the most well-known, with close-up sightings of engaged one-horned rhinos almost guaranteed.

Human Life

• North Eastern Mountains are one of the world's most culturally diverse regions.
• The region is home to a mosaic of cultures and faiths, including Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and animists, all of whom have lived in close proximity to nature for centuries.
• Since many of these communities are isolated, their customs, lifestyles, and livelihoods have been shaped by their surroundings.
• Indigenous peoples and local communities are among the most important stewards of biodiversity and natural areas on the planet.
• Garo, Khasi, Jaintia, Adi, Nyishi, Angami, Bhutia, Kuki, Rengma, Bodo, and Deori are some of the most well-known tribes in this region.
• It is also home to the best musicians in the country.

Economy

• It is widely acknowledged that the North-Eastern Mountains are rich in natural resources.
• Mines and minerals, water and forest resources, fertile soil, and other natural resources are all abundant in the region.
• The only resource-based modern industries in the region are crude oil production and refining, as well as tea plantations and the plywood industry.

Importance of North Eastern Mountains

• The Himalayas' high altitude, sprawl, and extension block the summer monsoon.
• They also block the entry of cold Siberian air masses into India.
• This region is rich in minerals, including gold, silver, copper, and lead. Kashmir is a coal-rich region.
• However, at the current level of technological advancement, extracting these minerals is not possible. It's also not financially viable.
• The Northeastern Mountains are important for defense, perennial rivers, fertile soils, forest wealth, orchards, and a variety of minerals, among other things.

Conclusion

In total, North East region of India is known for many things, including the world's only floating national park, the world's rainiest place, the cleanest village in Asia, Asia's largest women's only market, pleasant weather all year, India's only dowry-free region, the world's first organic state, and the birthplace of polo, among others.

FAQs

Question: What are the North-Eastern Mountains in India?

Question: What is the significance of the North-Eastern Mountains?

Question: Which major mountain ranges are found in the North-Eastern region of India?

Question: What challenges do the North-Eastern Mountains face?

Question: How does the North-Eastern region contribute to India's biodiversity?

MCQs

1. The North-Eastern Mountains of India are primarily part of which larger mountain system?

A) Western Ghats

B) Eastern Himalayas

C) Satpura Range

D) Vindhya Range

2. Which of the following is a major mountain range found in the North-Eastern region?

A) Aravalli Range

B) Mizo Hills

C) Sahyadri Range

D) Karakoram Range

3. The North-Eastern Mountains are known for their:

A) Desert landscapes

B) Rich biodiversity and cultural diversity

C) Vast plateau regions

D) Arid climate

4. One of the major challenges faced by the North-Eastern Mountains is:

A) Industrial pollution

B) Soil erosion and deforestation

C) Droughts

D) Urbanization

5. Which northeastern state is part of the North-Eastern Mountains and known for its diverse cultural heritage?

A) Rajasthan

B) Kerala

C) Arunachal Pradesh

D) Gujarat

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the geographical and ecological significance of the North-Eastern Mountains in India.

Answer: The North-Eastern Mountains in India, part of the Eastern Himalayas, hold immense geographical and ecological significance. The region's diverse topography includes mountain ranges, valleys, and river systems that support rich biodiversity, including numerous endemic and rare species. These mountains act as a natural barrier, influencing regional climate patterns and providing critical water resources. The forests and ecosystems in the region play a vital role in carbon sequestration, climate regulation, and habitat conservation. The North-Eastern Mountains also support indigenous communities with unique cultural practices, traditional knowledge, and dependence on natural resources for their livelihoods.

Q2: Discuss the challenges faced by the North-Eastern Mountain region and suggest measures for sustainable development.

Answer: The North-Eastern Mountain region faces challenges such as deforestation, soil erosion, landslides, biodiversity loss, and inadequate infrastructure. Climate change exacerbates these issues, leading to shifts in rainfall patterns and increased natural disasters. Sustainable development measures include afforestation and reforestation, soil conservation techniques, promotion of eco-tourism, and community-based natural resource management. Strengthening infrastructure, providing access to education and healthcare, and empowering local communities through participatory development initiatives are also essential for the region's long-term sustainability.

Q3: Analyze the role of the North-Eastern Mountains in India's biodiversity conservation efforts.

Answer: The North-Eastern Mountains are a critical component of India's biodiversity conservation efforts due to their rich and diverse ecosystems. The region is home to tropical and subtropical forests, high-altitude alpine meadows, and a wide range of flora and fauna, including many endemic species. Conservation initiatives in the region focus on protecting forests, wildlife habitats, and traditional knowledge of indigenous communities. The establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biodiversity reserves has contributed to preserving this unique ecosystem. Collaboration with local communities, sustainable land-use practices, and conservation awareness programs further enhance the region's biodiversity conservation efforts.

Previous Year Questions on  North-Eastern Mountains

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: Evaluate the impact of deforestation on the North-Eastern Mountains' ecosystem and local communities.

Answer: Deforestation in the North-Eastern Mountains has significant ecological and socio-economic impacts. It leads to loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, disruption of water cycles, and increased vulnerability to landslides and floods. The depletion of forest cover affects the livelihoods of indigenous communities, who rely on forests for food, medicine, and shelter. Deforestation also contributes to climate change by reducing carbon sequestration capacity. Addressing these issues requires afforestation initiatives, community-based forest management, and policies that balance development needs with environmental conservation to ensure the well-being of both ecosystems and local populations.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: Discuss the importance of the North-Eastern Mountains in the context of India's climate regulation and water resources.

Answer: The North-Eastern Mountains play a crucial role in India's climate regulation and water resources management. The mountain ranges influence regional monsoon patterns, leading to heavy rainfall that sustains rivers and water bodies. The forests act as watersheds, regulating water flow, reducing runoff, and maintaining soil moisture. This is vital for agriculture, hydropower generation, and overall ecological balance. By providing a source of freshwater and moderating the climate, the North-Eastern Mountains contribute significantly to regional stability and the well-being of local communities. Effective conservation and sustainable management of these resources are essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure water security.