The Northeastern Plateau extends from the main Peninsular plateau. It is thought that a massive fault was formed between the Rajmahal hills and the Meghalaya plateau as a result of the force exerted by the northeastward migration of the Indian plate during the Himalayan origin. This area is located east of the Deccan lava region. This article will explain to you about the The North Eastern Plateau which will be helpful in Geography preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

The North Eastern Plateau

• The Northeastern Plateau extends from the main Peninsular plateau.
• It is thought that a massive fault was formed between the Rajmahal hills and the Meghalaya plateau as a result of the force exerted by the northeastward migration of the Indian plate during the Himalayan origin.
• This depression was later filled by the deposition activity of the numerous rivers.
• The Meghalaya and Karbi Anglong plateaus are now separated from the main Peninsular Block.
• The Meghalaya plateau is separated into three sections:
• The Garo Hills
• The Khasi Hills
• The Jaintia Hills
• An extension of this may be observed in Assam's Karbi Anglong hills.
• The Meghalaya plateau, like the Chotanagpur plateau, is rich in mineral resources such as coal, iron ore, sillimanite, limestone, and uranium.
• The southwest monsoon brings the most rain to this region. As a result, the surface of the Meghalaya plateau is heavily degraded.
• Cherrapunji has a stark, stony terrain with no permanent flora cover.

North Eastern Plateau

The North Eastern Plateau - Formation

• The plateaus of Meghalaya and Karbi Anglong are still detached from the main Peninsular block today.
• The stress exerted by the northeastward movement of the Indian plate during the Himalayan origin is supposed to have generated a large fault between the Rajmahal hills and the Meghalaya plateau.
• Like the Chotanagpur plateau, the Meghalaya plateau is rich in mineral resources such as coal, iron ore, sillimanite, limestone, and uranium.
• The rainiest season in this region is the southwest monsoon. As a result, the Meghalaya plateau's surface has severely deteriorated.
• Cherrapunji features a barren, rocky landscape with no permanent vegetation.

The North Eastern Plateau - Significance

• The force exerted by the northeastward movement of the Indian plate during the Himalayan origin is supposed to have generated a large fault between the Rajmahal hills and the Meghalaya plateau.
• The plateau is cut through by hill ranges that are the eastern extensions of the Satpura Range to the north.
• Mineral resources like coal, iron ore, sillimanite, limestone, and uranium abound in the Meghalaya plateau.
• The southwest monsoon brings the most rain to this region. As a result, the surface of the Meghalaya plateau is heavily degraded.
• Cherrapunji has a stark, stony terrain with no permanent flora cover.

Conclusion

The Northeastern Plateau extends from the main Peninsular plateau. It is thought that a massive fault was formed between the Rajmahal hills and the Meghalaya plateau as a result of the force exerted by the northeastward migration of the Indian plate during the Himalayan origin. This depression was afterwards filled by the deposition activity of the various rivers.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the average elevation of the North Eastern Plateau?

A) 200–400 meters
B) 400–600 meters
C) 600–900 meters
D) 900–1200 meters

2. Which mineral resources are abundant in the North Eastern Plateau?

A) Gold and silver
B) Coal and iron ore
C) Bauxite and copper
D) Diamond and limestone

3. What is one of the main environmental challenges faced by the North Eastern Plateau?

A) Increased agricultural productivity
B) Deforestation
C) Urbanization
D) Increased biodiversity

4. Which river is NOT associated with the North Eastern Plateau?

A) Damodar
B) Ganges
C) Subarnarekha
D) Brahmani

5. Which of the following statements best describes the agricultural practices in the North Eastern Plateau?

A) Primarily industrial farming
B) Focus on cash crops
C) Subsistence agriculture
D) No agriculture practiced

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Evaluate the geographical significance of the North Eastern Plateau in India.

Answer: The North Eastern Plateau, also known as the Chotanagpur Plateau, holds immense geographical significance in India due to its unique topography and resource richness. Spanning multiple states, including Jharkhand and parts of West Bengal and Odisha, this plateau is characterized by its hilly terrain, extensive forests, and numerous rivers. The region's elevation and climate foster diverse ecosystems, making it a hotspot for biodiversity. Furthermore, the plateau is rich in mineral resources, including coal and iron ore, which are crucial for India's industrial sector. The rivers originating from this plateau provide essential water resources for agriculture and hydropower generation. Geographically, the plateau acts as a vital watershed, influencing the climate and agriculture of surrounding regions. Its strategic location also makes it important for connectivity between eastern and northern India, contributing to trade and economic development.

Q2: Discuss the socio-economic challenges faced by the inhabitants of the North Eastern Plateau.

Answer: The inhabitants of the North Eastern Plateau face several socio-economic challenges that impact their livelihoods and quality of life. One major challenge is poverty, which is prevalent in many rural areas due to limited access to resources and infrastructure. The reliance on subsistence agriculture often results in inadequate income, making families vulnerable to food insecurity and economic instability. Additionally, deforestation and environmental degradation, driven by mining and agricultural expansion, threaten traditional livelihoods and lead to displacement of local communities. Furthermore, the region's geographical remoteness can limit access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, exacerbating socio-economic disparities. Addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions, including sustainable development practices, improved infrastructure, and community engagement to empower local populations and enhance their resilience.

Q3: Analyze the impact of mining activities on the environment and society in the North Eastern Plateau.

Answer: Mining activities in the North Eastern Plateau have significant environmental and societal impacts. Environmentally, mining leads to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion, disrupting local ecosystems and degrading natural habitats. The extraction processes often pollute water bodies with heavy metals and toxic chemicals, compromising water quality and affecting the health of communities reliant on these resources. Socially, while mining can create jobs and stimulate economic growth, it can also lead to land dispossession, where local populations are displaced from their ancestral lands without adequate compensation. This creates socio-economic tensions and can result in conflicts between mining companies and indigenous communities. Furthermore, the reliance on mining for economic development can hinder diversification efforts, leaving local economies vulnerable to market fluctuations. Sustainable mining practices and responsible resource management are essential to mitigate these impacts and promote the well-being of both the environment and local populations.

Previous Year Questions on the North Eastern Plateau

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Which of the following minerals is predominantly found in the North Eastern Plateau?

A) Gold
B) Iron ore
C) Mica
D) All of the above

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The North Eastern Plateau is rich in various minerals, including iron ore and mica, making it an important resource area for mining.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Discuss the ecological significance of the North Eastern Plateau and the challenges it faces." Analyze in detail.

Answer: The North Eastern Plateau holds ecological significance due to its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The plateau's varied topography supports diverse flora and fauna, making it an important area for conservation. However, it faces challenges such as deforestation due to mining and agricultural expansion, which threaten its ecological balance. Additionally, climate change impacts, such as altered rainfall patterns, further stress the ecosystem. Addressing these challenges through sustainable development and conservation efforts is crucial to preserve the ecological integrity of the North Eastern Plateau.