Importance of Himalayas : Group Discussion Topic

The importance of Himalayas in the development of India can be mentioned under followings heads -

• Strategic importance: The Himalayas acts as a natural frontier of India against the infiltration from the hostile neighbouring countries (China and Pakistan).
• Climatic importance: The Himalayas prevent northward movement of summer monsoon winds and force them to rain in India. Because of which India receives most of its water needs fulfilled by the monsoon. The Himalayas also acts as a climatic barrier by preventing cold Siberian from entering India and deflect them to China and other parts of Asia continent.
• Physical importance: The glaciers of the Himalayas are the source of water to many perennial rivers of North India. These rivers in their upper course erode the mountain ranges and deposit the alluvial soils when they enter the plains and delta region. The alluvial soil is highly productive and helps in producing the grain to sustain such a huge population.
• Agricultural importance: Rivers that originate in Himalayas deposits a lot of sediment when they enter their middle and mature course. This led to the formation of India’s most fertile agricultural grounds known as Northern Plains. The perennial water of the mighty rivers originating out of the Himalayas is utilized for irrigation, industrial and domestic purpose. Apart from this Himalayan slopes are very well utilised for tea plantation.
• Economic importance: There is huge hydro-electric power potential in the Himalayan region. Many hydroelectric power projects are already developed to satisfy rising power needs. The Himalayas are the source for - timber, medicinal Herbs & plants.