State Profile : Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, the Land of Gods, is a place of serene beauty, nestled in the majestic Himalayas. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, lush forests, tranquil rivers, and sacred temples, living in Uttarakhand means being surrounded by nature’s peace and spirituality. The state is not only famous for its religious significance but also for its adventure tourism, attracting travelers from around the world for trekking, rafting, and wildlife safaris.

The people of Uttarakhand are known for their warmth, resilience, and hospitality, making it a welcoming place to call home. The state’s economy is bolstered by agriculture, tourism, horticulture, and hydropower, with increasing opportunities in education, IT, and manufacturing. Uttarakhand offers a lifestyle that combines peaceful rural living with modern infrastructure, ensuring growth and prosperity. Live amidst nature’s bounty and the spiritual energy of Uttarakhand, where every day is a new adventure toward a bright future.

Uttarakhand, located in the northern part of India, is a state known for its beautiful landscapes, mountains, rivers, and rich cultural heritage. Here’s a detailed profile of Uttarakhand:

1. General Information

• Capital: Dehradun
• Largest City: Dehradun
• Area: 55,883 square kilometers
• Population: Approximately 11.1 million (as of the 2021 census)
• Official Language: Hindi
• Regional Language: Garhwali, Kumaoni
• Governor: Lieutenant Governor (currently the President’s appointee)
• Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami (as of 2025)

2. Geography

Uttarakhand is located in the northern part of India, primarily in the Himalayan region. It shares borders with:

• Uttar Pradesh to the south,
• Himachal Pradesh to the west,
• Tibet (China) to the north,
• Nepal to the east.

The state is known for its mountainous terrain, with the Himalayas running through the region. The state’s elevation varies from around 300 meters in the foothills to over 7,000 meters at the mountain peaks.

3. Administrative Divisions of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is divided into administrative divisions for effective governance. These divisions are further broken down into districts, each with its own a District Magistrate (DM) appointed for administrative duties.

Here’s the table with Division Name & Districts Include in each Divisions:

Summary of Administrative Setup:

• Divisions: 2 (Garhwal and Kumaon)
• Districts: 13
• Tehsils: Each district is subdivided into tehsils (sub-districts), with administrative officials for local governance.

These divisions help in streamlining administration, development, and the management of resources across the state.

4. Economy

Uttarakhand’s economy is driven by a mix of agriculture, tourism, hydroelectric power, and forest resources. Some important aspects include:

• Agriculture: The state produces crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and various fruits like apples and peaches.
• Tourism: Known for its religious, cultural, and adventure tourism, Uttarakhand is home to popular pilgrimage sites like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Gangotri.
• Hydropower: The state has significant hydropower resources and is a major producer of electricity.
• Forest Resources: Uttarakhand is rich in forest cover and natural resources, providing timber and medicinal plants.

5. Climate

The climate in Uttarakhand varies significantly depending on the region:

• Northern and higher Himalayan regions experience a cold, alpine climate with heavy snowfall in winters and moderate summer temperatures.
• Southern plains have a temperate climate with hot summers and cooler winters.

6. Famous Places

1. Haridwar: A major Hindu pilgrimage destination on the banks of the Ganges River.
2. Rishikesh: Known as the “Yoga capital of the world,” Rishikesh is famous for spiritual retreats, ashrams, and adventure sports like white-water rafting.
3. Nainital: A popular hill station, known for Naini Lake.
4. Mussoorie: A famous hill station known as the “Queen of the Hills.”
5. Jim Corbett National Park: India’s first national park and a renowned wildlife sanctuary.
6. Char Dham Yatra: A pilgrimage circuit consisting of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

7. Culture and Heritage

Uttarakhand has a rich cultural heritage that reflects the diverse traditions of its people. Key aspects include:

1. Festivals: Major festivals include Makar Sankranti, Holi, Diwali, Baisakhi, and religious events like Kumbh Mela (held every 12 years in Haridwar).
2. Traditional Dance and Music: Kumaoni and Garhwali folk dances and songs are an important part of the state’s culture.
3. Cuisine: The cuisine includes simple, wholesome food with ingredients like rice, wheat, lentils, and vegetables. Popular dishes are Aloo ke Gutke, Chainsoo, and Singori (a sweet dish).

8. Wildlife

Uttarakhand is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, such as:

1. Jim Corbett National Park: Famous for its Bengal tigers.
2. Rajaji National Park: Known for elephants and leopards.
3. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve: A UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. Valley of Flowers National Park: Known for its scenic beauty and diverse flora.

9. Education

Uttarakhand has a number of prestigious educational institutions, including:

1. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) in Dehradun.
2. Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun.
3. Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar.
4. Uttarakhand Technical University in Dehradun.

10. Transport

Uttarakhand is well connected by roads, rail, and air:

• Roadways: The state has a good network of highways and roads connecting major cities and tourist destinations.
• Railways: Dehradun is well connected by the railway network to other parts of India.
• Airways: Dehradun has an airport, Jolly Grant Airport, with flights to major cities.

11. Government and Administration

Uttarakhand was formed on November 9, 2000, as the 27th state of India after being carved out from Uttar Pradesh. The state has a unicameral legislature with a Legislative Assembly of 70 members.

12. Politics of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand follows the democratic framework of India and has its own Legislative Assembly and Chief Minister. The state is governed by the Governor appointed by the President of India.

Key Political Information:

• State Formation: Uttarakhand was formed on November 9, 2000, after being carved out of Uttar Pradesh.
• Legislature: The state has a unicameral legislature, with a Legislative Assembly of 70 seats.
• Chief Minister: The current Chief Minister (as of 2025) is Pushkar Singh Dhami.
• Governor: Uttarakhand’s governor is appointed by the President of India.

Uttarakhand has seen various political shifts with the dominance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) in different periods. The political environment is largely influenced by regional issues, development, and religious sentiments due to the state’s diverse geography and demographics.

13. Famous Personalities of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has produced many renowned figures across various fields, from politics and sports to literature and the arts.

1. Bipin Chandra Pal (1858–1932) – A prominent freedom fighter and nationalist from Uttarakhand, who was one of the key leaders in the Indian independence movement.
2. Sushila Tiwari (1927–2003) – The first woman to hold the office of the Speaker of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly.
3. M.S. Dhoni – Former captain of the Indian cricket team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni was born in Ranchi, but he spent a significant part of his early years in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and is often associated with the region.
4. Harish Rawat – A former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand (twice), from the Indian National Congress.
5. Narendra Singh Negi – A famous Garhwali folk singer who has contributed immensely to Uttarakhand’s music and culture.
6. Rishabh Pant – Indian cricketer, born in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, known for his aggressive batting style.
7. Swami Vivekananda – While not born in Uttarakhand, Swami Vivekananda spent significant time in the region, including at the Vedanta Ashram in Rishikesh.

14. Notable Landmarks in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is home to numerous historical, cultural, and natural landmarks that attract tourists from around the world.

1. Char Dham (Four Sacred Shrines):
   • Yamunotri – The source of the Yamuna River.
   • Gangotri – The source of the Ganges River.
   • Kedarnath – A revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
   • Badrinath – A major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
2. Haridwar – One of the seven holiest places in Hinduism, known for the Har Ki Pauri Ghat and Ganga Aarti.
3. Rishikesh – Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is famous for its ashrams, temples, and adventure sports like white-water rafting.
4. Nainital – A picturesque hill station famous for Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, and beautiful panoramic views of the Himalayas.
5. Mussoorie – A popular hill station with stunning views of the Doon Valley and the Shivalik range.
6. Jim Corbett National Park – India’s first national park, famous for its Bengal tigers and diverse wildlife.
7. Valley of Flowers National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its breathtaking meadows full of alpine flowers.
8. Rajaji National Park – A wildlife sanctuary that offers a haven for elephants, tigers, and leopards.
9. Tehri Dam – The highest dam in India, located on the Bhagirathi River.
10. Chandrapur Fort – A historical fort located in the Pauri Garhwal district, built by the Chand rulers.

15. Environmental Challenges in Uttarakhand

While Uttarakhand is known for its pristine natural beauty, it faces significant environmental challenges:

1. Landslides and Floods: The hilly terrain makes the state highly prone to landslides, especially during the monsoon season. In recent years, flash floods have caused significant damage. For example, the 2013 Uttarakhand floods caused devastating losses, with over 5,700 people reported dead or missing.
2. Deforestation: Although the state has abundant forest cover, illegal logging and mining activities continue to threaten its ecological balance. Deforestation leads to soil erosion and an increased risk of landslides.
3. Water Scarcity: Despite having several rivers, the state faces water scarcity issues due to over-extraction, pollution, and mismanagement of water resources. This is compounded by climate change, affecting the availability of glaciers that feed the rivers.
4. Impact of Climate Change: The Himalayan region is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Glacial retreat, altered rainfall patterns, and increasing temperatures are affecting the biodiversity, water resources, and agriculture of Uttarakhand.
5. Tourism Pressure: While tourism is a major source of revenue, the influx of tourists to religious and scenic locations leads to pressure on local resources, waste management systems, and fragile ecosystems. The state faces challenges in balancing development and conservation.
6. Soil Erosion: Due to the steep slopes of the Himalayan region, soil erosion is a persistent issue, particularly after construction activities and deforestation.
7. Urbanization: The rapid growth of cities and towns is putting pressure on the infrastructure and resources.
8. Youth Migration: Many people from the rural areas migrate to cities for better employment and education opportunities.

Uttarakhand, with its serene landscapes, spiritual significance, and natural beauty, remains a popular destination for pilgrims, nature lovers, and adventurers alike.

Government of India Support to Citizens of This Districts

Certainly! Here’s the table with an column, “Government of India Support”, indicating the primary support or schemes provided by the Government of India to the citizens of each district. These schemes could include government welfare programs, agricultural subsidies, industrial support, infrastructure development, healthcare initiatives, and more.

Here’s a table representing District Number, District Name, Importance in Economy of India (Level 1-10), Major Key Economic Activity, and Government of India Support for the districts of Uttarakhand:

This table illustrates the economic diversity across Uttarakhand, with each district contributing to the state’s growth in different sectors such as agriculture, tourism, hydropower, and industry.

Explanation of Levels (1-10) in Importance to the Economy of India

The importance level is assigned to each district based on its overall contribution to the national economy in terms of economic activities, industries, employment generation, and tourism potential. Here’s the breakdown:

• Level 10: Highly Critical – The district plays a central role in India’s national economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and industrial output. It hosts key national projects or major industries and often has a large-scale influence on the country’s economic landscape.
• Level 9: Very Important – These districts have a considerable impact on national economic sectors such as IT, industry, tourism, and agriculture. They contribute substantially to state and national revenue.
• Level 8: Important – These districts are vital in specific sectors (like agriculture, industry, or tourism) and contribute significantly to the regional and national economy, though not as dominant as Level 9.
• Level 7: Above Average Importance – Districts at this level contribute to national economy through specific sectors such as agriculture, power generation, or tourism, with moderate influence on the overall economy.
• Level 6: Moderate Importance – These districts are important on a regional level, often focusing on agriculture or local industries. They may not have major industrial hubs but support significant agricultural, forestry, or small-scale industries.
• Level 5: Regional/Local Importance – The district’s economic activity is mainly localized and contributes primarily through agriculture, small-scale industries, or regional tourism, with a lower level of national impact.

Explanation of Major Key Economic Activity for Each District

1. Agriculture: Present in nearly all districts, with crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits (apples, peaches, citrus), and vegetables being cultivated. Agriculture is a key sector in Pauri Garhwal, Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Udham Singh Nagar.
2. Tourism: A central economic activity across most districts, especially in pilgrimage tourism (e.g., Haridwar, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Chamoli with Badrinath), adventure tourism (e.g., Tehri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Uttarkashi), and scenic tourism (e.g., Nainital, Almora, Dehradun).
3. Horticulture: Found in districts like Nainital, Almora, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh, with the cultivation of fruits such as apples, peaches, plums, and citrus fruits being significant contributors to the local economy.
4. Forestry: Key in Dehradun, Bageshwar, and Tehri Garhwal, where timber, medicinal plants, and forest products play an important role in the economy.
5. Handicrafts: Particularly important in Almora and Pauri Garhwal, where traditional wood carving, woolens, and woodwork are significant exports.
6. Industry: Haridwar is known for its pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food processing industries. Udham Singh Nagar has a growing agro-processing industry (such as sugar mills, food processing) and textiles and manufacturing industries.
7. Livestock: Found in districts like Chamoli, where livestock farming (especially cattle and sheep) supports the rural economy.
8. Hydropower Generation: Tehri Garhwal stands out for its hydropower generation due to the Tehri Dam, making this activity a key part of its economy.
9. Agro-processing: Present in Udham Singh Nagar, where agro-processing industries (such as sugar mills and food processing) have seen significant growth.

Government of India Support schemes relevant to each district, reflecting the primary government interventions for economic development, agriculture, industry, rural welfare, and more. Let me know if you need further details!

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Disclaimer: The information provided here has been compiled from various sources to the best of our knowledge. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the details, there may be occasional errors or omissions. If you find any discrepancies or incorrect information, kindly inform us so we can make the necessary corrections. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.