Arunachal Pradesh, known as the "Land of the Rising Sun," is situated in the northeastern part of India. It is a predominantly hilly state with diverse topography, ranging from plains to snow-capped mountains. The states land use patterns are influenced by its unique geography, climate, traditional practices, and socio-economic conditions.
Geographical Overview
Location: Northeastern India, bordered by Bhutan, China, Myanmar, and Indian states.
Area: Approximately 83,743 square kilometers.
Topography: Mountains (Eastern Himalayas), valleys, and plateaus.
Climate: Ranges from subtropical in the lower regions to alpine in higher altitudes.
Major Land Use Patterns in Arunachal Pradesh
1. Agricultural Land
Agriculture is a primary livelihood activity in Arunachal Pradesh, employing a significant portion of the population.
Shifting Cultivation (Jhum):
Practiced mainly by tribal communities.
Involves clearing forest land, cultivating for a few years, and then abandoning it for regeneration.
Concerns: Causes soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and deforestation.
Settled Agriculture:
Increasing due to government efforts to reduce shifting cultivation.
Includes terrace farming in hilly areas.
Key Crops:
Rice, maize, millet, and pulses in lower altitudes.
Tea, horticultural crops, and spices like cardamom at higher altitudes.
2. Forest Cover
Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most forest-rich states in India.
Percentage: Forests account for about 79% of the total geographical area.
Types of Forests:
Tropical forests: Found in lower elevations.
Temperate forests: Found in mid-altitudes.
Alpine forests: Found in high altitudes.
Biodiversity Hotspot: Eastern Himalayan biodiversity zone with rich flora and fauna.
Significance of Forests:
Source of timber, medicinal plants, and non-timber forest products (NTFPs).
Livelihood for indigenous communities.
Regulation of the ecological balance.
3. Wasteland
Shifting Cultivation Fallow Lands:
A major category in wasteland.
Represents land abandoned after short-term cultivation.
Rocky and Degraded Land:
Found in higher altitudes due to harsh climatic conditions.
Efforts for Utilization:
Government initiatives focus on converting wasteland into productive land through afforestation and agroforestry.
4. Horticultural Land
Horticulture is gaining prominence due to the states diverse agro-climatic zones.
Major Crops:
Oranges, apples, kiwis, pineapples, and plums.
Spices such as ginger and turmeric.
Area Under Cultivation: Significant expansion in recent years as part of government initiatives.
5. Pastoral and Grazing Land
Usage: Supports animal husbandry, an essential livelihood activity for tribal communities.
Types of Grazing Land:
Natural grasslands in high altitudes.
Fallow lands used seasonally for grazing.
Livestock Raised:
Yak, mithun (a semi-domesticated animal), and cattle.
6. Built-Up Area
Urbanization:
Slow-paced due to the states rugged terrain and socio-economic factors.
Towns like Itanagar (capital) and Tawang are key urban centers.
Infrastructure Development:
Roads, hydropower projects, and government buildings are increasing built-up areas.
7. Water Bodies
Arunachal Pradesh has a vast network of rivers and streams.
Key Rivers:
Brahmaputra and its tributaries (Siang, Subansiri, Kameng, etc.).
Usage:
Irrigation, hydropower, and fisheries.
Land Around Water Bodies:
Used for agriculture and settlement, depending on proximity.
8. Protected Areas
Arunachal Pradesh is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Notable Protected Areas:
Namdapha National Park.
Mouling National Park.
Sessa Orchid Sanctuary.
Land Use: Designated for conservation, tourism, and research.
Factors Influencing Land Use Patterns
1. Topography
Rugged terrain limits large-scale agriculture and urbanization.
Encourages terrace farming and shifting cultivation.
2. Climate
Varying climate influences crop patterns and forest types.
Subtropical regions favor paddy cultivation, while higher altitudes grow apples and cardamom.
3. Traditional Practices
Tribal customs and practices like Jhum farming shape land use.
Cultural significance of sacred groves and community forests.
4. Government Policies
Afforestation and conservation programs.
Efforts to promote settled agriculture and horticulture.
Land use regulations to control deforestation and promote sustainable practices.
5. Economic Development
Hydropower projects and tourism impact land allocation.
Increasing demand for infrastructure in growing urban areas.
Challenges in Land Use Patterns
1. Shifting Cultivation
Unsustainable in the long term.
Causes environmental degradation.
2. Deforestation
Driven by agricultural expansion, timber logging, and shifting cultivation.
3. Soil Erosion
Accelerated by deforestation and unsustainable farming methods.
4. Urbanization
Limited flat land for expansion.
Strain on existing infrastructure.
5. Conflict Over Land Ownership
Complex land tenure systems.
Overlap of traditional and modern land rights.
Government Initiatives
Sustainable Agriculture: Programs to reduce shifting cultivation and promote settled farming.
Forestry Projects: Afforestation and community-based forest management.
Horticulture Missions: Expansion of area under fruits and spices.
Land Use Planning: GIS-based planning to optimize land use.
Infrastructure Development: Promoting eco-tourism and hydropower projects.