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INDIA 2012

A REFERENCE ANNUAL

Compiled by

RESEARCH, REFERENCE AND TRAINING DIVISION

PUBLICATIONS DIVISION

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Uttarakhand

Area : 53,484 sq km

Population : 84,89,349 (Census 2001)

Capital : Dehradun

Principal Languages : Hindi, English, Garhwali, Kumauni

HISTORY

Uttarakhand finds mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as Kedarkhand, Manaskhand and Himavant. The Kushanas, Kunindas, Kanishka, Samudra Gupta, the Pauravas, Katuris, Palas, the Chandras and Panwars and the British have ruled it in turns. It is often called the Land of the Gods (Dev Bhoomi) because of its various holy places and abundant shrines. The hilly regions of Uttarakhand offer pristine landscapes to the tourists.

The State of Uttarakhand was earlier a part of the United Province of Agra and Awadh which came into existence in 1902. In 1935, the name of State was shortened to the United Province. In January 1950, the United Province was renamed as Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal remained a part of Uttar Pradesh before it was carved out of Uttar Pradesh on 9 November 2000. It is incepted as the 27th State of India.

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the State has international boundaries with China (Tibet) in the north and Nepal in the east. On its north-west lies Himachal Pradesh while on the south is Uttar Pradesh.

AGRICULTURE

About 90 per cent of the population of Uttarakhand depends on agriculture. The total cultivated area in the State is 7,67,571 hectare.

INDUSTRY AND MINERALS

The State is rich in mineral deposits like limestone, marble, rock phosphate, dolomite, magnesite, copper greyphyte, gypsum, etc. The number of small-scale industries is 34,231 providing employment to 1,77,677 persons, with an investment of Rs. 14,965.67 crore.

IRRIGATION AND ENERGY

Agricultural land under irrigation is 5,49,381 hectare. The State has excellent potential for hydropower generation. There are a number of hydroelectric projects on the rivers Yamuna, Bhagirathi, Bhilangana, Alaknanda, Mandakini, Saryu Gauri, Kosi and Kali generating electricity. Total hydropower potential approx. 25,450 MW. Projects allotted to various agencies 13,667 MW. Out of 15,761 villages, 15,241 villages have been electrified.

TRANSPORT

Roads : The total length of metalled roads in Uttarakhand is 29,939 km. The length of PWD roads is 22,623 km. The length of roads built by local bodies is 15,041 km.

Railways: The main railway stations are Dehradun, Hardwar, Roorkee, Kotdwar, Kashipur, Udhamsingh Nagar, Haldwani, Ramnagar and Kathgodam.

Aviation: There are air strips at Jolly Grant (Dehradun), and Pantnagar (Udham Singh Nagar). Air strips at Naini-Seni (Pithoragarh), Gauchar (Chamoli) and Chinyalisaur (Uttarkashi) are under construction. From this year Pawan Hans Ltd., has started helicopter service from Rudraprayag to Kedarnath for pilgrims.

FESTIVALS

The world-famous Kumbh Mela/Ardh Kumbh Mela is held at Hardwar at every twelfth/sixth year interval. Other prominent fairs/festivals are : Devidhura Mela (Champawat), Purnagiri Mela (Champawat), Nanda Devi Mela (Almora), Gauchar Mela (Chamoli), Baisakhi (Uttarkashi), Magha Mela (Uttarkashi), Uttaraini Mela (Bageshwar), Vishu Mela (Jaunsar Bhabar), Peerane-Kaliyar (Roorkee), and Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra held every twelfth year.

TOURIST CENTRES

Prominent places of pilgrimage/tourist interests are Gangotri, Yamunotri. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Hardwar, Rishikesh, Hemkund Sahib, Nanakmatta, etc. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra can be performed through Kumaon region. The world-famous Valley of Flowers, Pindari Glacier, Roop Kund, Dayara Bugyal, Auli, and hill stations like Mussoorie, Dehradun, Chakrata, Nainital, Ranikhet, Bageshwar, Bhimtal, Kausani, Lansdowne etc. are the other tourist destinations.

GOVERNMENT

Governor : Smt. Margaret Alwa

Chief Secretary : Shri Subash Kumar

Chief Minister : Shri B.C. Khanduri

Jurisdiction of High Court

Uttarakhand

AREA, POPULATION AND HEADQUARTERS OF DISTRICTS

S. No. District Area (sq km) Population Headquarters

1. Uttarkashi 8,016 2,95,013 Uttarkashi

2. Chamoli 7,520 3,70,359 Gopeshwar

3. Rudra Prayag 2,439 2,27,439 Rudra Prayag

4. Tehri Garhwal 3,796 6,04,747 New Tehri

5. Dehradun 3,088 12,82,143 Dehradun

6. Pauri Garhwal 5,329 6,97,078 Pauri

7. Pithoragarh 7,169 4,62,289 Pithoragarh

8. Champawat 2,004 2,24,542 Champawat

9. Almora 3,689 6,30,567 Almora

10. Bageshwar 1,696 2,49,462 Bageshwar

11. Nainital 3,422 7,62,909 Nainital

12. Udhamsingh Nagar 3,055 12,35,614 Udhamsingh Ngr. (Rudrapur)

13. Hardwar 2,360 14,47,187 Hardwar

Wildlife parks and sanctuaries: India

CHILLA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

This wildlife sanctuary provides for a rich Sal forest. Chilla wildlife sanctuary is hardly 6 km from the holy city of Haridwar and provides an ideal opportunity for a day's visit besides enjoying one's stay along the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar.

Chilla is a part of wider wildlife area in Rajaji in the Tarai region of Shivaliks. You can be sure of seeing Wild Elephant, Chital, Sambar, Ghoral, and Spotted Deer. Sighting Leopards are an occasional possibility.

Location: 6 kms from Hardiwar

Access

By Rail/Road Haridwar (6 km)

CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

Its unique location provides this national park with a vast diversity of fauna. Though it is widely accepted as a tiger refuge, but in the real sense, it is a paradise for bird watchers. More than 600 species of birds have been recorded. The river Ramganga is the main source of water. The river meanders through the undulating terrain presenting a wonderful scenic beauty for the visitors.

Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Sloth bear, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, are some of the major species seen. Goral and Himalayan Black Bear are known to come into the park during winters. Due to the typical Himalayan foothills terrain, flash floods during monsoon leaves nothing behind in the name of roads and hence the park is closed between 15 June to 15 November.

The Ramganga sustains Mahashir (Himalayan carp) and has a good population of Otters, Crocodiles, and Gharials.

Location: Pauri, Garhwal and Nainital districts

Best time to visit: November to mid June

Habitat: Dense sal forests and tall green meadows

Area: 520.82 sq.kms

Access

Nearest Airport Pantnagar (110 kms) Nearest Railway Station Ramnagar (51 km) By Road Dhikala connected by road to Dhangarthi and further to Ramnagar, the nearest town

Accommodation

Forest Rest House at Dhikala, Khinanauli, Sarpdauli, Giral, Sultan, Bijrani, Malani, Kanda, Dhela, Jhima.

Contact

Field Director, Project Tiger or Wildlife Warden Corbett National Park, Ramnagar Distt. Nainital, Uttar Pradesh 224 715

DUDHWA NATIONAL PARK

Dudhwa is located in Tarai region adjoining Nepal. It represents one of the finest pure Sal forests in this country, with grasslands, large lakes and swampy bogs that provide shelter to a vast diversity of fauna and flora. It is the home for the soft ground Barasingha or Swamp deer, besides Tiger, Elephant, Sambar, Chital, Barking deer, Hog deer, Blue bull, Sloth bear, and Otters which are found in good numbers. Dudhwa was home to the Great Indian Rhinoceros but the same was eliminated in the recent past. Reintroduction of this unique species has added additional importance to this beautiful park. One can get an opportunity to know about "Tharu", a local community who live in harmony with nature. Dudhwa can also be considered a bird watcher's paradise with a possibility of sighting more than 400 species of birds.

Location: North LakhimpurKheri

Best time to visit: November to May

Habitat: Sal, marshes and grasslands

Area: 498.29 sq.kms

Access

Airport/Railway Station Lucknow/Dudhwa By Road UPSRTC buses connect Dudhwa with Palia, Lakhimpur, Kheri and neighbouring places

Accommodation

Forest Rest House at Dudhwa, Sathiana, Bankatti, Sonaripur, Kila

Contact

Field Director, Project Tiger Dudhwa National Park, LakhimpurKheri, Uttar Pradesh 262 701

RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK

Its ideal location on the tourist circuit can make this an important sanctuary. The Sanctuary is divided by the Ganges river. The smaller portion on the eastern side of the river is known as Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary.

Rajaji is interspersed with moist deciduous forest with Sal as the predominant species. Sambar, Chital, Barking deer, Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Leopard Cat, Monkeys, and Goral (mountain goat) are important species. All along the river course, a number of turtle species can also be seen.

Location

Dehradun valley

Best time to visit: November to June

Habitat: Scenic surroundings, pleasant climate, beautiful setting

Area: 830 sq.kms

Access

Nearest Airport Jolly Grant Nearest Railway Stations Dehradun and Hardwar By Road Delhi (220kms), Lucknow (510kms)

Accommodation

5 Forest Rest House, 10 suites

Contact

Director, Rajaji National Park, Dehradun. Tel== 24225. Tourist Lodge,

Hardwar

VALLEY OF FLOWERS

The valley of flowers is nature's wonder. This high altitude region is governed by the extreme cold climate and remains snowbound for nearly five months.

In fact the valley of flowers is an alpine meadow but is guarded by towering Himalayan ridges and peaks thus creating its own climatic conditions and protection against dry cold winter monsoons.

The importance of this valley was understood by old sages who used to spend their time here for meditation. But the common tourist was unaware of its existence. A trip to this valley requires special efforts and an avid trekker will enjoy this trip.

The valley of flowers can be termed as a botanist's paradise as the beauty of flowers is always irresistible to any individual. There are nearly 3000 species of plants found in this small area. The flowers invite a diversity of insects and birds and hence the faunal diversity is also good. Musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, Snow leopard, Black bear, Brown bear, are some of the important mammals found here. The colourful majestic Monal and few other Pheasants add beauty.

The months of July and August are the ideal period. Rest house facility at Govind Dham is available with prior permission from the U.P. Wildlife authorities. A visit to Hemkunt Sahib an important pilgrimage site for Sikhs is close by and will add to your experience.

Location

Bhyundia Ganga of Chamoli district of Garhwal

Best time to visit: July to October

Habitat: Natural garden blooming with wild flowers

Area: 90 sq. kms

Access

Nearest Airport Jolly grant Nearest Railway Station Rishikesh By Road Off the RishikeshBadrinath road. 16 kms from Govindghat and Badrinath (24kms)

Accommodation

Tourist Rest House, Ghangari, Forest Rest House at Ghangari and Govindghat

Contact

Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nanda Devi National Park, Joshimath, Dist.Chamoli.

LIVING ADVENTUROUSLY

MAJOR BASE POINT

Garhwal and Kumaon

GETTING THERE

By Air The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun.

By Rail Convenient overnight trains from Delhi connect Haridwar the nearest railhead into Garhwal. The Shatabdi Express serves Haridwar along with trains from Mumbai and Calcutta.

By Road Bus services connect Haridwar with other towns in North India. It is a 5 hour drive from Dellhi and just 22 km from Rishikesh.

TIME TO VISIT

There are two seasons for trekking in MayJune and end August end October.

PLACES OPEN IN RESTRICTED/PROTECTED AREA

VISIT PERMITTED TO

Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Niti Ghatti and Kalindi Khal in Chamoli, Uttar Kashi districts Adjoining areas of Milam Glacier

AUTHORITY MHA Government of U.P. DM/SDM concerned ITBP

REMARKS

Individual tourists not permitted.

TREKKING

Gangotri

The trek to the source of the river Ganga will prove a memorable experience and is comparatively easy. From the roadhead at Gangotri one follows a fairly level trail alongside the river for 19 km till the snout of the glacier is reached. The river rises from an ice cave and the surroundings, especially if one proceeds another 5 km along the glacier to Tapovan, are among the most sublime in the world. This grassy meadow called Tapovan at a height of 4,400 m is surrounded by spectacular peaks like Meru which has the mythological merit of being the centre of the Universe; other peaks are the Shivling, Bhagirathi group etc.

Curzon

This is another fabulous trek over Kuari Pass at 12,000 feet. The trek begins at Joshimath and after reaching Tapovan, carries one over Kuari Pass affording a panoramic view of the Nandadevi Sanctuary mountains. This trail can start from Gwaldam or halfway along at Ghat. The full trek takes ten days. Many find it preferable to do it in reverse from Tapovan to Ghat, for the climb to the pass is not too steep from the north.

A favourite of those who love flowers is HarikiDun in western Garhwal. A lovely meadows at Bedni is an offshoot on the Curzon Trail. This lies above the tree line en route to the great mystery lake, Rupkund, where legend has it an army lies buried in snow. The trek to the Valley of Flowers with its phenomenal one thousand varities of plants is only 4 kms away from Ghangaria.

KumaonGarhwal High Altitude

This is the classic route from the Kumaon roadhead at Munisiari in the Goriganga valley. Skirting the eastern flank of the Nanda Devi sanctuary, the trail continues to Milam and over the Unta Dhura pass entering the Girthi Ganga valley of Garhwal at Malari, roadhead for the trade routes with Tibet, using the Niti Pass and Bara Hoti.

The Gori Glacier

Reaching Munsiari from Almora by road which extends to Lilam (1800 m), the trek does a 4day run up to the shout of the Goriganga (3500 m) glacier, 5 km from the historic Milan village (3000 m).

Dodotal

For those who enjoy angling, there is the easy threeday trek to Dodital near Uttarkashi where a licence can be obtained for fishing trout.

Pindari

October is the time to visit the lovely hills of Kumaon. The twelveday trek to Pindari glacier is considered one of the classics and for the adventurous there are innumerable sideglaciers to explore.

Another exciting trek is to Milan glacier in Pithoragarh district.

MOUNTAINEERING

At the traditional source of the Ganges one can find the best mountaineering area in the world. A few kilometres above the ice cave from which the river takes birth are the meadows of Tapovan and Nandanvan, spread at the base of the most magnificent panorama of peaks. These are mainly over the 20,000 ft mark and still have unclimbed faces.

These are the peaks of Shivling, Meru Bhagirathi and Kedarnath. An easy glacial and moraine walking allows climbers to make quick ascents and this area has been called "the alpine playground".

In the far west of Garhwal, HarikiDun provides a spectacularly beautiful base for attempts on the Bandar Poonch group and the approach along the Tons valley is one of the unspoiled areas of the Himalayas. Eastwards, now that the Nandadevi Sanctuary cirque has been closed, climbers have to approach Trisul by the more formidable south face. This involves a ten day trek up the Mandakini valley to each base.

Further eastwards, Kumaon provides fairly easy access to the Sunderdhunga glacier. The jagged five Panch Chuli peaks are closed to foreigners and Indians need to obtain special permission for climbing them.

SKIING

Joshimath

Joshimath, traditionally a pilgrim town, has now also been developed as a skiing resort for Garhwal. A ropeway is under construction to take visitors from the town at 6,000 ft to the slopes of Auli and Gorsain near the Kuari Pass at 12,000 ft. Already a popular winter destination allowing for long distance, cross country skiing. Auli is being planned as a major wintersports resort. An annual championship is a highlight following several training programmes held over a three month long period when skiing is possible.

Auli

Auli's slopes, located 16 km from Joshimath, draws skiing enthusiasts from all over. The wind velocity are kept minimum by magnificent coniferous and oak forests surrounding Auli. Long and clean stretches of snows extend to 1020 km offers ideal opportunities for crosscountry, slalom and downhill skiing events. A 3 km long slope ranging from a height of 2,519 mtrs to 3,040 mtrs is the chief draw here having a 500 mts long ski lift for carrying skiers back to the slope top. It is known for hosting a number of skiing festivals and national championships. It has a 500 mts long ski lift for carrying skiers back to the slope top. It hosts a number of skiing festivals and national championships. A grand view of the Himalayan peaks of Nanda Devi (7,817 mts), Kamet (7,756 mts), Mana Parvat (7,273 mts) and Dunagiri (7,066 mts) can be viewed from Auli.

WATER SPORTS

Kaundiyala near Rishikesh has established itself on the white water sports in the country. A river rafting championships is also held here every year.

The Indian rivers have the potential of having some of the most exciting stretches of river running in the world. The most popular river running routes in India are the Ganga (Grade IIIV), the Bhagirathi, (Grade IIIIV), the Alaknanda (Grade IIIIV). River rafting opportunities are provided by almost all the eternal rivers of India. The most popular run for amateurs includes Devprayag to Rishikesh on the river Ganges, while professionals initiate their run in upward stretches.

The Lucknow Water Sports Club has been revitalised on the banks of the River Gomti. The state tourism department has started the Ganga Water Rally from Allahabad to Varanasi.

AERO SPORTS

The snowcapped Himalayas are best suited for hang gliding / para sailing. There are several sights in India which have been highly rated and those in the lower reaches of the Himalayas are considered the best in the world. Paragliding is undertaken at Bhimtal in Kumaon. It will shortly be started at Kainjar in Banda district in Bundelkhand.

SAFARIS

Wildlife safaris are organised at the various national parks and sanctuaries.

Dog/Monkey bite: compensation

The Times of India Apr 11 2015

Bitten by dog or monkey? In U'khand, you can claim Rs 2L

Vineet Upadhyay

In an unprecedented order, the Uttarakhand high court directed that any victim of a dog bite be given Rs 2 lakh as compensation. It also mandated that the compensation amount, which is to be equally shared by the respective municipal corporation of a district and the state government, should be paid within a week of the person being bitten.

The order, delivered by a division bench of justices Alok Singh and Sarvesh Kumar Gupta, included those bitten by monkeys and apes in its ambit as well. For persons injured by stray cattle, the court ordered a compensation of Rs 1 lakh in case of simple injury , and Rs 2 lakh if the person was seriously injured.

Incidentally, the court had in January 2015 taken note of reports of over 4,000 cases of dog bites being recorded in the last three years in Nainital town alone. It had then asked the state and the municipality “to take appropriate steps immediately for the construction of dog shelters, wherein stray dogs can be kept to avoid cases of dog biting which are increasing day by day .“ It had asked civic authorities “to come up with a proposal to rein in monkeys and gibbons.“ Interestingly , five people, including the wife of a senior judiciary member, fell victim to stray dog bites on the day the HC order was delivered.