SSA - Distt. Lahaul & Spiti Perspective Plan 2001-2010

Abstract

From Introduction: Himachal Pradesh comprising the North Western Himalayas is situated in the North West comer of India. It is surrounded by Jammu and Kashmir in the north, Uttaranchal in the south east, Haryana in the south and Punjab in the west. In the east, it forms India’s boundary with Tibet. It is located between 30' -22' and 30' -12' north latitude and between 75' -47' and 79' -4' east longitude. The state is entirely mountainous with altitudes ranging from 460 to 6600 meters above sea level. It has a deeply dissected topography, a complex geological structure and a rich temperate flora and faunna. Himachal Pradesh is drained by a number of rivers, the most important of which are Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej and Yamuna. All these rivers are snow-fed and hence perennial. The natural reservoirs and the large drops available in the river courses provide immense potential for hydel power generation at low cost. The state is also well known for its horticulture and tourism potentials.