SSA - Himachal Pradesh Perspective Work Plan & Budget 2003 - 2010 Shimla District

Abstract

from Introduction: Himachal Pradesh comprising the North Western Himalyas is situated in the Northwest comer of India. Jammu and Kashmir surrounds it in the north, Uttaranchal in the southeast, 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 metres above sea level. It has a deeply dissected topography, a complex geological structure and a rich temperate flora and fauna. 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.