The Geographical factors and natural resources of
Sikkim
THE
ORGANIC
STATE
SIKKIM
Created By:
Shruti & group
Geography of Sikkim
Sikkim is a small state situated in the foothills of the Great Himalayas.
It is is surrounded by Bhutan and Nepal with West Bengal on its South.
The worlds third highest peak Mount Kangchenjunga is located in Sikkim.
Mount Kangchenjunga is India's highest mountain peak.
It is also the Sikkim state's highest peak.
The eastern, western and northern side of Sikkim is surrounded by the
Himalayan Mountains.
The state covers an area of 7096 kilometers.
Hot Springs of Sikkim
The state has altogether 28 peaks with more than 80 glaciers and 227 high
altitude lakes.
With several mountain peaks and glaciers there are also five hot springs
and over a hundred rivers and streams in the state of Sikkim.
The hot springs are known for their medicinal and therapeutic values.
The springs have high sulphur content and are located near the river
banks.
The average temperature of the water in these hot springs is 50C.
CLIMATE of Sikkim
The climate of Sikkim varies from subtropical in the south to tundra in the
northern parts.
The tundra region in northern Sikkim is covered by snow for four months
consecutively every year.
The temperature during these winter months drops down to below 0C.
Most of the populated lower regions of Sikkim experience a temperate
climate with temperatures ranging from 28C in summer at times and
dropping below 0C in winters.
Resources of Sikkim
Sikkim is gifted with vast forest resources including a variety of flora and
fauna.
It is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, environmentalists, botanists,
and conservationists.
The state is rich in both mineral resources and forest resources.
There are many valleys and rivers flowing through the state.
forests of Sikkim
About 80% of Sikkim is covered by forests which includes Tropical Dry
Deciduous forest, Grasslands and Alpine Scrub.
The grasslands are seen in the higher elevation areas of the state. The
forests include various medicinal trees, flora and fauna species.
The forests include 400 species of flowering plants, 300 species of ferns
and its allies, 11 species of oaks, 8 species of Tree Ferns, 40 species of
Primulas and 20 species of Bamboo.
Several species of medicinal plants and herbs are also found all over the
state.
The fauna wealth of Sikkim comprises of 144 species of mammals, 600
species of Birds, 400 species of Butterflies and Moths and many species of
Reptiles.
Rivers in Sikkim
The most important river of Sikkim is Teesta (Tista).
Its major tributary is the Rangeet which has its source at the Rathong
Glacier.
It meets Teesta at the border between Sikkim and West Bengal. Teesta
originates from the Cholamu Lake where it is hardly a stream.
It is said to be the lifeline of Sikkim as the entire length of the river flows
through the state and creates river valleys for ardent life support.
The Teesta River is the largest river system of Sikkim and it flows through
the entire length of state of Sikkim before joining the Brahmaputra in the
country of Bangladesh.
The total length of the river is 302 kms and with it drains an area of 12,540
sq kms.
Minerals of Sikkim
Sikkim is rich in its geological resources.
The state has established the department of mines and geology to explore
the resources, with an objective of developing commercially exploitable
mineral resources.
Sikkim has various minerals including dolomite, coal, talc, lime stone,
mineral water, graphite, thermal springs, building stones and other
minerals.
The state department mines and geology is responsible for the commercial
exploration of various minerals resources.
Power in Sikkim
The Hydro Electric Power of Sikkim is depends on the Rangit and
Teesta rivers.
These rivers provide the potential for the development of hydro
electric power in the state.
There are several hydro electric projects which have been
established in the state.
AGRICULTURE IN SIKKIM
Agriculture activities of this state
manage a part in economy activity of
Sikkim.
About 689 enterprises are
established in the rural areas of Sikkim.
Apart from rice and maize, the
state also plants tea and coffee.
Tea is exported to other countries
like USSR and Germany.
2016 turned out to be a great year
for Sikkim as it became India's first fully
organic state besides being adjudged the cleanest state, overall best in education
and tourist destination while the famed Kanchenjunga National Park was
inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land were gradually converted to
certified organic land by implementing practices and principles as per
guidelines laid down in National Programme for Organic Product.
Horticulture in Sikkim
Horticulture is a major economic
activity in Sikkim.
Various fruits like orange, guava,
banana, mango, and spices like ginger,
cardamom, and turmeric are produced in
the state.
The horticulture department of
Sikkim provides technical guidance to
the farmers for better agriculture in the
state.
About 450 species of orchids are
also found in Sikkim.
A flower exhibition held every year
in Sikkim to provide a universal platform
to the flower growers.
Aqua Culture in
Sikkim
The Rangit and Teesta rivers,
lakes, streams and tributaries of
the state include many aqua lives.
Lakes and the streams also lure the
tourists. The rivers and streams
are used for rafting activity.
