UTTARAKHAND 1

CSE 2022 Personality

Test Training Program

Uttarakhand
AT A GLANCE
2 CSE 2022 Personality Test Training Program

BASIC INFORMATION
Polity

Date of Formation Nov 9, 2000

Name Changed from Uttaranchal 1st January, 2007

to Uttarakhand

Capital Dehradun (Winter)

Bhararisain (Gairsain)- Summer 104480510

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami (BJP)

Lok Sabha Constituencies 5

Rajya Sabha Constituencies 3

Seats in Legislative Assembly 70

High Court Nainital

Official language First: Hindi, Second: Sanskrit

Geography

Area 53,483 sq km

Divisions/Mandals Garhwal and Kumaun

Districts 13

Largest District Chamoli

Smallest District Champawat

Largest Bugyal Bedini (Chamoli)

Annual Rainfall 200 cm

Highest Peak Nanda Devi (7871 m)

Longest River Kali River (252 km)

State Symbols

State Animal Alpine Musk Deer

State Bird Himalayan Monal

State Tree Rhododendron (Buransh)

State Flower Brahm Kamal

State Sport Football

State Butterfly Common Peacock

Official Song Uttarakhand Dev Bhoomi, Mathrubhumi, Shat Shat Vandan (by Hemant Bisht)

Demography

Total Population (2011) 1.1 crore (51% Male; 49% Female)

Rural Population 70 %
 UTTARAKHAND 3

Urban Population 30 %

Hill population 65 %

Plains population 35 %

Population density  189 persons/sq.km

Sex ratio 963 per thousand

Child sex ratio 890 per thousand

State Average literacy  78.82%

Male Literacy  87.40%

Female Literacy 70.00%

HISTORY
Name and Origin

• Uttarakhand’s name is derived from the Sanskrit words Ancient History

uttara meaning ‘north’, and khaṇḍa meaning ‘land’,
altogether simply meaning ‘Northern Land’.
• The name of Uttarakhand finds mention in the
early Hindu scriptures as the combined region of
Kedarkhand and Manaskhand.
• Today, it is often called “the Land of the Gods”
(Devbhumi) because of the presence of a multitude
of Hindu pilgrimage spots.
• It is believed that the sage Vyasa scripted the Hindu
epic Mahabharata in the state.
• It is evident from the Ashokan edict at Kalsi in Western
Garhwal that Buddhism made inroads in this region in
the past. Folk Hindu shamanic practices deviating from
Hindu orthodoxy also persisted here.
• However, Garhwal and Kumaon were restored
to nominal Vedic Hindu rule due to the travels of
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Shankaracharya and the arrival of migrants from the

plains.
• Between the 4th and 14th centuries, the Katyuri
dynasty dominated lands of varying extent from the
Katyur valley (modern-day Baijnath) in Kumaon.
The historically significant temples at Jageshwar are
believed to have been built by the Katyuris and later
remodelled by the Chands.
• The Tibeto-Burman group known as Kirata are thought
to have settled in the northern highlands as well as in
pockets throughout the region, and are believed to be
ancestors of the modern day Bhotiya, Raji, Jad, and
Banrawat people.
Art, Architecture and Culture
Medieval History TRIBALS
• By the medieval period, the region was consolidated • Major tribes of Uttarakhand include Bhotias (or
under the Garhwal Kingdom in the west and the Shaukas), Tribals Rangs, Tharus, Buxas, Jaunsaris,
Kumaon Kingdom in the east. During this period, Rajis (or Banrawats) apart from indigenous groups like
learning and new forms of painting (the Pahari school Mahigeers and Vangujjars
of art) developed.
• Modern-day Garhwal was likewise unified under the
rule of Parmars who, along with many Brahmins and
Rajputs, also arrived from the plains.
• In 1791, the expanding Gorkha Empire of Nepal
overran Almora, the seat of the Kumaon Kingdom.
It was annexed to Kingdom of Nepal by Amar Singh
Thapa. In 1803, the Garhwal Kingdom also fell to the
Gurkhas.
• After the Anglo-Nepalese War, this region was ceded to
the British as part of the Treaty of Sugauli. The Garhwal
Kingdom was then re-established from a smaller region • Bhotias are mostly semi-nomadic pastoral groups who
are brought under one anthropological term – Shauka.
in Tehri.
• Tharus were once the largest scheduled tribes in the
• After India attained independence from the British, the
erstwhile state of U.P. and are now concentrated in
Garhwal Kingdom was merged into the state of Uttar
Udham Singh Nagar district. They claim their ancestry
Pradesh, where Uttarakhand composed the Garhwal
from Kirata. They are an agricultural community who
and Kumaon Divisions.
are also fishing experts.

• Buxas have Mongoloid features and claim rajput origin.
They are said to be the original inhabitants of the Terai
belt and live in Udham Singh Nagar, Dehradun and
Pauri Garhwal.
• Jaunsar represent a number of tribal groups namely
the Khasas, Koltas and baigas who inhabit the Jaunsar
area of the Dehradun district. Rajis, Mahigeers and
Vangujjars are other socio-tribal groups who add color
to the vibrant tribal life of Uttarakhand.
Painting
• The development of the Garhwal school of painting as
a branch of the Pahari school of art is believed to have
started in the 17th century and reached its zenith in the
latter half of the 18th and first half of the 19th centuries.
• The chief pioneer behind this growth was the eminent
Garhwali painter, poet and historian Mola Ram.
• The Pahari Painting is inspired by the battles between
good and evil. It has covered vast subjects like Indian
life; its history, culture and traditions, with a touch of
divinity.
Pahari style
• Aipan or Alpana is a popular Kumaoni art form done
on walls, paper and pieces of cloth.
• This decorative art includes drawings of various
geometric and other figures representing gods,
goddesses and objects of nature.
UTTARAKHAND 5
• The pichhauras or dupattas are also decorated in
this way. Beside these, some spots like Lakhudiyar,
Falseema, Kasardevi in Kumaon and Dungri in garhwal
have traces of ancient rock paintings and engravings.
Music and Dance
• The song-form Nyauli of Kumaon finds its equivalent
in Khuded and Jhumeilas of Garhwal. These are love
songs interspersed with tones of separation.
• Customarily most of the folk songs were accompanied
by dancing. The dances can be broadly classified
into occupational, seasonal, martial, devotional and
ritualistic dances.
• The prominent folk dances are the Bhotia Dance,
Chamfuli and Chholia.
• The Pandava dance performed during Dussehra and
Deepawali is enacted by narrating the story of the
Mahabharata along with dance and music.
• On the occasion of the bride’s first visit to her parent’s
home after marriage, the Tharu dance is performed to
welcome the newly-married couple.
• The Chholia dance is performed exclusively by the
boys and men at marriage processions. After this
dance, the bride is carried away by her lover. This
dance is a war dance and has existed for more than
2000 years.
• The Hurkiya baul is a community dance, prevalent in
Kumaon, and is still part of rural life during the sowing
season.
Fairs and Festivals
• Fairs are often held in conjunction with a significant
event, a seasonal event such as harvest time, or with
a holiday or a festival or some auspicious occasion
such as Makar Sankranti or Nandashtami or Vaisakhi
etc. Here one can see the cultural diversity of this state.
• Kumbh mela at Haridwar:
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Nanda Devi Raj Jaat

• Its sanctity for locals is equal to Kumbh and it is one

of the most lively and colourful festivals in the region.
• Nanda devi – the daughter of Kings of mountains, and
the consort of Lord Shiva – is the supreme spiritual
goddess of the locals of Garhwal and Kumaon region.
• The Nanda Raj Jat takes place once every twelve years
– the journey starts from Nauti village accompanying
a mythical four-horned sheep and Doli and all sorts of
gifts for Nanda Devi. The 280 kilometres and 19 days
trek starts from Nauti Village and reaches Homkund.

Kangdali Festival

• It is believed that after the mythological event of

samudra mathan, a fight ensued between the two
groups over the possession of the Kumbh (a pitcher)
containing the divine nectar. They fought for twelve
days and nights, which equates to twelve human years.
• While the fight was on, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, the
Garuda (a celestial bird) flew away with the Kumbh
during which some drops of Amrit spilled over at four
places on earth namely Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and
Nashik. Commemorating this celestial and mythical
event, the Kumbh Mela is held four times every twelve
years at these four places. • Kangdali Festival is a celebrated by the Rung (Shauka)
• On the occasion of these Kumbh Melas, devout Hindus tribals of the Chaundas valley in Dharchula of the
come in pursuit of purging their souls and washing their Pithoragarh District.
sins away by taking a holy dip in the sacred water of • It is held every twelve years between the months of
the rivers. August and October. It was last held in 2011
• Kumbh Mela is probably the largest religious gathering • According to some accounts, Kangdali commemorates
anywhere around the world. Though all the Kumbh the defeat of Zorawar Singh’s army, which had attacked
Melas are attended by millions of pilgrims, the name this area from Ladakh in 1841.
of Haridwar comes at the top of all Indian pilgrimages • Syalde Bikhauti Mela

• The Syalde – Bikhauti Mela is held in a small town
of Dwarahat in Kumaon. This town is famous for the
illustrious Dronagiri temple.
• The fair is held every year in the month of vaisakh.
The fair commences with the beginning of the Hindu
New year.
Devidhura Festival
• Devidhura Temple in Champawat is known for the event
of Devi Dhura Festival during Raksha Bandhan where
people gather and stones are pelted between one
gathering to other who shield themselves.
• Amid this celebration, known as Bagwal, two
gatherings of moving and singing individuals toss
stones at one another, while they protect themselves
with the assistance of huge wooden shields.
Uttarayani Mela
• The Uttarayani Fair is generally held in the second
week of January every year on the holy occasion of
Makar Sankranti. It is celebrated at a number of places
in Uttarakhand including Bageshwar, Ranibagh and
Hanseshwar.
• The grounds of the sacred Bagnath temple, on the
banks of River Saryu, becomes the venue for the fair.
The fair goes on for a week.
• Traditionally the Bageshwar Fair was known as the
venue for the biggest economic exchange in Kumaon.
Butter Festival, 2019
• Butter Festival 2022 was held during August in the
Raithal, Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand. Butter
festival, also known as Anduri Utsav, is also celebrated
in Dayara Bugyal of Uttarkashi region.
• The locals, villagers and tourists visit this location at
the time of Butter Festival which promotes tourism in
this beauteous region.
• People dance to the music of traditional pahadi music
instruments called ‘Dhol- Damao’.
UTTARAKHAND 7
Cuisine
• A distinctive characteristic of Uttarakhand cuisine is
the sparing use of tomatoes, milk, and milk-based
products.
• Coarse grain with high fibre content is very common
in Uttarakhand due to the harsh terrain.
• Crops most commonly associated with Uttarakhand
are Buckwheat (locally called Kotu or Kuttu) and the
regional crops, Maduwa and Jhangora, particularly in
the interior regions of Kumaon and Garhwal.
• Bal Mithai is a popular fudge-like sweet. Other popular
dishes include Dubuk, Chains, Kap, Bhatiya, Phana,
Paliyo, Chutkani and Sei. In sweets; Swal, Ghughut/
Khajur, Arsa, Mishri, Gatta and Gulgulas are popular.
• A regional variation of Kadhi called Jhoi or Jholi is
also popular.
GI Tags
1. Uttarakhand Tejpat-Used to make Chavanprash
and other medications. Also used as a spice.
2. Bhotia Dann- A hand-woven rug made by wool.
3. Uttarakhand Aipan- is a ritualistic folk art that
originated in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region. Earlier
only found on the floors and walls of homes, but
today features on a variety of everyday objects
and clothing.
4. Munsyari Razma- Found in Pithoragarh district’s
Munsyari, they are grown using traditional farming
and production practices.
5. Uttarakhand Ringal Craft- Uttarakhand Ringal
is a type of bamboo that grows abundantly in
the Himalayan Garhwal Mountain region. Ringal
weaving is an age-old craft, with practically every
family participating in ringal weaving activities.
6. Uttarakhand Tamta Product- H a n d - b e a t e n
copperware and musical instruments were made
with the copper mined in Uttarakhand.
7. Uttarakhand Thulma- It is a blanket woven on a pit
loom or a frame loom and is known for its luxuriant
fur and interesting designs.
8. Kumaon Chyura Oil- The seeds of the Chyura plant
are used to make Chyura Oil. It has bitter taste
and overpowering aroma. Candles, ointments,
lip balms, and other beauty items can all benefit
from Chyura Oil.
9. Basmati- Basmati rice is endemic to the Indo-
Gangetic plain of Northern India and is known
for its long grain, soft texture, aroma and distinct
flavor. GI tags have also been provided to Basmati
rice of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh etc.
8 CSE 2022 Personality Test Training Program
ARCHITECTURE
• Uttarakhand is studded with numerous pilgrimage
sites centered around temples featuring distinctive
patterns of architecture. The temples of Kedarnath,
Badrinath, Tungnath, Madmaheshwar are some of the
better known temples of Uttarakhand with specific traits
marking their architecture.
Kedarnath Temple
• It is constructed on a ridge, jutting out perpendicularly
from the snowy hills. The current temple, built in 8th
century by Adi Shankaracharya, stands near the site
of an older temple built by the Pandavas.
Adi Shankaracharya
• Propounded the Doctrine of Advaita (Monism),
which articulates a philosophical position of radical
nondualism.
• Advaitins understand brahman as transcending
individuality and empirical plurality.
• They seek to establish that the essential core of one’s
self (atman) is brahman.
• The inner precincts of the assembly hall are adorned
with idols of diverse deities and mythological scenes.
• Beyond the temple door looms an impressive statue of
the Nandi Bull which seems to keep guard.It is built of
large, heavy and evenly cut gray rock slabs.
• The temple contains a Garbha Griha for the deity and a
Mandap to contain gatherings of pilgrims and visitors.
• A conical rock formation inside the temple is shown
obeisance as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva avatar.
• Tungnath Temple- It is also built on a ridge projecting
from the mountains. The dome distinguishing this
temple includes 16 doors containing an idol of Adi
Guru Shankaracharya besides the lingam.
• Madmaheshwar Temple- Shiva is shown devotion here
in the shape of a navel-shaped lingam. Situated at
the foothills of Chaukhamba peak at a height of 3289
meters, the classic temple architecture conforms to
the North- Indian tradition.
• Badrinath Temple- Consecrated to Lord Vishnu, the
temple of Shri Badrinathji is 15 meters in height. It is
conical in structure having a small cupola of a filt bull
and spire. Legend locates the temple historically older
than the Vedic Period. Each temple of Uttarakhnad
flaunts its own characteristic attributes in terms of
architecture.
• Stone Carvings- Temple architecture of Uttarakhand
is the main site of its stone carvings. Most of these
temples have big and heavy stone carvings. The
powerful and rich kings of Katuyaris, Paun, Chanda
and Pawars dynasties of this region patronized
the Uttarakhand stone carvings. The stones in the
temples exhibit very ornamental and intricate carvings.
Baleshwar, Kedarnath, Jageshwar, Bageshwar, Panch
Kedar, and Almora showcase some extraordinary stone
carvings of Uttarakhand.
• Baleshwar Temple- follows the South Indian school
of sculpture and architecture. The temple was built
by the first Chand Dynasty king, Raja Somchand. In
early 17th century, the Mughals captured Champawat
and destroyed the Baleshwar temple. The temple
facade is carved out of stone and has arched
windows. The architecture is similar to that of Buddhist
temple or vihara. The shrine area has an idol of Lord
Badrinarayan, carved out of black stone. This idol
shows Lord Badrinarayan sitting under a Badri Tree,
guarded by a gold canopy.
Jagaria and Dangaria
Jagaria and Dangaria are two important persons in
performance of Jagar. Jagaria is one who sings and
plays the instrument called Hudka. Dangaria is one who
dances on the tune. Jagaria sings local folk songs which
are dedicated to local gods and believed to be the valour
stories of earlstwhile kings, rajkumars or chieftants of
Chand, Katyur, Gorkha or other dynesties.
GEOGRAPHY
Location
• It is located in the northern part of India.
• It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the
north; Nepal to the east; the states of Uttar Pradesh
to the south and Himachal Pradesh to the west and
north-west.
Borders:
ŠŠ Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Pithoragarh: International
boundary in NW with China
ŠŠ Pithoragarh, Champawat and Udham Singh
Nagar: International boundary with Nepal in East.
ŠŠ Uttarkashi and Dehradun: Inter-state boundaries
with Himachal Pradesh in north-west,
ŠŠ Dehradun, Haridwar, part of Nainital and Udham
Singh Nagar: Inter-state boundary with UP in
south.

Political divisions
• There are 13 districts in Uttarakhand, which are
grouped into two divisions, Kumaon and Garhwal.
• Kumaon comprises six districts of the state: Almora,
Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh and
Udham Singh Nagar.
• Garhwal includes the districts of Chamoli, Dehradun,
Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal,
and Uttarkashi.
Major Characteristic Features:
• Uttarakhand has a total geographic area of 51,125 km²,
of which 93% is mountainous and 64.81% is covered
by forest.
• Most of the northern parts of the state are part of
Greater Himalaya ranges, covered by the high
Himalayan peaks and glaciers.
UTTARAKHAND 9
• Lower foothills were densely forested till denuded by
the British log merchants and later, after independence,
by forest contractors.
• Two of India’s mightiest rivers, the Ganges and the
Yamuna take birth in the glaciers of Uttarakhand, and
are fed by myriad lakes, glacial melts and streams in
the region
• The geography of Uttarakhand is so much varied that
it has been geographically divided into two parts, the
western half known as Garhwal and the eastern region
as Kumaon.
Climate
• The climate of Uttarakhand is stridently distinguished
in its two diverse divisions: the major hilly terrain and
the smaller plains.
• The northern part of the state is enveloped in
Himalayas, which shows complete traits of Himalayan
climate exerting an appreciable influence on monsoon
and rainfall patterns. The climate however also varies
within the mountains in accordance with the altitude
of the place.
• In the southern foothills, the average summer
temperatures vary between 30°C to 18°C and winter
is also bearable and normal.
• In the areas of the Middle Himalayas, the summer
temperatures are usually around 15 to 18°C; however
winter temperatures drops even below the freezing
point.
• The higher altitudes of Himalayas (more than 15,000
feet) are cold throughout the year and at times become
inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.
• The eastern edges of the Himalayan ranges are
subject to heavy rainfall while the western division is
relatively dry. However in Gangetic plains, summers
are extremely hot and humid with temperature crossing
the 40°C mark. Winters here can be relatively cold with
temperatures dipping below 5°C at times.
Topography
• Topography of Uttarakhand involves the terrain and
landforms existing within its provinces.
• Physiographically. Uttarakhand represents a cross-
section of the Himalaya on the basis of its evolutionary
history, namely the Trans-Himalaya, Greater Himalaya
or Himadri, Lesser Himalaya, Shiwalik Ranges, foothills
& Terai and the Plains of Dehradun, Haridwar and
Udham Singh Nagar.
• Major portion of the state is mountainous and these
mountains (Himalayas) are one of the youngest
10 CSE 2022 Personality Test Training Program
mountain systems of the world (40 million years in
age compared to peninsular mountains of 1500-2500
million years old) and hence ecologically very fragile
and relatively much more susceptible to earthquakes
and landslides.
• Set amidst the mighty Himalayas, the topography
of Uttarakhand has a distinct range of landforms
varying from hills and peaks to cliffs and crests. There
are several varieties of rich forests, many glaciers,
mountains, rivers and perennial lakes in this state.
ŠŠ Major peaks: Nanda Devi, Mount Kamet, Abi
Gamen, Mukut Parvat, Chaukhamba, Trishul,
Kedarnath, Neelkanth, Shivling, Nilgiri and
Bandarpoonch.
ŠŠ Major Glaciers: Maiktoli Glacier, Kaphini Glacier,
Ralam Glacier, Sunderdhunga Glacier, Chorbani
Glacier, Gangotri Glacier, Khatling Glacier and
Nandadevi Glacier.
ŠŠ Major Rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Bhagirathi,
Alakananda, Kosi, Mandakini, Pindar and Saryu
Drainage System
Alaknanda:
• Alaknanda rises at the confluence and feet of
the Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers in
Uttarakhand.
• It meets the Bhagirathi at Devprayag. Its main
tributaries are Mandakini, Nandakini, & Pindar rivers.
• The Alaknanda system drains parts of Chamoli, Tehri,
& Pauri districts. The Alaknanda River is a tributary of
the Ganges River.
Bhagirathi:
• Bhagirathi is the source stream of Ganges. The
headwaters of the Bhagirathi are formed in the region
of the Gangotri and Khatling glaciers in the Garhwal
Himalaya.
• From its source, the river flows for about 700 km
(435 mi) before meeting the Alaknanda in the town of
Devprayag.
• Downstream of this confluence, considered holy by
Hindus, the river is known as the Ganga or Ganges.
The controversial Tehri dam lies at the confluence of the
Bhagirathi and its tributary, the Bhilangna, near Tehri.
• Ghori Ganga: It is a river in the Munsiyari tehsil of
Pithoragarh District. Its source is the Milam Glacier.
Kali River:
• Kali River originates from Greater Himalayas at
Kalapaani at an altitude of 3600 m, in the Pithoragarh
district of Uttarakhand.
• The river is named after the Goddess Kali, whose
temple is situated in Kalapaani near the Lipu-Lekh pass
at the border between India and Tibet.
• On its upper course, this river forms India’s continuous
eastern boundary with Nepal. The River Kali is known
as River Sharda, when it reaches in the plains of
Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
• It the joins with the River Karnali and adopts a new
name River Sarayu in Bahraich district till it meets with
River Ganges.
• The area around Pancheshwar is called ‘Kali Kumaon’.
Kali descends in plains and called by the name
of Sharda. The Pancheswar Dam, a joint venture
with Nepal for irrigation and hydro- electric power
generation will soon be constructed on the Sarayu or
River Kali disambiguation needed.
• In 2007, the river became the focus of media attention,
due to the Kali river goonch attacks. Recently again a
border dispute between India and Nepal brought it in
the news.
Ramganga:
• Ramganga originates from Doodhatoli ranges in
the district of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. The river
Ramganga flows to south west from Kumaun Himalaya.
It is a tributary of Ganga.
• Ramganga flows by the Corbett National Park. An
annual festival of Ganga Dassahra is organized on
its banks.
The Ganga:
• The Ganges is one of the major rivers of the Indian
subcontinent, flowing east through the Gangetic Plain
of northern India into Bangladesh.
• The 2,510 km long river rises in the western Himalayas
in the Uttarakhand, and drains into the Sunderbans
delta in the Bay of Bengal.
• It has also been important historically: many former
provincial or imperial capitals (such as Patliputra,
Kannauj, Kara, Allahabad, Murshidabad, and Calcutta)
have been located on its banks. The Ganges Basin
drains 1,000,000-square-kilometre (390,000 sq mi) and
supports one of the world’s highest density of humans.
Yamuna:
• Yamuna is the largest tributary of the Ganges.
Originating from the Yamunotri Glacier at a height 6,387
metres on the south western slopes of Bandarpoonch
peaks, in the Lower Himalayas, it travels a total length
of 1,376 kilometers (before merging with the Ganges
at Triveni Sangam,
 UTTARAKHAND 11

Soils Description 2011

• Uttarakhand has various types of soil, all of which are
susceptible to soil erosion. Actual Population 10,086,292

• In the north, the soil ranges from gravel (debris from Male 5,137,773
glaciers) to stiff clay.
Female 4,948,519
• Brown forest soil—often shallow, gravelly, and rich in
organic content—is found farther to the south. Total Child Population (0-6 Age) 1,355,814
• The Bhabar area is characterized by soils that are Male Population (0-6 Age) 717,199
coarse-textured, sandy to gravelly, highly porous, and
largely infertile. Female Population (0-6 Age) 638,615
• In the extreme southeastern part of the state, the Tarai Literacy 78.82%
soils are mostly rich, clayey loams, mixed to varying
Male Literacy 87.40%
degrees with fine sand and humus; they are well suited
to the cultivation of rice and sugarcane. Female Literacy 70.01%

Total Literate 6,880,953

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
District with Highest population Haridwar (801)
Population Composition density
• Of the total population, nearly one-fifth belongs to the
District with Highest population Uttarkashi (41)
Scheduled Castes; these people are collectively called
density
Kols or Doms. Scheduled Tribes, such as the Raji, who
live near the border with Nepal, account for less than Most Populated District Haridwar
5 percent of the population.
Minimum Population District Rudraprayag
• Most of the people of Uttarakhand speak Indo-Aryan
languages. Hindi is the official language of the state. Largest district in terms of area Chamoli
Hindustani, which contains words from both Hindi
Smallest district in terms of area Champawat
and Urdu, is the principal spoken language. Other
languages used in Uttarakhand include Garhwali and Highest Sex Ratio District Almora (1139)
Kumauni (both Pahari languages), Punjabi, and Nepali.
District with lowest sex ratio Haridwar (880)
• More than four-fifths of Uttarakhand’s residents
are Hindu. Muslims constitute the largest religious Highest literacy district Dehradun
minority, accounting for about one-tenth of the (84.25%)
population. Smaller communities of Sikhs, Christians, District with minimum literacy Udham Singh
Buddhists, and Jains make up most of the remainder Nagar (73.10%)
of Uttarakhand’s people.

Uttarakhand Population 2011 Society

• The detail analysis of Population Census 2011
published by Govt. of India for Uttarakhand state
reveal that population of Uttarakhand has increased
by 18.81% in this decade compared (2001-2011) to
past decade (1991-2001). The density of Uttarakhand
state in the current decade is 488 per sq mile.
• As per details from Census 2011, Uttarakhand has
population of 1.01 Crores.
• Total population of Uttarakhand as per 2011 census
is 10,086,292
• The density of Uttarakhand state is 189 per sq km.
• Uttarakhand State is spread over 53,483 Sq Km.
Religious composition
• Hinduism is the widespread religion in Uttarakhand
with around 72.12 lakh followers. Most of the Hindus
can be traced in the inner Himalaya.
• Another religion in Uttarakhand which has many
followers is the Islam, which had has 10.12 lakh
followers which in comparison to Hindus is a small
number but still is the second highest religion in
Uttarakhand to be followed.
• After Islam, Sikhism is the dominating religion in
Uttarakhand with 2.12 lakh Sikhs adding to the
population. Sikhism is followed by Christianity.
12 CSE 2022 Personality Test Training Program

• Uttarakhand’s close proximity to Laddakh and other • They were widespread all over Himalayas including in
Himalayan areas has led down the way for Buddhism to Uttarakhand. Though dwelling in inaccessible areas,
spread its wing across the state. This religion of people they did not get the status of super-humans enjoyed
at Uttarakhand has 13 thousand followers. by other tribes like Gandharwas, Kinnars, Kimpurushas
and Yakshas due to their greater interaction with the
Description Population Percentage
vedic people which resulted in their de-mystification.
Total 1,00,86,292 100
Current Events:
Hindu 83,68,636 82.97% • Balashray Yojana’ for Orphans: Scheme for education
Muslim 14,06,825 13.95% of children between class 1 to 12. free books, school
dress, bags, shoes, socks and stationery would be
Sikh 2,36,340 2.34% given to the orphan children under the Balashraya
Yojana, along with their education up to class 12th.
Christian 37,781 0.37%
• Lakhpati Didi Scheme: Under the National Rural
Buddhist 14,926 0.15% Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) of the Ministry of Rural
Development, the Central Government has started
Religion not stated 11,608 0.12%
work on the plan to make 3 lakh women Lakhpati of
the state.
People
• Ayushman Card for Children Living in Orphanages:
• People in Uttarakhand are mainly referred to as Destitute children living in orphanages in the state will
“Pahari” which means hill person. The people are get free treatment under Ayushman Yojana.
called so because of the location of Uttarakhand in
the foothills of Himalayas. Ecology
• Garhwal and Kumaon being two important regions,
Forest Cover
these parts of Uttarakhand people are also referred
as Garhwali or Kumaoni. • As per 17th Forest Survey 2021, out of Uttarakhand’s
total area of 53,483 sq.km, it has a forest cover of
• Uttarakhand boasts of Apart from the Garhwali
24,305.13 sq.km. which is 45.44% of total area. The
and Kumuni people, the other tribes that exist in
scrubs occupy 392.37 sq.km composing 0.73% area
Uttarakhand are Jadh, Marcha, Tolcha, Shauka,
of state.
Buksha, Tharu, Jaunsari, Bhotia, Raji and Gujjar. These
people around Uttarakhand are engaged in different Forest cover classification
occupations.
• Caste wise, people in Uttarakhand can be divided Class Description
into Kol-Doms, Khas Rajput, Khas Brahmin, Immigrant
Rajput, Immigrant Brahmin and lastly people who don’t Very Dense All lands with tree canopy density
believe in caste systems such as Bhotias and other Forests of 70% and above
such tribes. Moderately Dense All lands with tree canopy density
• Kol-Doms belong to lower caste groups and are too Forests of 40% and more but less than
poor to own small lands. 70%
• Rajputs are held with high esteem and they own lands.
Open Forests All lands with tree canopy density
Brahmins are respected for they perform all the holy
of 10% and more but less than
rituals.
40%
• However caste status in Uttarakhand is very fluid and
lower caste have a better status as compared to other Scrub land Degraded forest lands with
parts of the country canopy density of less than 10%

Racial Composition Non Forests Land not included in any of the

• Kirata- Kirata refers to the people living in Himalayas above categories
and North-east India. They took part in the Mahabharata Buddhist 14,926
war along with the Parvatas (mountaineers) and other
Himalayan tribes. Religion not stated 11,608
 UTTARAKHAND 13

District Percentage

Nainital 71.62

Champavat 69.32

Pauri Garhwal 63.74

• Highest forest cover percentage wise (of Geog area)

Lowest forest cover percentage wise

District Percentage

Nainital 71.62

Champavat 69.32

Pauri Garhwal 63.74

• Recorder Forest Area/ Green Wash: These are the areas

which are declared forest area by state government
irrespective of presence or absence of forest in the
areas. Uttarakhand has RFA of 38000 Sq Km, which
consists of 71.05% of total area of Uttarakhand.
• Tree Cover is defined as all tree patches of size less
than 1 hectare outside recorded forest area. Tree cover
includes trees in all formations including scattered
trees. Uttarakhand has 1001 sq.km which is 1.87% of
geographical area.

Tongiyas of Uttarakhand- Tongiya is a caste in Uttarakhand

District wise forest cover in Uttarakhand: practicing transhumance. They mainly live in Haridwar
district and around Rajaji National Park. They are known
Highest forest cover Lowest Forest Cover as forest growers and move from one place to another
planting trees and regenerating forests. Recently
District Area(sq.km)
government has decided to declare their villages as
Udham Singh Nagar 428.08 revenue village.

Haridwar 583.94
Celebrating Harela as a Festival of Sappling Plantation
Rudraprayag 1142.30
Harela is a famous Kumauni festival, which is celebrated
District Area(sq.km) on first day of Shravan month, usually falling on 15-
Pauri Garhwal 3396.71 16 July every year. State government has decided
to celebrate Harela as a festival of Sappling when
Nainital 3044.49 government agencies, school children, NCC and NSS
cadets, people from non-governmental organizations
Uttarkashi 3036.15
etc, participate in plantation activities.

District Percentage
• Carbon stock in Forest: The total carbon stock forest
Udham Singh Nagar 16.84
in the state including the Trees outside forest patches
Haridwar 24.74 which are more than 1 ha in size is 378.16 million tonnes
(1386.59 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent) which is
Pithoragarh 29.35
5.25% of total forest carbon of the country.
14 CSE 2022 Personality Test Training Program
Wetlands
• Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is
present either at or near the surface of the soil all year
or for varying periods of time during the year, including
during the growing season. Wetlands of Uttarakhand
are categorized as Inland or non-tidal wetlands. These
wetlands are threatened by increasing developmental
activities, negative impacts of tourism, tremendous
grazing pressure and degradation of their catchment
areas. Few wetlands of Uttarakhand are:
ŠŠ Bedni Kund
ŠŠ Roop Kund
ŠŠ Hum Kund
ŠŠ Bhekkal Tal
ŠŠ Brahma Tal
ŠŠ Satopanth Tal
ŠŠ Tara Tal Complex
Biodiversity Profile
• The floral & faunal composition is diverse and
interesting. Between the Himalaya in the north and the
hills and the plateau in the south lies a vast Gangetic
Plains. The wide altitudinal range is the richest zone
in terms of habitat and biodiversity.
• The major wealth of the state is its forests with very
rich biodiversity. The state has thus varied terrain,
major portion of which is mountainous with unique
ecological diversity consisting of high alpine areas to
the Sub-tropical and Tropical regions. Total Recorded
Forest area in the state is 3.47 million ha constituting
71% of the State’s Geographical area.
• The forest diversity of the state comprises of Tropical
Moist Forest (500-1000m) which is Terai and Bhabar
belt of Sub Himalayan Tract, Sub-Tropical Pine Forest
(1000-2000m), Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest
(2000- 3000m), Sub-Alpine Forests (3400-4000m) and
Alpine Forests 4000-5000m).
• Physiographically, the state can be divided into three
zones namely, the Himalaya, The Shiwalik and the
Terai Region.
• The state has a temperate climate except in plain
areas where the climate is tropical. The average annual
rainfall is 1550 mm.
• The biodiversity of Uttarakhand is also rich due to the
sacred groves that exhibit a rich variety of flora and
fauna.
• Due to its unique bio-diversity, the state is also home
to several rare and endangered species of herbal and
aromatic plants. Realizing the immense potential of
this resource in the state, the state government has
declared Uttarakhand as a Herbal State.
• The Garhwal region is the land of alpine meadows full
of numerous varieties of spring flowers. Other than
this, the landscape of Uttarakhand also contains a
numerous variety of animals. Some of these animals
are- Himalayan blue sheep, Musk Deer, Lynx, Snow
leopard, Monkeys.
Environmental Movements
• Uttarakhand has been a land of environmental
movements. Living close to the nature people
find forests and environment part of their life. The
destruction of forest and environment for the sake of
developments led to protests from people. Few such
movements are:
Chipko Movement:
• The Chipko Movement, was a forest conservation
movement in Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It
began in 1970 in Reni village of Chamoli district.
• It was a methods of Satyagraha where both male and
female activists from Uttarakhand played vital roles,
including Gaura Devi, Suraksha Devi, Sudesha Devi,
Bachni Devi and Chandi Prasad Bhatt.
• The name of the Chipko moment originated from the
word ‘embrace’ as the villagers used to hug the trees
and protect them from wood cutters from cutting them.
• The Chipko Movement gained momentum under
Sunderlal Bahuguna, an eco-activist, who spent his
whole life persuading and educating the villagers, to
protest against the destruction of the forests and the
Himalayan mountains by the government.
Maiti Movement:
• Originally a small hill ceremony, Maiti Andolan is now
a global movement to save nature.
• Planting a tree on the occasion of a wedding, the
mountain villages of Uttarakhand have shown how
to celebrate a happy occasion and protect the earth.
• Maiti is derived from the ter m ‘mait’ which in
Uttarakhand means married woman’s parental home.
This movement does not cost any money, but to plant a
sapling by a newlywed girl while she leaves her home
on the day of marriage.
ECONOMY
Overview
• Uttarakhand is one of the fastest growing states
in India, thanks to the massive growth in capital

investments arising from conducive industrial policy
and generous tax benefits. The states’s GSDP for 2020-
21 was Rs 2,43,012 crore and is projected to grow to
2,78,006 crore. The per capita GSDP of Uttarakhand
in 2019-20 (at constant prices) was Rs 1,78,050, 3.1%
higher than in 2018-19.
Agriculture and Forestry
• Although roughly three-fifths of the working population
of Uttarakhand is engaged in agriculture, less than
one-fifth of the total area of Uttarakhand is cultivable.
• Steep slopes require careful terracing and irrigation,
with water drained from the upper levels used to
irrigate the lower ones. This method of terrace
cultivation allows fields to be sown more than once
per year.
UTTARAKHAND 15
• The state has close proximity to the national capital
Delhi, a leading market of the country and excellent
connectivity with neighbouring states.
• Uttarakhand has abundant natural resources due to
hills and forests. Its agro-climatic conditions support
horticulture-based industries.
• Wheat is the most widely cultivated crop, followed by
rice and various types of millets, which are planted
on the drier leeward slopes. Sugarcane is grown
extensively in the gently rolling foothills of the southern
region.
• Other important crops include pulses (legumes) such
as peas and chickpeas, oilseeds such as soybeans,
peanuts, and mustard seeds, and assorted fruits and
vegetables.
16 CSE 2022 Personality Test Training Program
• Many farmers of Uttarakhand practice animal
husbandry. The largest concentration of cattle to
support dairy farming is found in the southern foothills.
Goats and sheep are more common in the mountainous
areas, although some cattle are kept in every village.
• The search for flourishing grassland has resulted in a
tradition of transhumance, whereby livestock are led
to graze in the mountain pastures during the warmer
months but are transferred to the lower elevations for
the winter. Some communities in the Siwalik Range
historically have specialized in such seasonal herding.
• Forests in Uttarakhand provide timber for construction,
fuel wood, and various manufacturing activities,
including handicrafts. Reforestation programs
sponsored by the state government have moderately
increased production, which, in turn, has facilitated
development of additional forest-based industries.
• Single window system has been shaped in order to
smoothen clearance of projects under schemes of
Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan
States, National Mission on Food Processing, National
Horticulture Board and Agricultural and Processed
Food Products Export Development Authority.
• Horticulture: Schemes such as the National Horticulture
Mission, Mission for Integrated Development of
Horticulture, Mission Apple and the Horticulture
Insurance Scheme will be implemented. To increase
cultivation to 20,000 apples per year, an integrated
chain for processing and marketing will be established.
• Water management: The Song Drinking Water project
will be launched this year. Rs 150 crore has been
allocated towards the project this year. The project
seeks to provide access to 15 crore litres of water per
day for 50 years in Dehradun and surrounding areas.
• Reverse migration: The Rural Development and
Migration Commission will be established to curb
reverse migration from the state.
• Current Event: ‘Kisan Protsahan Yojana (KPY)’launched
in Uttarakhand on the lines of ‘Kisan Samman Nidhi
Yojana’ of the Government of India in august 2022.
Resources and Power
• Uttarakhand lacks mineral and energy resources
sufficient for rapid industrialization. Aside from silica
and limestone, which are the only minerals that are
found—and mined—in considerable quantities, there
are small reserves of gypsum, magnetite, phosphorite,
and bauxite.
• Perennial rivers fed by the perpetual snowfields of
the Great Himalaya and the Zaskar ranges carry
tremendous potential for the generation of hydroelectric
power.
• The Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River is one of the
largest hydroelectric projects in Asia.
• Uttarakhand is being developed as an ‘energy state’ to
tap the hydropower electric potential of around 24,551
MW of hydropower, which is considered a clean energy
source by many, but only 16,000 MW projects have
been identified processed.
• Vyasi Hydro-electric Project has been established on
the Yamuna River at Lohari near Vikas Nagar.
Manufacturing
• Manufacturing activities have continued to expand
in Uttarakhand; within just a few years of attaining
statehood, the contribution of the sector to the state’s
gross product, at about 25 percent, had exceeded
that of agriculture.
• The government assists agriculture-based and food-
processing industries such as sugar milling, as well as
the manufacture of wood and paper products, woolen
garments, and leather goods.
• Among Uttarakhand’s other notable manufactures
are cement, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and other
transportation equipment, and electrical products.
• Uttarak hand Polic y for Sk ill Development &
Entrepreneurship was launched in 2018, which aims to
increase the employability of workers, competitiveness
of enterprise, and inclusiveness of growth.
• The Government of Uttarakhand announced the
implementation of single window clearance system
in the MSME (medium, small and micro enterprises)
policy introduced in 2015.
• The state offers a wide range of benefits in terms of
interest incentives, financial assistance, subsidies and
concessions. Uttarakhand has a robust social and
industrial infrastructure, virtual connectivity with over
48,000 km of road network, two domestic airports,
344.91 km of rail routes and an installed power
generation capacity of 3,731 Mega Watt (MW) at the
end of Fiscal Year 2021.
• Mukhyamantri Ghasyari Kalyan Yojana (MGKY) and to
expedite the process of computerization of all multi-
purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS)
in the state
Services
• The government of Uttarakhand has invested heavily
in the services sector, particularly in the development
of the information-technology and tourism industries.

In the first decade of the 21st century, the sector
already accounted for more than half of the state’s
gross product.
• The tourism industry has shown significant growth, as
the state’s snow-capped peaks, glaciers, lush green
river valleys, waterfalls, lakes, flora and fauna, wildlife
sanctuaries, and pilgrimage sites attract a large
number of domestic and international visitors.
• With the establishment of the Software Technology
Parks of India (STPI) earth station at Dehradun now
offers high-speed connectivity. There are more such
earth stations planned at other locations. Facilities
by BSNL and Reliance are also available in the state.
Transportation
• Roads of various descriptions connect nearly all towns
of Uttarakhand. Although the central and southern
portions of the state are served by several national
highways, the northern border zones are not connected
by official roads at all; rather, an extensive network of
mountain trails links the villages with nearby towns.
• There is a total road network of 48571 km. Several
railway tracks extend from the plains of Uttar Pradesh
into the valleys of southern and eastern Uttarakhand.
• Network of rail routes is 344.91km. Major towns served
by these railways include Dehra Dun, Haridwar,
Rishikesh, Ramnagar, Kathgodam, and Tanakpur.
Airports at Dehra Dun and Pantnagar offer domestic
service.
• Under Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana from the
start of scheme till March 2022, total 18628.25 km of
road has been built.
• Foundation stone of the proposed 110 meter span
double lane motor bridge over Kali laid between India-
Nepal at Malla Charchhum, Dharchula.
TOURISM
• Uttarakhand is a well-renowned religious and
wildlife tourism destination. About 21 new places
in Uttarakhand that have the potential to become
major tourist destinations. These places include
Jageshwar, Baijnath, Saat Taal, Bhimtal, Patal
Bhuvaneshwar, Chakori, Someshwar, Pithoragarh,
Chakrata, Roopkund, Hanaul, Anson Barrage, Harshil,
Dhanaulti and Dayara meadow. Jauljiwi in Kumaon and
Tons in Garhwal division are planned to be developed
as adventure tourism destinations.
• Uttarakhand Tourism Policy, 2017 was launched in
2017, which aims to setup new amusements parks
and install new ropeways that would be exempt from
UTTARAKHAND 17
payment of entertainment tax. To promote tourism
and develop it as a major source of employment and
revenue generation in the state.
• With Uttarakhand emerging as a hot tourist and
industrial destination, the state government is focusing
on upgrading the Jolly Grant airport as an international
airport, in coordination with Airports Authority of India.
• The tourism sector in 2021 was severely impacted due
to COVID. Number of tourists in Uttarakhand fell from
10.93 million in 2019 to 2.68 million in 2020.
• Uttarakhand has been given the Best Tourism
Destination Award at the National Tourism Awards
2022 event held in New Delhi under the aegis of the
Union Ministry of Tourism on the occasion of World
Tourism Day
Tourist Destinations
Char dham
• Nestled among the serene heights of the great
Himalayas are four pilgrim-destinations namely
Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath,
collectively known as Char Dham.
• These pilgrimage centers draw the maximum
numbers of pilgrims each year, thus becoming the
most important hubs of religious travel in the whole of
Northern India.
• Traditionally, the pilgrimage begins from the West
and ends in the East. Thus, the Char Dham Yatra
commences from Yamunotri, then proceeding to
Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath.
• Each of these four sites is devoted to a specific deity.
• Yamunotri is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna who
goes along the pilgrims to the high altitudes of the
picturesque Rawai Valley.
• Gangotri is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga. The
shrine overlooks the River Bhagirathi, another name
of River Ganga.
• Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also a part
of the Panch Kedar. It is the northernmost Jyotirlinga
and is close to the source of the holy River Mandakini.
18 CSE 2022 Personality Test Training Program
• Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated on
the bank of the River Alaknanda .
Devasthal temple and Observatory:
• Devasthal Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the
worship of Lord Shiva and Shakti. It is also considered
as the oldest functional Hindu temple of India.
• Recently, Devasthal Observatory campus owned
by Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational
Sciences (ARIES), Nainital has set-up the International
Liquid-Mirror Telescope. The observatory is situated in
the Kumaon Himalayas at an altitude of 2450 meters.
• It has become the world’s first Liquid-Mirror Telescope
to be commissioned for astronomy and also one of its
kind to be operational anywhere in the world.
Panch Prayag
• The Ganga is holy river of India Uttarakhand. It originate
from Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. and the places
Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandprayag
and Vishnuprayag are situated on confluences of
Alaknanda with Rivers Bhagirathi, Mandakini, Pinder,
Nandakini, and Dholi Ganga respectively.
National Parks and World Heritage Sites
• Indian National Parks in Uttarakhand include the
Jim Corbett National Park (the oldest national park
of India) at Ramnagar in Nainital District, Valley of
Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park in
Chamoli District, which together are a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, Rajaji National Park in Haridwar District,
and Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Gangotri
National Park in Uttarkashi District.
Corbett National Park:
• Corbett National Park got its name in 1957 after Jim
Corbett, the famous naturalist and photographer. This
is India’s first national park.
• The Park is located in the foothills of the Himalayas,
ranging from about 1300 feet to nearly 4000 feet.
Rajaji National Park:
• The wildlife of the park is blessed with elephants,
tigers, leopards, deers and ghorals as its best known
life forms.
• Three sancturies in the Uttarakhand, Shivaliks – Rajaji,
Motichur and Chila were amalgamated into a large
protected area and named Rajaji National Park in 1983
after the Late Sri C. Rajgopalachari; popularly known
as “Rajaji”.
Devalsari:
• Devalsari Village (1,800 m) is the gateway to Nag Tibba
(3,048 m)Trek. It is one of the four villages from where
Nag Tibba trek can be initiated.
• It is the heavenly gateway for those who love to explore
raw nature, birds and other wildlife of this region.
Assan Barrage:
• The Assan Conservation Reserve (400 m) in Dehradun
district at the bank of river Yamuna is India’s first
conservation reserve, established in 2005.
• It covers 4.5 sq.km. area, which is situated at the
junction of the Yamuna and Asan rivers.
• Asan is listed as an Important Bird Area (BNHS and
BirdLife International). It is popular for winter migrated
birds. It was the first Ramsar site of Uttarakhand
• Asan provides an ideal habitat to a large number of
migratory and resident waterfowl. This area is one of
the best sites for congregations of Brahminy Ducks .
The Govind National Park:
• It is in the Purola Tehsil of Uttarakashi district and is
home to a number of endangered species. It was
established on 1st March, 1955 with a view to protect
these species.

• Also known as Govind Pashu Vihar the park has a
varying altitude of 1300 meters to 6323 meters.
• The sanctuary experiences heavy snowfall and the
vegetation here is enriched by the River Tons which is
an important tributary of the Yamuna.
Tourist Activities
• Rafting is the most popular adventure sport in
Uttarakhand. Stretches along Alaknanda, Dhauliganga
and Kali rivers have several challenging rapids.
• Trekking: The hilly terrain of Uttarakhand provides
plenty of opportunities for mountaineering, trekking and
rock climbing. The easternmost hill district Pithoragarh,
often dubbed as ‘Miniature Kashmir’, is abundant in
natural beauty, making it the perfect base for many an
exciting trek. Several interesting treks like Munsiyari
– Martoli – Milam – Ralam Glacier. The Bageshwar –
Sunderdhunga – Pindari – Kafni Glacier trek is another
highly preferred trekking route in the area.
Current Events:
• Himalayan Darshan Service : In October 2022 State
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj duly inaugurated
the Himalaya Darshan Seva from George Everest in
Mussoorie. Heli services will be provided.
• Pindari Glacier in Bageshwar district and Bagchi
Bugyal in Chamoli district were declared ‘Track of the
Year’ by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council
Institutes of National Importance:
Roorkee Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
Srinagar National Institute of Technology Uttarakhand
Kashipur Indian Institute of Management Kashipur
Rishikesh All India Institute of Medical Science Rishikesh
Dehradun Forest Research Institute
Dehradun Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy
Dehradun Indian Military Academy
Religion not stated 11,608
UTTARAKHAND 19
• Jyotirlinga Circuits: Preparations are being made by
the Tourism Department to build a Jyotirlinga circuit in
the state. Through this circuit, devotees will be able to
visit all the 12 Jyotirlingas of the country.
• Uttarakhand to Implement New Tourism Policy:
Incentives will be given to investors for service sector
such as hotels, infrastructure projects etc. It will give
a boost to winter tourism activities in the state in the
coming times.
• India’s first Liquid Mirror Telescope set up in Nainital
at complex owned by Aryabhatta Research Institute
of Observational Sciences (ARIES) It is a joint project
of four other countries i.e. Belgium, Canada, Poland
& Uzbekistan.
EDUCATION
• At the 2011 census the literacy rate of the state was
78.81% with 87.4% literacy for males and 70% literacy
for females. The language of instruction in the schools
is either English or Hindi. The main school affiliations
are CBSE, CISCE or UBSE, the state syllabus defined
by the Department of Education of the Government of
Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand is also home to a number of
universities and degree colleges. Dehradun is known
as school capital of India.
1847 (2001) Technology and management
2010 Technology
2011 Management
2012 Medical research and Technology
1906 Forestry research
1987 Training of IFS
1932 Training of Armed Forces Officers
20 CSE 2022 Personality Test Training Program

Currrent Events:
SC Members in Legislative 13
• N at i o n a l Ed u c at i o n Po l i c y- 2 0 2 0 l a u n c h e d i n Ass
Uttarakhand. It was the first to start NEP in elementary
education from Bal Vatika. ST Members in Legislative 2
Ass
• Mukhyamantri Udaiyaman Khiladi Yojana will be
launched to encourage sportspersons in the age Lok Sabha Constituencies 5
group of 8 to 14 years of the state who have excelled
in various sports. Children will be provided Rs. 1500 Rajya Sabha 3
as sports scholarship. Scholarships will also be given Constituencies
to players between 14 and 23 years of age. Nagar Panchayats 43

POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SETUP Municipalities 41

• The executive in Uttarakhand includes Governor as Municipal Corporations 8
the head of the state. It also includes Chief Minister
and his council of minister. Apart from this various Cantonments 9
departments forming Secretariat and their executing Revenue Villages 16606
institutions called Directorates are also important parts
of the executive. Panchayats 7541

Most Populous District Haridwar

Important office holders of Uttarakhand
Least Populous District Rudraprayag
Office Office Holder
Literacy Rate (2011) 78.82%
Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh
Females per 1000 males 963
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami

Chief Justice of Sri Justice Vipin Sanghi Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttarakhand:
HC ŠŠ Tehri Garhwal
Advocate General S. N. Babulkar ŠŠ Garhwa
ŠŠ Almora
Chief secretary Sukhbir Singh Sandhu
ŠŠ Nainital
First Governor Surjit Singh Barnala ŠŠ Haridwar
First elected CM Narayan Dutt Tiwari Current Events:
1st Chief Ashok Abhendra Desai • Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan: Central Government
Justice of HC has sanctioned Rs 135 crore to Uttarakhand for the year
2022-23 under the RGSA. With this amount, 9 goals
Administrative units and other information of sustainable development of Gram Panchayat will
be fulfilled along with training, capacity development,
High Court Nainital excursions to three-tier Panchayat officials and
employee
Districts 13

Divisions 2 (Garhwal and Kumaon) IMPORTANT STATE ISSUES

Sub-Divisions 45 1. Uttarakhand Floods 2013
Developmental Blocks 95 • Between June 13 and 17, the state of Uttarakhand
received an unusual amount of rainfall. This led to the
Nyay Panchayats 670
melting of the Chorabari glacier and the eruption of
State Legislature Unicameral the Mandakini river. The floods affected large parts of
Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Western Nepal.
Assembly Constituencies 70 Elected+1 Nominated
The heavy rainfall caused massive flash floods and

landslides resulting in the death of residents and
tourists as well as extensive damage to property.
What was the cause of flood?
• Natural Factors:
ŠŠ Unusual Climate Change in the Himalayas
ŠŠ The impact of climate change on Precipitation
patterns.
ŠŠ Retreating glaciers releasing excess of melted
water.
ŠŠ Sudden High-intensity rainfall causing flash floods.
ŠŠ An increase in Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)
events
• Man Made Factors:
ŠŠ Illegal activities such as unplanned construction,
an unchecked rapid increase in roads, hotels,
shops and multi-storey housing in ecologically
fragile areas of the state.
ŠŠ Setting up Hydroelectric Dams for increasing
electricity production
ŠŠ Illegal Mining in Eco sensitive zones
What measures can be taken for Prevention of
floods?
• Continuously monitoring the weather and eco-system.
• Effective communication between the meteorological
department and people residing in both urban as well
as rural areas. For this an early warning system should
be introduced to make the people aware whenever any
fatal problem arises.
• Strict guidelines should be made for preserving the
natural resources such as water bodies, forests, wildlife
and other elements of the eco-system.
• Those who are found guilty of not abiding the laws
related to conservation of the natural resources should
be punished.
• Proper town planning should be done in the Himalayan
areas as many houses rupture due to manmade and
natural calamities that occur in the Himalayan regions,
resulting in several deaths.
• Construction in the fragile mountainous areas, natural
springs, water resources, watersheds should be
barred. Those who are found guilty should be levied
with heavy penalties and the illegal structures should
be at once demolished.
• A complete reserve and analysis of the major pilgrim
sites based on its location and fragility should be kept.
UTTARAKHAND 21
2. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF)
• In February 2021, a glacial burst occurred in Nanda
Devi glacier in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. This
caused huge loss of life and property. Many geologists
issued warnings that these types of climate-related
disasters are linked to global warming.
What happened in Uttarakhand?
• A part of the Nanda Devi glacier broke off and flooded
the Rishiganga river in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
It led to massive flood in the region that damaged
many villages in its path. The flood also wiped out two
hydroelectric power projects on its way;
1. The Rishiganga hydroelectric power project (13.2
MW)
2. The Tapovan hydroelectric power project on the
Dhauliganga river (a tributary of the Alakananda).
What is glacial burst, cloud burst and avalanche?
• Retreating glaciers, usually result in the formation of
lakes at their tips. These lakes, called proglacial lakes,
are often bound by sediments, boulders, and moraines.
If the boundaries of these lakes are breached, then
flooding will take place downstream of that glacial lake.
This is called a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood or GLOF.
Avalanche It is a release of melt water from a
moraine– or ice-dam glacial lake due
to dam failure.
Cloud burst It is a localized but intense rainfall
activity where short spells of very heavy
rainfall occur over a small geographical
area.
Avalanche It is rapid downslope movement of
a large detached mass of snow, ice,
and other debris such as rocks and
vegetation.
What are the possible reasons behind the Glacial
burst?
• Due to multiple reasons, there occurs breach of
boundaries of the glacial lake. Like,
ŠŠ Build-up of water pressure or structural weakness
of the boundary due to an increase in the flow of
water.
ŠŠ An earthquake (Tectonic) or cryoseism (non-
tectonic seismic event of the glacial cryosphere)
can cause GLOF. During this, the boundary of the
glacial lake will collapse suddenly and release the
water of the glacial lake.
22 CSE 2022 Personality Test Training Program
ŠŠ An avalanche of rock or heavy snow during which,
the water in the glacial lake might be displaced.
ŠŠ Volcanic eruptions under the ice can lead to
GLOF. These volcanic eruptions might displace
the boundary or increase the pressure on the
glacial lake or both.
ŠŠ Heavy rainfall/melting of snow: This can lead to
massive displacement of water in a glacial lake.
ŠŠ Long-term dam degradation can also cause GLOF.
Why Hindu Kush-Himalayan Region is vulnerable
to Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?
• The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region is known as
Asia’s water tower. It has the maximum snow cover after
the poles. It is vulnerable to GLOF because:
ŠŠ Presence of large number of glaciers
ŠŠ Large human settlements and human activities
which has resulted in deforestation and it has
caused loosening of soil in Hindu Kush Himalayan
region. Thus no barrier to GLOF.
ŠŠ Global warming and climate change has led to
glacial retreat and glacier fragmentation.
ŠŠ Heat Island effect in Himalayas due to increased
use of reinforced concrete (RCC) in construction
instead of eco -friendly traditional wood and stone
masonry. This has led to faster warming up of
Himalayas.
ŠŠ High tectonic activity in the region.
What measures can be taken to mitigate such
disaster?
• A long-term solution will be feasible if all the countries
start working towards reducing global warming.
• India needs to form clear policy guidelines to
restrict further human activities like building roads,
constructing hotels on banks, etc in hilly regions.
• Capacity building of the local community will ensure
disaster mitigation in the near future
• The government has to be proactive and set up an early
warning system in the Himalayas. Like the one set up
in coastal areas after the 2004 tsunami.
3. Landslides in Uttarakhand:
• A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of
rock, debris, or earth down a slope. Landslides are a
type of “mass wasting,” which denotes any down-slope
movement of soil and rock under the direct influence
of gravity.
• Landslide is a physical phenomenon when a part of
rock, and/or debris/ soil fall due to the action of gravity.
• It is caused by a set of terrain-specific geofactors
(e.g., slope, lithology, rock structure, land use/ cover,
geomorphology etc.) and in general is triggered by
heavy rainfall or earthquake tremors.
• The intensity and magnitude of the landslide, however,
depends on the geological structure, angle of dip of
the slope, nature of sedimentary rocks, and the human
interaction with the slope.
Types of landslides
• Falls: It happens due to the abrupt movements of
masses of geologic materials, such as rocks and
boulders that become detached from steep slopes
or cliffs.
• Topples: It happens due to the forward rotation of a unit
or units about some pivotal point, below or low in the
unit, under the actions of gravity and forces exerted
by adjacent units or by fluids in cracks
• Slides: In this types, rocks, debris or soil slide through
slope forming material.
• Spread: It usually occur on very gentle slopes or flat
terrain.
• Some major threats which are responsible for landslides
in Uttarakhand:
ŠŠ Proliferation of Dams
ŠŠ Unregulated construction Activities
- Expansion of road networks
- Mindless cutting of trees
• Connectivity Projects
ŠŠ The Char Dham Pariyojana
ŠŠ Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Railway Line
• The frequency and number of such disasters have
seen an exponential rise, with Uttarakhand recording
an alarming 2900 per cent increase in past five years.
• Some tragedic events of landlslides have been reported
such as Varnavat landslide, Uttarkashi District, Malpha

landslide, Pithoragarh district, Okhimath landslide in
Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
CURRENT EVENTS
1. Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Act withdrawn
ŠŠ The Uttarakhand government in December 2019
had tabled the Uttarakhand Char Dham Shrine
Management Bill, 2019 which was later passed.
The bill brought the Char Dham of Badrinath,
Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri and 49 other
temples under the purview of a proposed shrine
board.
ŠŠ The act constituted Uttarakhand Char Dham
Devasthanam Board. Under this board, there were
53 temples, including four shrines, Badrinath,
Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri and other
temples located around these shrines. Through
the board, the government would take control over
the financial and policy decisions of the temples.
ŠŠ Priests, Pandas and Rawals who were associated
with affairs of shrines were opposed to the new bill
and the board, alleging that with the shrine board,
the government will get control of the entire area
and donations.
2. Char Dham project has raised Uttarakhand’s
vulnerability
• Char Dham Project:
ŠŠ The Chardham Mahamarg Vikas Pariyojna, seeks
to improve connectivity between four pilgrimage
sites – Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunothri, and
Gangothri – in Uttarakhand.
ŠŠ It will focus on the widening of the existing roads
in the region, along with ensuring adequate and
sufficient slope protection.
ŠŠ The entire length of the highways will be two-laned
with paved shoulder and with a minimum width of
10 metres.
ŠŠ The projects also include mitigation measures/
stabilization of chronic landslide & sinking spots/
zones
ŠŠ Bio engineering methods like hydro seeding are
being used for vegetative growth on fragile slopes
for their stability.
• The Char Dham road project has increased the
vulnerability of Uttarakhand.
ŠŠ Increased vulnerability to disasters, loss of
forests, blockage of streams with muck and slope
instability.
UTTARAKHAND 23
ŠŠ Road width of 12m to 14m with paved shoulders
could make the state vulnerable to disasters in the
higher reaches of the Himalayas.
ŠŠ There has been massive unforeseen loss of forests
and trees due to unanticipated landslides. Loss of
forests for local people is a loss of resources and
leads to impoverishment.
• MoRTH circular of 2018 which had advised against
building full-fledged roads cutting across the Himalayan
slopes, prescribing a maximum of 5.5 m width for the
sensitive roads. However, the road expansion project
began in contravention to the guidelines.
• The project was challenged in Supreme Court which
established a High Powered committee to look into
the issue. The HPC cleared the project citing security
issues.
3. Uttarakhand to have a second capital in
Gairsain
• Gairsain, a tehsil in Chamoli district, is located nearly
270-km from existing temporary capital of Dehradun.
• Statehood activists had contended that Gairsain was
best suited to be the capital of the mountainous state
since it was between both Kumaon and Garhwal
regions. However Dehradun in the plains was named
as the temporary capital.
• Since it is located at the height of 2380-metre from
the sea level, it remains a cold location for entire year.
4. Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand
• An expert committee headed by a retired Supreme
Court judge has been constituted by Uttarakhand to
implement Uniform Civil Code and for checking all the
relevant laws that control personal matters for those
living in Uttarakhand.
• The expert committee has launched a website, seeking
public opinion on the plan.
• UCC would provide one law for the entire nation
(including all religious communities) in their personal
matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance,
adoption etc. UCC is mentioned in Article 44 of the
constitution as a Directive Principles of State Policy.
• In most civil matters, India follows UCC such as Indian
Contract Act 1872, Civil Procedure Code, Transfer of
Property Act 1882, Partnership Act 1932, Evidence
Act, 1872 etc.
• However in certain matters, there is diversity even
under these civil laws, as states have made hundreds
of amendments to these laws.
• At present, Goa is the only India state that has
implemented UCC.
24 CSE 2022 Personality Test Training Program
5. India Nepal Dispute
• Dispute over India Nepal boundaries has boiled up
again. Lipulekh pass, which is a far western point near
Kalapani, a border area between Nepal and India has
been a bone of contention for India and Nepal.
• Both India and Nepal claim Kalapani as an integral
part of their territory. India as part of Uttarakhand’s
Pithoragarh district and Nepal as part of Dharchula
district.
• Nepal reiterating that Kalapani, Lipulekh and
Limpiyadhura are Nepali territories, urged India
to immediately withdraw its troops stationed in the
Kalapani region.
• The Nepal Government also opposed construction
of roads and other structures in the disputed region.
• Nepal also came out with a new map showing Lipulekh,
Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as its territories.
• Going forward, the border dispute between Nepal and
India must be resolved on the basis of the Sugauli
Treaty of 1816. According to the treaty, Nepal had the
right to the region that fell to the east of the river Kali.
• Nepal’s experts believe that the east of the Kali
river should begin at the source of the river and the
source according to them is in the mountains near
Limpiyadhura, which is higher in altitude than the rest
of the river’s flow.
• India on the other hand says the border begins at
Kalapani which India says is where the river begins
6. Green Bonus
• Demanded by Himalayan States for their enormous
contribution to environment:
• 11 Himalayan States of India met in Dehradun,
Uttarakhand, demanding a “green bonus”, or a
payment for environmental services they provide to
the nation.
• The States, asked help for development of hydropower
resources, subsidies for their environmental protection
measures which deny them normal ‘development
models’ and recognition of their efforts to meet human
development parameters
7. Uttarakhand government has announced
evaluation of its natural resources in the form of
‘Gross Environment Product’ (GEP)
• The concept of GEP was established back in 1997
by ecological economists like Robert Costanza at the
global level. It is an assessment system to measure
ecological status.
• It is considered as the product and service value
that the ecosystem provides for human welfare
and economic and social sustainable development,
including provisioning, regulating and cultural
ecosystem services.
• Overall, GEP accounts for the economic value of the
ecosystem in providing products and services, and it
is one of the components of green GDP.
• Green GDP is an indicator of economic growth with
environmental factors taken into consideration
along with the standard GDP of a country. It factors
biodiversity losses and costs attributed to climate
change
• The concept of GEP has been under discussion for
long. The term “ecosystem services” was coined in 1981
to attract academics towards this aspect.
• Ecosystem services represent the benefits humans
get: Forests, lakes and grasslands; timber and
dyed; carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling; soil
formation and productivity; and tourism.
• If the payments are to reflect the true value of the
services provided, then these services need to be
measured and assigned unit values, which would
require two separate types of analysis.
8. Uttarakhand ranked 4th in Niti Aayog’s SDG
India Index 2020-21
• The Index for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
evaluates progress of states and Union Territories (UTs)
on various parameters including health, education,
gender, economic growth, institutions, climate change
and environment.
• First launched in December 2018, the index has
become the primary tool for monitoring progress on
the SDGs in India.

• The SDG India Index scores range between 0–100,
higher the score of a State/UT, the greater the distance
to target achieved. States and UTs are classified in four
categories based on their SDG India Index score —
aspirant: 0–49; performer: 50–64; front-runner: 65–99,
achiever: 100.
• Currently, there are no states in the achiever category.
Interview Questions
1. Uttarakhand historically being the land of environmental
activism like Chipko and Maiti movements, recently it
has witnessed no protests over declining environmental
standards. Why?
2. What are the causes of mass outmigration from
Uttarakhand? What are the consequences and
measure to control such migration?
3. What were the objectives behind formation of a
separate state of Uttarakhand? Has these objectives
been achieved after 22 years of partition?
4. Name few regional parties of Uttarakhand. What is their
current role in the politics of Uttarakhand?
5. Why is Uttarakhand termed as a Sainik dham?
6. What is the issue of Bengali migrants in the state?
7. What is the predominant vegetation of Uttarakhand?
Why is there a threat due to expanding Chir forests in
Uttarakhand?
nnnn
UTTARAKHAND 25
8. What is the Indo Nepal border dispute along
Uttarakhand border?
9. What are your views over feasibility of Uniform Civil
Code as proposed by Uttarakhand government?
10. What is the spiritual significance of Uttarakhand? Why
is it called Devabhoomi?
11. What are the major tourist destinations in Uttarakhand?
Discuss how Tourism Policy of 2017 would help in
growth of tourism in Uttarakhand.
12. What are the visible and hidden impacts of climate
change in Uttarakhand? Why have forest fires
increased lately?
13. Throw some light on the Economy of Uttarakhand. What
are the inherent advantages for Uttarakhand in coming
up as a hub of economic activities?
14. Do you think frequent events of disasters like floods,
landslides, GLOF etc.in Uttarakhand would impede the
growth of Tourism? How far do you consider human
interventions to be responsible for such disasters?
15. Do you think Uttarakhand has the potential to be
developed into an Energy state? Justify.
16. What is religious composition of Uttarakhand society?
17. What is Transhumance? Which tribes practice
transhumance?
18. Why is Haridwar also known as “Gateway to Gods”?
19. What is the potential of Organic farming in Uttarakhand?