Major Landforms:
- Himalayan Mountains: The highest mountain range in the world, forming the northern boundary of the region.
- Indo-Gangetic Plain: A vast, fertile alluvial plain, extending from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal.
- Deccan Plateau: A large, elevated area forming the southern part of the region, with rolling hills and plateaus.
- Western Ghats: A mountain range along the western coast, rising steeply from the Arabian Sea.
- Eastern Ghats: A range of hills along the eastern coast, less prominent than the Western Ghats.
Types of Land Use:
Agricultural Land:
- Dominates the Indo-Gangetic Plain and parts of the Deccan Plateau.
- Cropping patterns vary, including rice, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton.
- Small-scale subsistence farming is common in hilly areas.
Forest Land:
- Covers significant areas in the Himalayan foothills, Western Ghats, and Eastern Ghats.
- Provides timber, fuelwood, and non-timber forest products.
- Contains diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, temperate forests, and alpine meadows.
Urban Land:
- Concentrated in major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata.
- Includes residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional areas.
Industrial Land:
- Located in urban areas and along major transportation routes.
- Supports a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, mining, and chemicals.
Conservation Land:
- Includes national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.
- Protects sensitive ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Contributes to tourism and recreation.
Other Land Uses:
- Grasslands: Used for grazing and hay production.
- Deserts: Found in the northwestern part of the region, with sparse vegetation and water resources.
- Wetlands: Found along rivers, lakes, and the coast, providing important habitats for wildlife and fisheries.