Question

The Himalyan ranges are useful in the economic development of india.Justify your answer.

Answer 1

Hint: The Himalayas in the north has great diversity in terms of people, climate, ecology, soil, flora and fauna. It also has diverse religious groups and sacred places.

Complete Answer: Himalayas play an important role in economic development of India in several ways. Firstly, the Himalayas are a barrier for the South West monsoon winds. When the winds strike the Himalayas, they shed their moisture causing rainfall in the northern parts of the country. Indian agriculture is greatly benefited by the Monsoons.
Secondly, there are many hill stations that have been developed in the Himalayan region like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Nainital etc. Himalayas are known for their scenic beauty and are visited by tourists all over the world accounting for the foreign currency into the country.
Thirdly, the Himalayas are spread over vast regions running across various countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Pakistan and others which is beneficial for trade and commerce.
Fourthly, they are a good source of rivers and resources. The rivers and their tributaries carry good quantities of alluvial soil making the soil of plains very fertile which is good for Indian agriculture.
Lastly, they are a good source for power generation. There are several sites in the himalyan regions which can be used for producing hydroelectricity.

Note: The himalyan ranges are also useful in cultural development of India. As they are spread across various countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Pakistan, it makes cultural exchanges among the people of various countries possible. It has also manipulated the cultures of South Asia. There are many Himalayan peaks that are sacred to Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism.