Latest Topics in News
Garo Hills
Garo Hills, located in the northeastern part of India, is a region known for its rich biodiversity and unique cultural heritage. This article explores various aspects of Garo Hills, including its geography, climate, flora and fauna, as well as the protected areas within it.
Additionally, it delves into the lives and livelihoods of the people residing in this region and discusses the challenges they face. Moreover, the article sheds light on tourism in Garo Hills and highlights environmental issues that affect this pristine landscape.
Introduction
The Garo Hills region, located in Meghalaya, northeastern India, consists of West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, and South Garo Hills districts and is predominantly inhabited by the Garo tribe belonging to the Bodo family of Tibeto-Mongoloid race. The total population of the region as per the 2011 census is around 8.6 lakhs. The cultural heritage of the Garos is rich and unique, with a matrilineal system of descent and inheritance being observed. Agriculture is the main occupation in this region, with a majority of the rural population engaged in jhum or shifting cultivation on hill slopes.
The verdant Garo Hills are known for their rich biodiversity and have national parks like Nokrek and Balphakram that serve as habitats for rare flora and fauna. These national parks contribute to the conservation efforts aimed at protecting the region’s unique ecosystems.
In terms of its geographical location, Meghalaya itself lies in northeastern India bordered by Assam to the north and Bangladesh to the south. It experiences heavy rainfall throughout the year due to its proximity to Bay of Bengal resulting in lush green landscapes.
Geography and Climate in Garo Hills
The Garo Hills region is characterized by diverse topography and relief, with the landscape comprising of hills, valleys, and plateaus. These geographical features contribute to a varied climate in the area, with cooler temperatures in higher elevations and warmer conditions in lower areas.
The region experiences a significant amount of rainfall, with precipitation being influenced by both the southwest monsoon and local weather systems.
Garo hills in india map
Topography and Relief
Characterized by undulating hills and interspersed valleys, the Garo Hills region in India’s Meghalaya state is known for its prominent hill ranges, including the Tura range, Arbella range, and Ranggira range.
The Tura range stretches over 50 kilometers from east to west and boasts high peaks like Nokrek, which stands at an impressive height of 1412 meters.
The topography of the region is diverse, featuring narrow valleys, cliffs, gorges, and stunning waterfalls such as Nokrek Falls and Imilchang Dare.
The hill slopes have a high drainage density, with major rivers like Simsang, Ganol, Ringgi, and Jinjiram flowing through the area. These rivers typically flow either north or southward from the Tura range.
Climate and Rainfall
With an average annual rainfall of around 2500 mm, the climate in the Garo Hills region of India’s Meghalaya state exhibits seasonal variations, with heavy rains occurring from May to October.
The subtropical monsoon climate brings hot summer months, with temperatures reaching up to 34°C in Tura. The southwest monsoon arrives in May, bringing abundant precipitation that continues until October. June and July experience the highest levels of rainfall.
Winters are cool and dry, with minimum temperatures dropping to 10°C. It is important to note that the climate varies with altitude, ranging from warm tropical conditions in the valleys to temperate climates in higher areas.
These climatic conditions play a significant role in shaping the ecosystem and agriculture practices in the Garo Hills region.
Soil Types
Red loamy, laterite, red-yellow, and alluvial soils are the common soil types found in the Garo Hills region. The hill slopes predominantly consist of red loamy soils derived from granites and gneisses, which have a slightly acidic nature and loamy texture.
In contrast, the northern parts exhibit laterite soils formed from quartzite and schist, characterized by higher acidity levels and lower fertility.
The foothills display red and yellow soils with varying textures ranging from loam to silty-loam. The valleys are primarily composed of alluvial soils that are rich in potash, making them suitable for wet rice cultivation.
It is important to note that soil erosion poses a significant challenge due to traditional jhum cultivation practices in this area.
Flora and Fauna in Garo Hills
The Garo Hills region in Northeast India is known for its diverse and rich flora and fauna. The forests in the area are characterized by a variety of vegetation, including tropical evergreen forests, deciduous forests, and bamboo groves.
These forests provide habitat to a wide range of wildlife species, such as elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, langurs, and various bird species.
The conservation of these forests and their associated biodiversity is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
Forests and Vegetation
Valuable timber species such as sal, teak, gamhar, khokon and champa can be found in the diverse forest types of the Garo Hills. These forest types include tropical wet evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous and bamboo brakes. The higher altitudes in the area are covered with sub-tropical pine forests.
The Garo Hills are known for their luxuriant vegetation, which includes bamboo, canes, orchids and medicinal plants. There are also many endemic plant varieties that are restricted to small pockets within the region, such as pygmy lily, sundew and wild citrus.
Wildlife
The diverse forests and vegetation of Garo Hills provide a favorable habitat for an array of wildlife species. These lush habitats are home to an impressive variety of mammals, including elephants, leopards, clouded leopards, binturongs, hoolock gibbons, and gaurs.
The avifauna in this region is equally remarkable, boasting the presence of great Indian hornbills, grey peacock pheasants, kalij pheasants, and other rare bird species.
Moreover, the rivers and streams that flow through Garo Hills support a rich aquatic life with numerous species of fish and other water-dwelling creatures. Additionally, reptiles such as pythons and various snake species can also be found in these habitats.
Protected Areas in Garo Hills
Protected Areas in Garo Hills include Nokrek National Park, Balphakram National Park, Siju Wildlife Sanctuary, and Nokrek Peak, which play a crucial role in conserving endemic flora and providing habitat for endangered wildlife and birds. These protected areas are of immense importance as they contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in the region.
Nokrek National Park is a biosphere reserve that houses rare orchids and sacred groves with rich biodiversity. It serves as a sanctuary for endangered species such as the Asian elephant, red panda, and clouded leopard. The park’s diverse range of ecosystems supports a variety of plant and animal species, making it an ideal location for scientific research and ecological studies.
Balphakram National Park is another significant protected area in Garo Hills. It is known for its unique rock formations and deep gorges along with its rich floral diversity. The park provides shelter to various mammals including the Indian bison, sambar deer, wild boar, langur monkey, and numerous bird species.
Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several rare animals like the golden cat, marbled cat, Asiatic black bear, slow loris,and Malayan giant squirrel. The sanctuary also has limestone caves that attract tourists from around the world.
Nokrek Peak is located within Nokrek National Park and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It serves as an important watershed area for several rivers in the region.
Garo hills autonomous District Council
The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) is an autonomous administrative body in the state of Meghalaya, India. It was established under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to administer the predominantly tribal Garo Hills region. The GHADC currently has jurisdiction over five districts – East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, North Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills.
The total area under the GHADC is 10,102 sq km with a population of around 13.9 lakhs as per 2011 census. The council was originally set up in 1976 when the erstwhile unified Garo Hills district was bifurcated into West and East Garo Hills districts. Subsequently, West Garo Hills was further divided into West and South Garo Hills in 1992. The North and South West Garo Hills districts were later carved out in 2012 from East and West Garo Hills respectively.
As an autonomous council, the GHADC has powers to make laws and regulations on key issues concerning the indigenous Garo tribes such as land ownership, forests, village administration, inheritance of property, traditional customs etc. It plays an important role in preserving tribal identity and promoting development in the hill region.
People and Culture
In terms of demographics, Garo Hills is predominantly inhabited by the Garos, which is one of the major tribes in the region. The traditional livelihoods of the people in this area revolve around agriculture, with a focus on practices such as jhum cultivation and animal husbandry.
Demographics and Tribes
Predominantly inhabited by the Garos, the region of Garo Hills in India is characterized by a matrilineal society where lineage and property are inherited through female members. Alongside the Garos, other tribes such as Hajongs, Rabhas, Koch, Meches, Dalus can also be found in this region.
The total population of Garo Hills as per the 2011 census is around 8.6 lakhs. The Garos belong to the Tibeto-Mongoloid ethnic group and have a distinct culture and language. It is worth mentioning that people from other parts of India have also settled in recent times, adding to the diversity of the population in this region.
These demographic factors contribute to making Garo Hills a unique and culturally diverse area within India.
Traditional Livelihoods
With the practice of jhum or shifting cultivation being gradually replaced by settled agriculture, the traditional livelihoods in the region of Garo Hills are undergoing a transformation.
In the past, the Garos relied on cutting forests and burning vegetation to create temporary cropland. They grew crops such as rice, vegetables, and cotton before abandoning the land after a few years.
However, settled agriculture is now gaining prominence in the form of wet rice cultivation in valleys and terraced farming. Additionally, people in Garo Hills engage in rearing cattle, pigs, poultry, and sericulture.
This shift towards settled agriculture signifies a move towards more sustainable practices that allow for long-term food production and economic stability within the region.
Language, Arts and Festivals
The Garo language is part of the Tibeto-Burman family and is accompanied by a rich oral tradition consisting of folk songs, myths, stories, and poetry. This linguistic heritage plays a significant role in the cultural identity of the Garo people residing in the Garo Hills region.
The Garo women are particularly renowned for their artistic weaving skills and expertise in bamboo crafts. These traditional livelihoods not only provide economic sustenance but also serve as outlets for creative expression.
In addition to their artistic endeavors, the Garo community celebrates various festivals that are deeply rooted in their cultural practices. One such festival is Wangala, commonly known as the harvest festival. It serves as an occasion for expressing gratitude to nature’s bounty and seeking blessings for future agricultural prosperity.
Another prominent festival celebrated by the Garos is the 100 drums festival, which showcases traditional music and dance forms. Through these festivities, the community comes together to celebrate their shared heritage and preserve their unique cultural traditions.
Economy and Livelihoods in Garo Hills
The economy and livelihoods in Garo Hills are primarily dependent on agriculture and horticulture. Farmers in the region grow a variety of crops such as rice, maize, vegetables, fruits, and spices. Agriculture and horticulture play a significant role in the region’s economy.
Animal husbandry is also an important source of income for many households in Garo Hills. Livestock rearing includes cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry. This sector contributes to the economic development of the region.
In addition to agriculture and animal husbandry, Garo Hills has small-scale industries that contribute to its economic development. These industries manufacture products such as textiles, handicrafts, furniture, and processed food items.
Agriculture and Horticulture
Agriculture and horticulture in Garo Hills contribute significantly to the local economy through the cultivation of major crops such as paddy, maize, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, jute, potatoes, citrus fruits, banana, pineapple, arecanut, ginger, turmeric etc. These sectors have immense potential due to the suitable climate and land variations in the region. The agricultural practices are gradually evolving with the promotion of modern techniques and irrigation facilities. With 80% of the population dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods, it plays a crucial role in sustaining the economy of Garo Hills.
The region’s diverse agricultural activities not only cater to local consumption but also serve as important sources for trade and exports. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are cultivated extensively along with other horticultural produces such as bananas and pineapples. Additionally, floriculture is gaining prominence in Garo Hills.
Efforts are being made to enhance productivity through improved farming practices and access to advanced technologies. This includes promoting sustainable farming methods that prioritize soil health management and water conservation. By adopting these measures, agriculture and horticulture in Garo Hills can continue to thrive while contributing significantly to food security and economic growth in the region.
Animal Husbandry
Animal husbandry in the region involves rearing cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry in significant numbers while also focusing on increasing milk production and implementing scientific farming practices for piggery and poultry.
Livestock rearing is an integral livelihood activity in the area, supplemented by fodder cultivation and grazing lands.
The recent initiatives aim to enhance milk production and improve the efficiency of piggery and poultry farming through scientific methods. This includes employing advanced techniques to maximize productivity while ensuring animal welfare.
The region recognizes the importance of sustainable livestock management to meet the growing demand for dairy products and meat. By adopting modern practices, such as improved breeding techniques and proper nutrition management, they strive to achieve higher yields while maintaining ecological balance.
Industries
Industrially backward Garo Hills has seen significant growth in various sectors. Mining, food processing, cement production, textiles, and the export of horticulture produce have emerged as key industries in the region. These developments have provided opportunities for local employment and have contributed to the overall economic growth of Garo Hills.
The mining sector has witnessed advancements with the extraction of minerals and resources from the hills. Additionally, food processing industries have flourished by adding value to agricultural products and promoting their marketability. The establishment of cement factories has further boosted construction activities in the region. Moreover, textile manufacturing units have emerged as a source of employment for many locals.
Furthermore, the export of horticulture produce from Garo Hills has gained momentum. This not only enhances global trade but also showcases the region’s potential in agriculture.
Overall, these industrial developments signify a positive shift towards economic progress and diversification in Garo Hills.
Tourism
Garo Hills in India presents a plethora of tourism opportunities, including attractions such as Tura Peak, Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Siju Caves, Imilchang waterfalls, and cultural events like the Wangala festival. The region’s tourism potential is immense and has been recognized through various ecotourism initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable practices without disturbing fragile ecosystems.
One of the major tourist attractions in Garo Hills is Tura Peak, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity and unique flora and fauna. The Siju Caves are another popular destination, known for their intricate limestone formations and underground rivers.
In addition to natural wonders, Garo Hills also boasts cultural highlights such as the Wangala festival. This vibrant celebration showcases the traditional music, dance, and rituals of the Garo tribe.
Environmental Issues
Conservation efforts are crucial in addressing the major environmental concerns faced by Garo Hills.
Deforestation, soil erosion, and climate change have all contributed to the disturbance of endemic ecosystems and the decline in agricultural productivity.
Therefore, implementing effective conservation measures is necessary to protect and sustain these fragile hill slopes, ensuring a balanced ecosystem and sustainable development in Garo Hills.
Conservation Efforts
One approach to address the environmental challenges in Garo Hills involves implementing afforestation drives and social forestry programs. These efforts aim to regreen degraded areas by planting trees and promoting sustainable forest management practices.
Additionally, conservation of sacred groves and community forest management are being promoted to further protect and restore the natural habitat.
Another focus is on implementing sustainable agricultural practices such as permanent terrace farming, crop rotation, and organic farming methods to prevent soil erosion and improve soil health.
Awareness programs are also being conducted to educate the local communities about climate change mitigation strategies like rainwater harvesting, stress-resilient crops, and groundwater recharge techniques.
Furthermore, involving indigenous communities in the management of protected areas and eco-tourism activities not only provides them with livelihood opportunities but also helps in conserving biodiversity.
Notably, success stories like the community-owned Siju Bird Sanctuary have shown positive outcomes in reviving endangered species while generating tourism revenue for the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research conducted on the Garo Hills provides valuable insights into the various challenges faced in terms of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The Garo Hills region is an important hotspot for biodiversity due to its rich flora and fauna. However, it is also facing numerous threats such as deforestation, habitat degradation, and climate change.
One key challenge in conserving the biodiversity of Garo Hills is the encroachment of human settlements into forested areas. This results in habitat loss for many species, leading to a decline in their populations. Additionally, illegal poaching and hunting pose a significant threat to wildlife in the region.
Another major concern is the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. The Garo Hills are home to several indigenous communities who rely on these resources for their livelihoods. However, overexploitation can lead to depletion of resources and disrupt ecological balance.
Climate change is yet another pressing issue affecting the Garo Hills. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns have adverse effects on both flora and fauna. Species that are adapted to specific climatic conditions may struggle to survive under changing circumstances.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. It is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation among local communities and incentivize sustainable practices. Furthermore, implementing strict regulations against illegal activities such as logging and hunting is essential.
