CHAPTER 2

Geographical Background
of the Study Region

2.1 Location and Extent

Nainital-Haldwani region, a diversified physio-climatic region,

lies between 29°35’ and 29°0’ N latitudes and 79°15’ and 80°0’ E

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longitudes in the southern part of Kumaun division of Uttarakhand.

The region extends over a geographical area of 3025 km2. It is

bordered by Almora and Pithoragarh districts to the north, Ramnagar

Block (Nainital district) in west and Udham Singh Nagar is the

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bordering district in the south (Map 2.1). The study region comes

under Nainital district.

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2.2 Physical Profile
2.2.1 PHYSIOGRAPHY
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Geographically, the study region constitutes of two physio-

climatic divisions: the hilly tract and the plain regions which touches

the boundaries of Almora and Pithoragarh district. The natural

environment of the hilly region is greatly different from that of the

remaining areas of the plains. The diversified topography, soil, climate

and vegetation on the one hand and socio-cultural and economic on

the other have formed these regions into two separate entities. The

plains have two separate sub-regions which are, physiographically

distinctive, i.e., Bhabar and Tarai (the Tarai region is not a part of the

present study region) (Map 2.2).

 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

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Map 2.1

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

2.2.1.1 The Hills – Lesser Himalaya and Siwaliks

The hilly physiographic unit comprises the northern hills of
outer Himalaya, which is separated by Main Boundary Thrust (MBT)
from east to west of the district. The average elevation of the region
ranges from 600 to 2500 metres from mean sea level (msl) (Map 2.3).
Gagar (above 2500 m) is the highest mountain range of the study
region. Snowfall on tops is also a common feature in winters. The
mean annual rainfall of this tract ranges between 200 cm and 300 cm.
The region geologically comes under the lesser Himalaya and Siwalik.

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The frontal ranges which are relatively lower from the Outer
Himalaya greatly determine rainfall distribution in both area, i.e.,
Siwalik and upper interior areas. The Siwalik belt consists of parallel
ridges which are covered with dense forests but sporadic agricultural
patches are also found at several places.
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2.2.1.2 The Bhabar
Immediately, to the south of the hills, there is a narrow belt
which is covered with forest at places, but devoid of water. The
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southern boundary of the tract is demarcated by the junction points
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of the different rivulets, which debouch in the area from adjacent

Siwalik Hills. The average elevation is between 400 and 600 metres
from sea level (Map 2.3). Mean annual rainfall ranges from 150 to 250
cm.
The foothill plain is composed of the recent deposits which
mainly includes coarse deposits. On account of porous substratum
this tract is superficially devoid of water. There is not even a single
channel traceable on the surface except a few major streams/rivers
and the depth of water table is generally found below 60 metres.

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

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Map 2.2

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

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Map 2.3

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

2.2.2 GEOLOGY
The study region is divisible into four distinct geological units,
these from four units south to north are: (a) Bhabar, (b) Siwalik, (c)
Tarai belt, and (d) Lesser Himalaya orogenic belt. Of these, the Siwalik
Range and the Lesser Himalayan Range have folded mountains having
medium to high relief and rugged terrain. The Siwaliks are also
designated as a Sub-Himalayan zone (Fig. 2.1).

2.2.2.1 The Lesser Himalaya

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Four major lithotectonic units in the Lesser Himalaya have been
described by Valdiya (1980) as: (a) Autochthonous unit of the Damtha
and Tejum groups (Pre-Cambrian sedimentaries) in the inner or
northern belt of Kumaun lesser Himalaya; (b) Krol Nappe of the outer
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or Southern lesser Himalaya constituted of the Jaunsar and
Mussoorie groups of sediment in the inner Lesser Himalaya; (c) The
Ramgarh Nappe; and (d) The Almora Nappe (lying at the base of the
Greater Himalaya (Fig. 2.1).
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Diagrammatically, the tectonic succession from south to north
may be given for better conception as follows:
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Fig. 2.1 Geology

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

The autochthon Siwalik is separated from the Lesser Himalaya

by a regional tectonic break (i.e., Main Boundary Fault). Along this
fault, the rocks of the Nagthat, and/or the Blaini, Infra-Krol, Krol
Formations of the Krol Nappe have come in contact with the Siwaliks.
This group is constituted of alternate bands of shales, sandstones,
clay bands and pebbles. The Siwalik group has been divided into three
formations: (a) the Lower Siwalik, (b) The Middle Siwalik; and (c) the
Upper Siwalik. The Amitpur Granite of the Ramgarh Nappe in the
Ranibagh-Amritpur type area has been served by the Main Boundary

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Thrust overriding the younger autochthonous Siwalik group of rocks;
whereas in other sections, the rocks of Siwalik Group are overlain by
older rocks of the Nagthat, Blaini and Infra-Krol units of the Krol
Nappe.
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2.2.2.2 The Bhabar Belt
In general, the Bhabar belt formations contain alluvial fan
deposits or piedmont deposits below the foothills or the Siwalik. This
formation is made up of unconsolidated sand-boulder and clay
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boulder beds (Rao, 1965) The Bhabar stretches in the north from
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Siwalik Hills to the spring line and spring demarcates the starting of
Tarai belt.

2.2.3 DRAINAGE
A major proportion of the region falls within the drainage basis
of these main rivers i.e. Kosi, Gaula, Nandhaur, Baur, Bhakara, while
the southern face of the Siwalik gives rise to numerous streams that
flow southwards across the foothill zone of Bhabar. A high ridge,
running from Mornaula in NE through Paharpani, Gagar, Lariakanta
and Naina peak to Binayak in the NE forms the main water parting
between these two major rivers. The average altitude of this ridge
varies from 2000 to 2600 m and slopes are often very ridged as well as
broken at place. While river Kosi flows along the northern parts, the
Gaula drains a large area falling in the eastern part of the study

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

region. These rivers have many big and small tributaries within the
region as is clear from the description below (Fig. 2.4).

2.2.3.1 Kosi and its tributaries:

Kosi is the principal river and enters the region NE of Khairna,
wherefrom it also makes the boundary between the districts of
Nainital and Almora. From Khairna onwards, the river generally flows
westwards through Betalghat and has given rise to vast areas of fertile
agriculture.

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Among its principal tributaries, Bhowali Gadhera is the only
important one while there are numerous smaller streams along the
northern slops of Ramgarh and Garampani Block that carry the
drainage to the main river.
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2.2.3.2 Gaula and its tributaries:
Gaula, in a real sense, can be regarded as the principal river of
the area not only because it has its origin within the region near
Motiapathar in the extreme NE boarder with district Almora, but due
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mainly to the fact that it drains virtually the entire eastern half of the
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study area and has many big tributaries joining it within the region it
self. This river also carries a large volume of water during the rain as
also the off-season periods. It is due to such factors that it is proposed
to be deemed at Jamrani for Irrigation and other is purposed a few
kilometres upstream of Ranibagh where this river enters the foothills.
From its source of origin near Motiapathar up to Khanasijan, it is
relatively smaller stream, but it progressively widens in downstream
area so much so that it has a wide valley near Hariakhan where the
river carries huge deposits of boulders and other river borne material,
here onwards the river has a winding course.

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

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Map 2.4

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

Among the main tributaries of the Gaula, Kalsa Nadi is the most
important which has a considerably long course and is a big stream
before it finally joins the Gaula near Harikhan so much so that the
river created a vast lake temporarily at Malwatal due to land slips and
partial damming of the river. This has a huge discharged particularly
during the rains. The river is proposed to be dammed at Jamrani
which is among the principal effluents of Gaula joins the main stream
near Hariakhan and flows almost due south up to Kansyun then
westward till its confluence with Balia river at Ranibagh, and again

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southward till it leaves the tract. Kalsa River, Kainabi Gad, Ballia
River are the main tributaries of this river. Pashyan Gad and the
Karali Gad are both tributaries of this river flowing west to east and
contributing a significant amount of perennial water to the principal
channels.
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2.2.3.3 The Nandhaur:
This river originates along the southern slopes of the lesser
Himalaya in Nainital district and in its upper courses flows through
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the easternmost part of the mountainous tract of this district, it
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enters the foothill zone of Bhabar near Chorgalia and is then known
as Deoha. The waters of this river are also largely used for irrigation
purpose near Chorgalia.
Among the small rivers originating along the Siwaliks, mainly
along its south facing slopes, the principal rivers are the Baur, the
Bhakra Nadi, main of these streams have a very small course are dry
except during the rains. Besides this, there are a few small rivers
originating in the outer ranges of lesser Himalayas, which are small
sized rivers and are fed by rain water only, and thus remain dry
during the rest of the year.

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

2.2.4 SOILS
Soils are most valuable land resource which supports the
growth of plants. Except the areas of permanent snow-cover, rocky
and steep mountains, the soils are found everywhere. However, the
thickness colour and textual conditions vary from place to place. This
variation makes the identification of hill soils difficult. The properties
of soil are closely related to the natural plant growth and cultivation of
crops, fruits and vegetables.
Actually, “soil is the upper part of the mantle rock, which is a

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result of physical and chemical changes, owing to weathering, the
leaching and depositional activities of soil water.” The presence of
decaying vegetable and animal matters and other factors has
developed and often makes the soil into something quite different
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physically and chemically from the underlying material from which it
was derived (Bengston and Rajan, 1953). Further climate and
biological processes change a rock into finer particles which are
transported, and this transported soil material is not necessarily of
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the same thickness everywhere.
Geologically, the study area can be divided easily into two
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distance soil tracts, differing from one another in their geological

formations as well as pedologies characteristics, namely (Map 2.5):
1. The soils of Hilly region
2. The soils of Bhabar region

2.2.4.1 Brown Hill Soils

The soils in hilly area of study region are, generally speaking,
residual, having developed on rocks with biotic schist and phyllitic
malarial, under cool and moist climate and temperate forest cover,
and the parent rocks. These soils are generally too shallow to be
valued for agriculture in particular. The deeper soils, available in
small area, are confined to valleys such as the Kosi Valley in Betalghat
block. Although the hill soils, when viewed broadly, are brown to
greyish brown to dark grey in colour and moderately acidic to neutral

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

in reaction. They may be classified into four groups (Divakar 1980):

(1) Brown forest soil, (2) Podsolic Soil, (3) Red loam soil and (4) organic
soil. The distribution of these hill soils individually is not known so
far. In general, the hill soils together are spread over the hilly portion
of the study region.

2.2.4.2 Bhabar soils

These soils are found immediately at the foothills of the
Himalaya throughout the Bhabar region and are formed by

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mechanically transported alluvium from the adjoining Siwalik ranges
as well as the outer spurs of the Himalaya that usually consist of soft
sandstones of micaceous character. These rocks are in a rapid state
of weathering and also reveal conglomerates interstratified with
boulders along with purple shale and clay. “These soils are of alluvial
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origin but they are usually gravelly and more sandy in texture than
those found in the plains and are usually known alluvial fan deposits
(Divakar; 1980). The thickness of the solum layer tends to increase
with increasing distance from the base of the mountains with
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simultaneous decline in the thickness of underlying pebbled bed. The
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solum layer also varies in texture from coarse gravely to fine silty and
calcareous in nature. The soils are, therefore, porous in nature and
have been divided into four major groups, viz. (a) loams, (b) brown
forest soils, (c) podsols and (d) transitional podsols. The predominant
ones are the podsols and brown forest soils (Tiwari, 1983).
Although the Bhabar soils contain necessary reserves of plant
food but these fail to support normal cultivation mainly due to an
acute scarcity of moisture. This region is characterised by a superficial
absence of water on the surface due to the porous substratum and as
such water disappears underground. Cultivation is therefore entirely
dependent on irrigation in the Bhabar.

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

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Map 2.5

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

2.2.5 CLIMATE
The characteristic features of climate under such a varied
background of physical features may not perhaps come to light,
unless the region has a efficient network of meteorological recording
stations at numerous and characteristic locations. The region suffers
from lack of systematic climatic data, like for the rest of the
Himalayan belt. The climate of Nainital-Haldwani region is exceedingly
diversified due to marked differences in attitude, rainfall, temperature,
winds and configuration of land. In general terms and applying the

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principle of lapse rate, it may be derived that the low valley bottoms
i.e. below 600 meters have generally a hot and moist tropical climate.
This holds good for the outlying foothill belt of Bhabar with increased
elevation. Climate gradually cools till an elevation of about 2000
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meters, after which the climate changes to cool temperate. In general,
pressure and temperature are both affected by the altitude (Klages
1958). The pressure conditions according to altitude are given below
in Table 2.1.
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Table 2.1 Height-pressure relationship
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Height above sea level Pressure in mb

Metres Feet
000 000 1013
609.60 2000 942
1219.20 4000 875
1828.80 6000 818
2438.40 8000 753
Source: Sahay Ram, 1987

The climate of this region is influenced by the south-west and

north-east monsoons winds. During the season of north-east
monsoon, the prevailing winds are of continental origin and as per
their nature and directions they are dry. The gradual change in
pressure conditions of mid-June causes several changes in movement

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

of prevailing winds and season of south-west monsoon sets in. In

general, the winds are oceanic and blow from east to west. On the
basis of the characteristic climate conditions prevailing during these
seasons the entire year can be divided into the following three main
seasons:
a. The winter (or cold weather) season
b. The summer (or hot weather) season
c. The rainy (or monsoon) season

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2.2.5.1 The Winter (Cold) Season:
January and February are the coldest months of the cold
weather season. The mean minimum temperature remains below-
2.6°C. The average of mean maximum temperature is 9.78 °C. The
night temperature is quite low and sometimes goes below freezing
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point in the hilly tracts, except valley regions where inversion of
temperatures occurs generally. The same is the case with plains where
frequent occurrence of frost is not uncommon during this season
(Table 2.2 and Fig. 2.2).
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2.2.5.2 The Summer (Hot) Season

Temperature starts rising by the middle of March to mid-May.
In this period, the mean temperature in Bhabar is recorded at 26.35
°C, whereas in the hilly tract of Nainital it is about 12.2 °C,
respectively. June is the hottest month of the year when at some
locations of Nainital and Haldwani, mean monthly temperature rises
up to 20.5 °C and 39.7 °C, respectively. Though wind blows from the
south-east direction in the plains, this flow is relatively calmer and
milder than during the winter (Table 2.2 and Fig. 2.2).

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

Table 2.2 Mean monthly temperature (°C) of some important places

of Nainital-Haldwani region.
Month *Nainital Mukteshwar Haldwani Kotabagh
January 6.00 11.70 13.10 11.08
February 7.40 15.90 14.30 12.11
March 10.00 22.60 21.50 19.90
April 15.40 22.90 25.50 24.00
May 18.20 25.70 32.00 29.25
June 20.60 22.80 30.00 31.00
July 20.20 22.90 30.00 28.55

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August 19.20 20.50 26.40 26.30
September 18.80 21.00 26.70 25.16
October 15.20 17.70 25.00 24.70
November 11.50 16.60 19.60 18.16
December 8.40 15.70 14.20 12.11
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Source: R.V.R.I.( Mukteshwer), *Aries (Nanital)

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Temperature (°C)

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20
15
10
5
0
February

June

July
January

August
May

September

October
March

November
April

December

Months
Nainital Mukteshwar Haldwani Kotabagh

Fig. 2.2 Mean Monthly Temperatures (°C) of Some

Important Places of the Study Region

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

2.2.5.3 The Rainy (Monsoon or Wet) Season

The south-western monsoon inflow brings about a complete
change in the conditions of climate in the region. Temperature goes
down substantially and that is why a diminished range of temperature
is found throughout the region. However, here monsoon reaches
relatively earlier than the plains due to sudden saturation of moisture-
laden winds at higher elevation, whereas in lower altitude rain and
clouds take more time to become cool.
September is the month when the monsoon weakens though the

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sky seems to be somewhat cloudy. Temperature distribution from the
month of September goes down slightly. As temperature starts going
down from the mid of September, low surface thermal weakens and
becomes decrepit within a short time (Singh, 1970; 21). This is the
wettest period of the year and the majority of the precipitation (62%-
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76%) is received during this period (Table 2.3 and Fig. 2.3).

Table 2.3 Mean monthly rainfall (mm) of some important places of

Nainital-Haldwani region.
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Month *Nainital Mukteshwar Haldwani Kotabagh
January 33.85 47.25 4.40 3.10
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February 69.42 89.45 5.40 5.10

March 36.40 47.45 3.00 2.20
April 35.05 51.51 1.30 1.30
May 104.63 92.81 3.50 4.70
June 348.33 206.04 35.10 28.40
July 560.48 353.00 60.70 63.20
August 464.65 269.80 59.10 63.40
September 292.13 190.13 29.00 28.30
October 62.75 48.75 3.90 3.50
November 12.52 40.00 0.30 0.60
December 16.44 61.50 1.90 1.90
Annual 2036.65 1497.69 207.6 205.7

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600

500
Rainfall (mm)
400

300

200

100

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0

August
March

April
January

June
May

July

September

October

November
February

December
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Months
Nainital Mukteshwar Haldwani Kotabagh
Fig. 2.3 Mean Monthly Rainfall (mm) of Some Important
Places of the Study Region (Source: I.V.R.I.
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(Mukteshwer), *Aries(Nanital))
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2.2.6 NATURAL VEGETATION

Natural vegetation is the most dominant feature of natural
landscape of the region and is a very vital component of environment.
Vegetation in mountains is highly variable over short distances. It
changes vertically because of the changes in temperature, which is the
result of changing altitude. Vegetation also varies according to the
slopes. In other words, natural vegetation is the index of climate.
Ecologically, the role of natural vegetation in maintaining and
enriching soil in the form of Nutrients of Humus is much more
important. Every major climate division has its dominant type of
vegetation. Within these divisions rainfall or available moisture is the
first factor in the determination of major variation in the low land
vegetation.

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

Forest is one of the most important natural resources. In

development of the rural economy, it takes an important place in
agriculture and its related activities. Forests dominate the
physiography and also constitute the most valuable natural wealth of
the region. The principal determining factors of natural vegetation
types include climate, soil, relief and biotic factors. The national forest
policy is to maintain one third of total land under forests. As natural
resources forests perform two main functions of production and
protection for human beings.

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As a productive natural resource, forest production is
commercially far more important and it is able to increase the national
income of a country. The major forest products, are timber, firewood
(fuel) and the industrial raw materials, while in the minor forest
products includes grass, honey, wax, bones, hides, horns and leaves
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etc.
The forest area, which is shown in revenue records covers
55.37% of the total geographical area, is maintained as reserved
forest.
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Limited studies were made by Strachey and Duthie. The
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collections were made originally by General Richard Strachey during

mid 19th Century, and edited and arranged by Curator, F. Duthie after
about twenty five years. Much about the early botanical work is
known from the “Introductory Essay to the Flora Indica” by J.D.
Hooker and T. Thomson, and Champion and Seth (1968). On the
basis of these limited studies it has become possible to group the
natural vegetation of Nainital-Haldwani region (Fig. 2.4) as under:

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

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Fig. 2.4 Altitudinal variation of vegetation according to
Champion and Seth (Source: Champion and Seth,
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1968)
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2.2.6.1 Sub-Tropical Zone (Below 1200 m)

This zone comprises of the belts of Bhabar and Tarai which
extends up to the foothill where mean minimum temperature does not
fall below 21 °C. These forests include the following vegetation types:
a. Moist Deciduous Forest: Siwalik ranges, the tracts of Bhabar
and Tarai are famous as moist deciduous forest, where sal
(Shorea robusta) is found from the elevation of 300 to 1100
meters. In the Bhabar such species are confined to deep loamy
soil patches. In the Sub-Himalayan tract and riverine patches,
miscellaneous evergreen species and Jamun (Engenia
jambalana) are found up to the elevation of about 750 m, where
moist climate prevails. Riverine deciduous forests are located up

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

to 600 m; whereas deciduous forests of mixed species are lying

in the Bhabar.
b. Fresh Water Swampy Forest: The species included in this
category are Syzygium cummni, Eugenia forndose, Toona ciliata,
which are found from the lower Siwaliks to 800 meters.
c. Dry Deciduous forest: The northern tropical area comprises
chir pine from the outer Himalaya to 1200 m. The common
species are Qlugennia, Dojewnesis, Terminalia alata etc. Khair
and Shisham forests generally occur in few small patches of

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Gaula River. Sal species grow in the dry plains of Bhabar and
Tarai tracts.

2.2.6.2 Temperate forest zone (1200-1800 m)

The temperate vegetation is found between the elevations of
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1050 m and 1900 m. Chir (Pinus roxburghii) is the dominant species of
this zone. Chir sometimes grows on slopes as high as 1950 m above
sea level but terminate with the dryness of soil combined with high
temperature, thus obviously extending to the north and eastern
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patches of kharsu and banj in the areas of Kosi and Bhowali region.
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Besides, the northern Gaula catchments in the Bhabar and Bhimtal

block of the hilly tract are famous for these species.

2.2.6.3 Sub-Alpine Vegetation (1800-2600 m)

The mixed deciduous and broadleaved trees are included in this
category. Amongst the chief species are Banj Oak (Quercus
leucotrichophora), Moru Oak (Quercus dilatala) and Kharsu Oak
(Quercus semecarpifolia). The Kharsu forests (2100-2600 m) are
distributed around Nainital Lake and northern tops of Kilbury. The
associated species along banj forests are also Burans (Rhododendron
arboreum) which greatly favour shady and high slopey land.

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2.3 Cultural Profile

The cultural profile of any geographic unit reveals the fact
regarding economy, culture, the standard of living and trends of
development. The cultural landscape and physical constraints help
much more in determining the development rate of a region. By and
large the favourable environmental conditions, optimal utilisation of
existing resources and manpower set the essential parameters for the
development of any unit of land or any area. Infrastructure services,
agricultural activities and industrial establishment are scales of

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development of any region.

2.3.1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

The geographical analysis of the population is essential to
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highlight the understanding between its habitat and mode of living
together with many other socioeconomic factors. In this context the
present attempt deals with the study of population growth,
distribution of sex composition, literacy and occupational structure to
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have a wide picture of the population characteristics of the study
region.
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2.3.1.1 Growth of Population

The total population of the Nainital-Haldwani region according
to the 2001 census was enumerated to be 302839 persons including
51.7% male and 48.29 % females. The total population in 1991 was
228559 persons including 52.20% males and 47.79% females. The
entire region registered 32.50% growth and decade growth is 74280 in
population during 1991-2001. The expanding urbanization has
facilitated the growth of population to a considerable extent around
Nainital and Haldwani urban areas. The high growth rate of
population is revealed by the fact that these urban centres have small
scale industries which are the most prosperous areas of the entire
region, development of tourist centres, and government offices further
have encouraged the concentration of human population.

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

2.3.1.2 Literacy
Literacy is a pre-requisite for socio-economic well being of the
population of a region because it promotes occupational skills. This is
one of the most significant factors influencing the social, economic
demographic and political fabrics of any population (Petrob, 1985).
Amongst the various elements of population characteristics, the level
of education is perhaps the best exposition of the level of socio-
economic development. Because of its two-fold functions it affects
modernisation. It serves as a sensitive barometric indication of the

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level of development, which a society possesses for its future progress.
The education in fact is the key to prosperity. The levels of prosperity
find its instant expression in the educational standards of the people
(Rao, V.K.R.V, 1978). The study region consists of seven blocks in
Nainital-Haldwani region.
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In the present study, 63.93% population of the study region
accounts for the category of educated persons. The highest percentage
of educated persons is in the Haldwani Block area (72.18%) and the
lowest is in Bhimtal Block area (48.16%) (Table 2.4).
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Table 2.4 Literacy Nainital-Haldwani Region (2001)

Block's Total
S No Name Literates % Male % Female %
1 Haldwani 77683 69.50 45471 76.75 32212 61.32
2 Ramgarh 24556 66.35 14504 76.20 10052 55.91
3 Bhimtal 23360 48.38 14352 57.30 9008 38.76
4 Okhalkanda 23800 55.07 15109 69.45 8691 40.49
5 Dhari 17716 67.04 10431 76.72 7285 56.79
6 Kotabagh 5461 67.34 3152 76.36 2309 57.99
7 Betalghat 17228 61.52 10011 72.72 7217 50.69
Total 189804 62.67 113030 72.19 76774 52.49

Source: District Census Hand Book, District Nainital 2001

2.3.1.3 Sex Composition
The number of females per thousand of males in the study
region was 940 in 2001. The Nainital-Haldwani study region consists
of seven blocks. In every block the percentage of male is always higher

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

than that of females. Haldwani is the block where highest percentage

of males and lowest percentage of female were recorded, the value
recorded for Haldwani block was 886 females per 1000 males. In
Betalghat block, there are 1034 females per thousand males (Table
2.5). The higher sex ratio in the hills is mainly because of greater
migration of males from hills down to the big cities of plains in search
of employment leaving their families back in hills (Maithani, 1986).

Table 2.5 Sex Ratio Nainital-Haldwani Region (2001)

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Total Sex
S No Block's Name Population Male Female Ratio
1 Haldwani 111780 59245 52535 887
2 Ramgarh 37012 19034 17978 945
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3 Bhimtal 48289 25048 23241 928
4 Okhalkanda 43218 21754 21464 987
5 Dhari 26425 13596 12829 944
6 Kotabagh 8110 4128 3982 965
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7 Betalghat 28005 13767 14238 1034
Total 302839 156572 146267 934
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Source: District Census Hand Book, District Nanital 2004

2.3.1.4 Occupational Structure
Among all the social attributes occupational structure of a
population is of paramount significance since it exerts vital influence
on several personal, social and demographic characteristics (Gosal
and Kushan, 1965).
Occupational structure refers mainly to the classification of
working force into different sectors of activity based on type of
establishments and products. Population structure is considered to be
one of the most important indicators. In the present study, three
occupational groups have been categorised as follows:
a. Primary Occupational groups: Cultivators, agricultural
labourers and labourers involved in allied agricultural
services are classified under primary occupation of the

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 Geographical Background of the Study Region CHAPTER 2

people. Approximately 49.64% of total main working

population are involved in them.
b. Secondary Occupation: Secondary occupational groups
include the workers engaged in household, industry,
manufacturing, constructions and repairing works etc. A
total of 1.46% total main workers are engaged in this
occupation.
c. Tertiary Occupational groups: Traders, Shopkeepers and
people involved in other service like-government and private

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sectors etc. are classified under this category. About 21.88%
of the total workers, main working population are engaged in
tertiary occupation.

2.3.2 SETTLEMENTS
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The evolution, growth, spatial pattern and size of settlement in
the area are affected by location, availability of water and properties of
soils, as well as by set of socio-economic factors like infrastructure
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facilities etc.
It can be aptly said that there is a close relationship between
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settlement and landform of different geomorphic characteristics. The

settlement type is the characteristic or the occupancy unit, which
varies in size and complexity ranging from the isolated dwelling to the
urban metropolis. The various settlement types are in each case a
delicate expression of the social condition or physiography of the
region concerned or both.
In the study region, settlements have been classified into two
groups (i.e., compact and dispersed) on the basis of their dispersion
index (Tewari, 1988).
2.3.2.1 Dispersed settlements
The dispersed types of settlements depict one of the most
characteristic patterns amongst the three natural regions of the study
region with widely varying set of circumstances. The process through
which these settlements developed may be described as under:-

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(a) Fragmented in the hilly tract

(b) Scattered in the hilly tract
(c) Isolated dwellings-both in the hills and plains
(d) Linear dispersal in the Bhabar region.
(e) Isolated farmstead in the Tarai region.

2.3.2.2 Compact settlement

This agglomerated type of settlement is also present in the study
region. Here compactness in settlements varies in the hilly tract. The

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following differences are generally observed which vary according to
the degree of compactness from one part to another:
(a) The partially compact and semi-compact settlement in
alluvial valleys of the hilly region.
(b) The compact or clustered type of settlement in Tarai.
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(c) The linear settlement, which is found in almost every tract
of the region along either main roads or irrigational
channels.
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2.3.3 TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
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2.3.3.1 Transport
Transportation connects area to another area and is therefore
an essential aspect of geography. It plays an important role in the
development process and spatial interaction of a region. It is also a
measure of economic development of a region. Transportation lines,
serves as the arteries of an organism which provides links amongst its
various parts. Intra-urban links in a region is the backbone of
development and a key factor in the promotion of economic growth.

2.3.3.2 Communication
Communication not only plays a vital role for the quick
development of a backward region but also leads to the establishment
of a number of development agencies, i.e., banks, post offices etc.

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Besides, a quick disposal of food production during the opportune

season will fetch a reasonable price to the growers.

2.4 ECONOMY AND SOCIETY

2.4.1 Economy
The economic pursuits of any region are largely the outcome of
its physical environment. The resource base of an area and its
economic activities clearly reflect largely the characteristics of the
physical environment. The Nainital-Haldwani region is no exception to

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this and predominantly being a zone of forests has given birth to allied
economic activities. On the other hand, the favourable environment
for plant growth has led to a successful agriculture. Besides this, the
large potential of forest resources as well as favourable location of the
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region with respect to accessibility has been responsible for some
industrial activity as well.
Tourism as an industry is well developed in the study region
which has a vast scope for its further development. The panoramic
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view of landscapes, monuments, temples etc. attract a large number
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of tourists from all over the world. It provides ample scope for
augmenting income opportunities for the local people. It is rightly said
that tourism is the only industry that can be developed well with the
development and management of environmental resources without
any expenditure from the natural treasury.
In Ramgarh there are small units where fruit juice, jam, jelly
and other value added horticultural products are manufactured and
exported to the other regions. For example, cane and bamboo
products are very popular economic activities; Bhimtal and Jeolikote
are main exporting centres of honey. Diary Federation at Lalkuan has
been supplying milk to the towns of this region.
The horticulture-based industries which have great potentiality
can be developed in this region. Medicinal plants and herbs of the

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Himalayas are the valuable treasure for human health protection,

which can form the foundation of a successful industry in the region.

2.4.2 SOCIETY
2.4.2.1 Language
A substantial portion of population of India speaks one or the
other forms of the Aryan language. The dialects spoken by the people
belong to the group of the Northern Aryan language. They include
Pahari, Hindi, Kumauni, and Nepali language. In Nainital-Haldwani

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region Hindi, Kumauni are the first two languages, which are spoken
mainly by the rural population. Only a few percent of the population
speaks Urdu and Punjabi language in urban centres.
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2.4.2.2. Fairs and festivals
The fairs held in Uttarakhand are religious in nature. Fairs are
organised usually during festive season in various parts of the state.
A number of fairs and festivals are celebrated in the region but some
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of them are more peculiar and important.
The Nanda Devi fair is celebrated in the month of August-
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September in the honour of Goddess Nanda Devi who represents

Goddess Parvati and is best observed at Nainital with colourful
traditional costumes and folk music. In the study region every festival
has its importance. The main local festivals/ceremonies are Harela,
Khatarwa, Phooldehi, Bhitoli, Ghee Sankranti, etc. and are related
with agricultural cycle.
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated by the worshipers of Buddha in
the month of May. Sikhs celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak Ji and
Guru Govind Singh by taking out prayers from Guru Granth Sahib
with great interest.
The major Muslim festivals are also celebrated in the region. Id-
ul-Zuha or Bakri-Id, Muharram, Ramzan (month of fasting) and Id-ul-
Fitr are quite significant. Christians celebrate the birthday of Jesus as
Christmas in the month of December.

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