Eastern Ghats

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Eastern Ghats

1. Eastern Ghats

The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous mountain range running parallel to India's eastern coast. They extend from Odisha to Tamil Nadu and are older than both the Himalayas and Western Ghats. These hills are interrupted by major rivers and support rich biodiversity, tribal communities, forests, and valuable natural resources.

2. Location and Extent

The Eastern Ghats stretch along the eastern coast of India through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Unlike the continuous Western Ghats, they are broken into separate hill ranges by rivers. Their geographical position influences regional climate, agriculture, biodiversity, and human settlements across eastern India.

3. Soil Type

The Eastern Ghats contain diverse soils including red, black, laterite, and alluvial soils. Red soil is the most widespread and supports cultivation of millets, pulses, and groundnuts. Soil diversity contributes to varied vegetation patterns and agricultural activities, making the region important for farming and ecological sustainability.

4. Climate

The Eastern Ghats experience a tropical monsoon climate with moderate to heavy rainfall. They receive precipitation from both the Southwest and Northeast Monsoons. The climate supports deciduous forests, agriculture, and wildlife habitats. Temperature and rainfall variations influence vegetation, water resources, and the livelihoods of local communities.

5. States Covered

The Eastern Ghats pass through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. These states benefit from the ecological and economic significance of the hills. The range supports forests, agriculture, mineral resources, and biodiversity while influencing local climate patterns and providing livelihoods to tribal populations.

6. Major Rivers

Several important rivers cut across the Eastern Ghats, including the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, and Cauvery. These rivers create fertile valleys, support irrigation, generate hydroelectric power, and facilitate agriculture. Their erosional action has contributed to the fragmented nature of the Eastern Ghats over geological time.

7. Forest Types