Telangana, India's youngest state, was formed on June 2, 2014. It is located in the Deccan Plateau region, an area renowned for its unique topographical and geological features. Telangana's physiography is diverse, encompassing a mix of plateaus, hills, rivers, and plains, each contributing to its varied landscape and ecological systems.
1. Overview of Telanganas Geographical Location
Latitude and Longitude: Telangana lies between 1546' N and 1947' N latitudes and 7716' E to 8143' E longitudes.
Area: Spanning approximately 112,077 square kilometers, Telangana accounts for about 3.42% of Indias total geographical area.
Boundaries: The state shares its borders with Maharashtra to the north, Chhattisgarh to the northeast, Andhra Pradesh to the south and east, and Karnataka to the west.
2. Major Physiographic Divisions
The physiography of Telangana can be broadly divided into three main regions:
A. The Deccan Plateau
Telangana forms a significant part of the Deccan Plateau, one of the oldest and most stable landmasses in India.
Elevation: The plateau varies in elevation from 300 to 600 meters above sea level.
Soil Composition: The region is characterized by black soil (Regur soil) in the north and red sandy loam soil in other parts.
Geological Significance: The Deccan Plateau in Telangana is primarily made up of igneous rocks, basaltic flows, and granitic intrusions.
B. River Basins
The river systems of Telangana have significantly influenced its physiography. Major river basins include:
Godavari Basin:
The Godavari River enters Telangana near Basar and flows eastward, forming fertile alluvial plains.
Major tributaries in Telangana include Manjira, Pranahita, and Indravati.
Krishna Basin:
The Krishna River flows through the southern part of Telangana.
Tributaries like Bhima, Musi, and Tungabhadra contribute to the state's water resources and physiographic diversity.
C. Hill Ranges
Telangana has scattered hill ranges that punctuate the plateau. These include:
Eastern Ghats: The remnants of the Eastern Ghats are visible in the southeastern parts of the state.
Nallamala Hills: These hills form the southern boundary of Telangana.
Isolated Hills: Hills like Bhuvanagiri, Warangal, and Karimnagar are notable for their height and scenic beauty.
3. Specific Physiographic Features
A. Plateau Features
The plateau region is dissected by numerous streams and rivers, leading to the formation of valleys and ridges.
The granitic terrain supports extensive mining activities, including coal in the Godavari valley and limestone in the Nalgonda district.
B. Alluvial Plains
The plains along the Godavari and Krishna rivers are highly fertile and are used extensively for agriculture.
The alluvial deposits are characterized by loamy and clayey soils, suitable for crops like rice, cotton, and maize.
C. Drought-Prone Areas
Northern and western Telangana face significant challenges with drought, as these regions receive less rainfall and have limited water retention capacity in their soils.
D. Lakes and Tanks
Telanganas physiography is enriched by natural and man-made water bodies, including:
Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad.
Nizam Sagar, Sri Ram Sagar, and Kakatiya Canal for irrigation.
4. Geology of Telangana
Telangana's geological history is dominated by Precambrian rocks, which are among the oldest in the world.
Key Features:
The state has extensive deposits of granite, laterite, quartz, and feldspar.
The coal belt of Singareni in the Khammam and Warangal districts is a major contributor to Indias energy sector.
5. Climatic Influence on Physiography
The climate of Telangana plays a pivotal role in shaping its physiographic features:
Climate Zones:
Tropical semi-arid conditions dominate much of the state.
Areas near rivers exhibit tropical wet and dry climates.
Rainfall:
Telangana receives an average annual rainfall of 800-1100 mm, primarily from the southwest monsoon.
Uneven rainfall distribution impacts soil erosion and water availability.
6. Soil Types
Telanganas physiography is closely linked to its soil diversity:
Black Cotton Soil: Found in the northern districts, it is ideal for cotton cultivation.
Red Soil: Found across the plateau, this soil supports a variety of crops but requires irrigation.
Laterite Soil: Present in hilly regions, it is less fertile but supports plantations.
7. Biodiversity and Ecology
Telanganas varied physiography supports rich biodiversity.
Forests:
Cover around 24% of the states area, primarily in the Adilabad, Khammam, and Warangal districts.
Predominantly tropical dry deciduous forests with species like teak, bamboo, and red sandalwood.
Wildlife Sanctuaries:
Notable ones include the Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary and Kawal Tiger Reserve.
8. Physiography and Human Activity
Agriculture
The fertile plains and plateau regions form the backbone of Telanganas agriculture, producing rice, maize, and pulses.
Mining and Industry
The mineral-rich plateau drives mining activities, especially for coal, limestone, and bauxite.
Urbanization
The physiographic advantages of the Deccan Plateau contribute to the development of Hyderabad as a major urban and industrial hub.
9. Challenges in Telanganas Physiography
Water Scarcity: Uneven rainfall distribution leads to challenges in irrigation and drinking water supply.
Soil Degradation: Deforestation and over-cultivation contribute to erosion and loss of fertility.
Climate Vulnerability: Prolonged dry spells and changing monsoon patterns impact agriculture and livelihoods.
10. Government Initiatives
Mission Kakatiya: Aimed at rejuvenating tanks and lakes to support agriculture and water conservation.
Haritha Haram: A large-scale afforestation program to combat deforestation and improve ecological balance.
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