Geography Of Mizoram

Where Is Mizoram?

Mizoram is a Northeast Indian state with Aizawl as the capital city. The name of the state means "land of the hill people” in the local language. The landlocked state is the southernmost of the seven northeastern states. It shares its borders with Manipur, Assam, and Tripura (three of the Seven sister states). Mizoram also shares its international boundary with the two countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh. Till 1972, Mizoram was a part of Assam when it was designated as a Union Territory. On February 20, 1987, Mizoram was promoted to the status of a state of India. 

Climate Of Mizoram

Mizoram has a mild climate with relatively cool summers and moderate winters. Summer temperatures vary between 20 and 29 °C while winter temperatures range between 7 and 22 °C. May to September is the rainy season when the state is heavily influenced by the monsoons. Average state rainfall is about 215 cm per annum. Mizoram lies within a belt where landslides and cyclones might happen.

Topology Of Mizoram

Mizoram covers an area of approximately 21,087 square kilometres, making it the fifth smallest state in India. The tropic of cancer runs nearly through the middle of the state. The maximum north-south distance is 285 km and the maximum east-west distance is 115 km.

The landscape of Mizoram features rivers, lakes, rolling hills, and valleys. Over 21 prominent peaks of hills and mountains are found throughout the state. The altitude varies from about 3,300 ft to the west of Mizoram to about 4,300 ft to the east. The highest peak in Mizoram is the 7,250 feet tall Phawngpui Tlang. Forests cover nearly 76% of the state while 8% is covered by fallows, and 3% is barren. The rest of the area is cultivable land. 

The significant mountains in Mizoram include:

1. Phawngpui Tlang : The mountain range is located in the south-eastern part of Mizoram and includes the highest peak of the state. 

2. Hmuifang: The mountain with an elevation 1619 meters is still covered by virgin forests.

3. Reiek: With an elevation of 1548 meters, the mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. 

Hydrology Of Mizoram

Rivers Of Mizoram

The Chhimtuipui, also known as the Kaladan, is the biggest river in Mizoram. The river originates in Burma’s Chin state and then flows through the Saiha and Lawngtlai districts of Mizoram, and then again flows through Burma. The other important rivers flowing through Mizoram are mentioned below. 

Some of the rivers flowing through Mizoram are:

1. Chimtuipui River: Originates in Burma and then flows through Mizoram’s southern tip region.

2. Tlawng: The capital of the state, Aizawl lies in the Tlawng valley. The Tut, Teirei, and the Ngashih are the tributaries of the river.

3. Tuirial: The river flows in a northerly direction in Mizoram and is impounded by the Tuirial Dam. 

4. Tuivawl: It is a river that flows through the northern territory of the state and then joins the Barak River in Cachar District of Assam.

Lakes Of Mizoram

Although Mizoram features numerous lakes, big and small, these two lakes are the most notable ones in the Indian state:

1. The Palak Lake: The Palan Lake is Mizoram’s biggest lake and is situated in the Saiha District of the state. The lake, believed to be created during an earthquake or a flood, occupies an area of 30 hectares. A local belief prevails that a village that was submerged during the lake formation still remains intact in the dark depths of the lake. 

2. The Tam Dil: It is a natural lake that is 85 km away from Aizawl. A very interesting legend is associated with the origin of the lake. It is claimed that a massive mustard plant once stood in the place of the lake. When the plant was chopped off, huge jets of water sprayed out that created a pool of water that finally led to the formation of the lake. Thus, the lake was named Tam Dil meaning the 'Lake of Mustard Plant’. The lake serves as an important tourist destination and holiday resort in the Indian state.

Several waterfalls including the Vantawng Falls are also located in Mizoram.

Soils Of Mizoram

Mizoram’s terrain has a folded structure since it is located at the junction of two moving tectonic plates. Alluvial soil is found in the river beds of Mizoram and consist of deposits of sandstones, shale, mudstones, siltstones, and greywacke. Sandy loam, clay loam are found here. Apart from the clays in the River Tlawng beds, no useful mineral is found in the state.

Protected Areas Of Mizoram

Mizoram is a very green state with a total forest cover of 1,594,000 hectares, the third highest in India. It is also the Indian state with the highest percentage of area  (90.68%) covered by forests. 

The state has the following main types of vegetation: i) Tropical Moist Deciduous, ii) Subtropical Pine Forests, and iii) Tropical Semi Evergreen. About 44% of the state’s area is bamboo bearing.

About 67% of the forested land in Mizoram is protected by the state and central government of India. Only 17% of the land area is utilized for cultivation, mining, housing, industry, and other commercial human activities. 

Thus, Mizoram is an excellent example of an Indian state where the people live in perfect harmony with nature.

The Flora And Fauna Of Mizoram

Mizoram hosts a large number of species of flora and fauna.

The notable carnivores found in Mizoram include the tiger, the Asiatic black bear, leopard, clouded leopard, and the leopard cat. Primates like the capped langur, Phayre's leaf monkey, stump-tailed macaque, etc., also live here. The red serow, slow loris, goral are some of the unique mammals living in Mizoram. 

About 640 species of birds are found in Mizoram. Of these, 27 species are threatened including 8 species that are critically endangered. 

Visit this source to find a list of birds found in Mizoram: http://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=INnemz&list=howardmoore

State Symbols Of Mizoram

State Animal : Himalayan serow (Capricornis thar)

State Bird: Mrs. Hume's pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae)

State Flower: Red Vanda (Renanthera imschootiana)

State Tree: Indian rose chestnut (Mesua ferrea)