Uttar Pradesh (UP) is not only the most populous state in the country but also the fourth-largest in terms of area, covering nearly 243,000 square kilometers. Strategically located in the north-central part of India, the state shares its borders with Nepal to the north and eight Indian states—Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar. This central positioning makes UP a vital political, cultural, and economic hub of India.
Regional Divisions
The geography of Uttar Pradesh can be broadly divided into three natural regions:
- Himalayan Foothills (Siwalik and Terai belt): Located in the north, this region is rich in forests and wildlife, with fertile Terai lands that support intensive agriculture.
- The Gangetic Plains: Forming the core of the state, this vast alluvial plain is among the most fertile regions in the world, making UP a leading agricultural state.
- The Vindhya Range and Plateau: Found in the south, this region includes Bundelkhand and other plateau areas, characterized by rocky terrain and limited agriculture compared to the plains.
Rivers and Water Resources
UP is crisscrossed by several perennial and seasonal rivers that originate in the Himalayas or the Vindhyas. The Ganga and Yamuna are the two most prominent, joined by important tributaries like the Ghaghara, Gomti, Ramganga, Betwa, and Ken. Flowing mostly west to east, these rivers enrich the soil with alluvial deposits, making the Gangetic plains highly productive for crops. However, they also cause seasonal flooding, particularly in eastern districts.
Climate
The state experiences a humid subtropical climate with four marked seasons:
- Winter (January–February): Cold and dry, with plains recording minimum temperatures around 3–4°C.
- Summer (March–June): Hot and dry, with temperatures soaring to 43–45°C.
- Monsoon (June–September): Heavy rainfall, especially in the eastern region.
- Autumn (October–December): Mild and pleasant weather.
Despite the fertile soil, the state faces environmental challenges like droughts in Bundelkhand and floods in eastern UP, both caused by uneven monsoon distribution.
