803 Geography of Bihar

Bihar is geographically a plain state. It is a prosperous region located in the plains of the Gan
ges. It extends from the Terai region of Nepal to the Vindhya hills and the rocky region of Dharwad.
Bihar is a state located in eastern India which is geographically divided into three parts.
Physical division of Bihar

Hilly/Terai Plateau
Region Plain

Someshwar Range Northern Gangetic Dharwad

Plain Rock
Ramnagar Doon
Southern Gangetic
Doon Valley Vindhya rocks
Plain

Someshwar Ronge
Doon Valley
Physicaldivision
of Bihar
>Ramnagar Doon

Ghagr River G
snrh and-Gk
0ndak River Gandak-Kosi Doab
River
Kosi

Kosi-Mahananda
Doab
Mahananda
Gango River
Ganga-Son Plain of Magadha
Doab
reglon of
the Ang's Plain
Plateou

50
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 triveni canal - started in 1979
champaran district of bihar
nepal,uttar p. , bihar [gandak river]
diverts water from ganga river

Hilly/Terai Region

Terai region - The Shivalik range ofthe Himalavas is located in the north-western
Mountanous/ Champaran district. t 1S
part of Bihar. Its total area is about 932 sa km. It is mainly spread in West
divided into three sub-parts
(1) Someshwar Range - This range forms the internationalborder between India and Nepal.
It is in
starts and ends near
the northern border which stretches from the point where the TriveniCanal situated
hills are
the Bhikhna Thoripass. This range was formed in the Tertiarv period. These
Bihar. The highest peak
In the northernGanga plain and surround the north-western part of
of the state, Someshwar Hill(874 m) is situated in this range.
() Ramnagar Doon - Ranmnagar hill range is situated on the southern edge of the Someshwar Hills.
It is situated on the bank of the Gandak River, about 40 km from Bettiah district headquarters.
Ramnagar Doon is a range of many small hills which spreads over an area of 214 sq km. It can
be seen as the southern range. This southern mountain range is 32 km long and 6-8 km wide.
The highest peak of this range is near Santpur (242 m). The Harha river valley lies to the north
east of Ramnagar Doon.
(III) Doon Valley -This valley lies between the Someshwar and Ramnagar ranges. It is also known
as Doon Valley. It is 21 km long and 152 mhigh. It is spread over an area of 214 sq km.The
maximum height of this valley is about 240 m.
Plain Region
Plains -96 percent of the total land area of Bihar is plain. This plain is formed by the deposits
of Ganga and its tributaries. Ganga river flows through the middle of this plain. It is divided
into two sub-parts based on the location of Ganga river.

(1) Northern Ganga Plain - This plain is located to the north of Ganga river. This plain is formed
by the alluvjal depositsof rivers like Gandak, Ghaghara, BurhiGandak, Bagmati, Kamla Balan.
Kosi and Mahananda. It covers the area of Tirhut, Saran, Purnia, Darbhanga and Kosi divi
sions and extends from Ghaghara- Gandak Doab in the west to Mahananda valley in the east.
The north-western part of this plain which is situated in East and West Champaran district is
known as the high altitude Terai region. The soil of this region is rocky and porous and bas
high infltration rate resulting in high water table. The slope of this plain is fromn north to south
and from north-west to south-east. The northern part of this plain is relatively higher. It is the
place of alluvial plains formed by the sediments of the rivers Gandak, Burhi Gandak, Kosiand
Mahananda. This plain of North Bihar is divided into doabs (land between two confluent rivers)
Ghachra- Gandak Doab, Gandak-KosiDoab and Kosi-Mahananda Doab are the doabs in Bibar

infiltration rate - velocity at which water enters the soil

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 (1) Ghaghra-Gandak Doab (II) Gandak-Kosi Doab
(II) Kosi-Mahananda Doab
(2) South Ganga Plain- South Ganga Plain is situated between the southern plateau-hilly region
and south of ganga river: Its size is smaller ascompared to the northern Ganga plain. It is atriangular
shaped plain and is also known as Magadh Plain. It is surrounded by Ganga river in the north, Tal
region in the east, southern hilly area in the south and Son river in the west. Its area is about 45000
sq km and it includes Gaya, Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Patna, Nalanda and Nawada districts. This plain
is formed by the Ganga river, its main tributaries like Punpun, Son and Falgu river. The slope of this
plain is from south-west to north-east. This region is divided into three sub-parts
(I)Ganga-Son Doab
(II) Magadh Plain
(III) Anga Plain total area of bihar = 94163 sq.km

Plateau

Plateau - There are plateaus and hilly areas on the southern border of Bihar, which share the
border with Jharkhand. Two types of rocks are located in the plateau region situated in the south
(i) Dharwadrocks - in Munger, Jamui, Nawada,Gaya etc.
(ii) Vindhya rocks - in Kainur, Rohtas.
Other important facts
In the northern Ganga plain of Bihar, the naturally submerged low land area iscalled Chaur or
Man.
The special shape area formed in the flood region of theGanga plain is called 'Diyara Pradesh'.
In the northern
Ganga plain, many tertiary rocks
Man/Chaur are
found in the form
of'Gokhur/Oxbow
lakes'.
In the southern
Ganga plain, the
deep area towards quaternary plain region
the south along
the embankment
of ganga river is
called "Taal'.
The northern Gan
ga plain is famous

vindhya rocks Dharwad Rocks

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 for the horror of floods.

Type Formation
period Region Features

Dharwad Pre-Cambrian Munger, Jamui, Nawa

da, Gaya, Rajgir etc. "The oldest hilly region in Bihar

Vindhya Pre-Cambrian Kaimur, Rohtas "The second oldest hilly region

"Famous for cement industry (limestone)
Tertiary Pleistocene West Champaran " Area situated on Someshwar hill
The newest hilly region
Quater- Pleistocene and "Most of the region of Bihar is plain
nary Holocene Ganga plains " Most suitable for agriculture

Climate of Bihar
The average long-term weather conditions of aregion are called
climate. The climate of Bihar is
subtropical/monsoon climate.
The climate of aregion is influenced by various factors. The
following are the major factors that
influence/determine the climate in Bihar -
Latitudinal position (Subtropical region)
Presence of Himalaya mountains in the north
Distance from the Bay of Bengal
Relief
Effect of monsSOon
Summer winds, etc.
Due to thedifference in the geographical conditions of the
northern and southern parts of Bihar,
various geographers have classified the climate of Bihar under different
classifications
-

Climatologist Region Indicators

Northern Bihar
Köppen Cwg
Southern Bihar Aw
Northern Bihar Caw
Trewartha
Southern Bihar Aw

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 Northern Western CB'w
Thornthwaite Narrow Region
Rest of Bihar CA'W
Generallv there are three seasons in Bihar
(I) Summer season- When the Sun is in the northward position, the air pressure starts
due to the increase in temperature. This is the situation from March to mid-June.
decreasing
In this season, hot winds blow in western and central Bihar, which are called 'loo.
The temperature in this season is 32°C. The hottest place is Gaya (47°C).
Before the arrival of monsoon, Bihar receives rainfall due to tropical cyclones coming from
the Bay of Bengal, which are called Nor' wester or Kaal Vaishakhi.
(II) Rainy season- The time between mid-June and mid-October is known as rainy season in Bihar.
The monsoon enters Bihar in mid-June. Bihar receives more rainfall in July and August.
The average rainfall in Bihar is 112 cm. In the year 2022-23, the highest rainfall was re
corded in Kishanganj (215 cm-) district and the lowest rainfall was recorded in Jehanabad
(57 cm-) district.
Bihar receives the highest rainfall from the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon.
The northern part of Bihar receives more rainfall, due towhich northern Bihar is afected
by floods and some parts of southern Bihar are affected by drought.
(III) Winter -Its period is from mid-October to February. With the return of monsoon, winter starts
in Bihar.
December and January are thecoldest months in Bihar. The coldest district is Gaya.
In the months of December-January, due to the temperate cyclone coming from the Med
iterranean Sea,light rainfall occurs in western and central Bihar. This rain is beneficial for
the Rabi crop.
Extreme cold is very beneficial for the Rabi crop in Bihar.

Agro-climaticzones in Bihar
" In Bihar, the agro-climatic zone has been divided into three categories on the basis of agricul
tural conditions and crop classification.The third category of southern Bihar has been divided
into two sub-categories.

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 Agro-Climatic
Zone - 1 Zones of Bihar
West Champaran Zone - II
Nepal
Uttar
Pradesh

Gopalgony
Eas Champaran,
Sitam Madhubani
Kishongonl
oindaupo
Supaul Araria
Siwan Muzoffarpur Darbhango West
Bengal
Saran Samastipur Purnia
Vaishali, Saharsa
Khagadiya Katihar
Buxer Patno Begusara?
Bhojpur)

Lakhisar i Munger Bhogalpur

Nolanda
Kaimur Rohtas

Jamui Banka
Auranoabad Nawod
Gaya

Jharkhad

Zone - III (B) Zone- III (A)

Total Name of District

Sl.n. Zone Features
District
West Champaran, East|" The average rainfall in this region is
Champaran, Sheohar, Sita 104 to 145 cm.
marhi, Madhubani, Gopal-" Khadar soil is
1. Zone-I 13
ganj, Siwan, Saran, Muzaf predominant here.
farpur, Darbhanga, Vaishali, Main crops - sugarcane, paddy,
wheat, pigeon pea, maize etc.
Samastipur, Begusarai.
Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, " The average raintall in this area is
Saharsa, Katihar, Khagaria, 120 to 140cm.
2. Zone-II 08
Purnia, Madhepura " Main crops - jute, paddy, tea, maize
etc.

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 Zone Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger, " The average rainfall in this region is
Ill(A)
06 Jamui, Sheikhpura, Lakhis 95 to 115 cm.
arai
Bangar soil is predominant here.
3. Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Arwal, "
Zone 11 Jehanabad, Nalanda, Kaimur, Main crops - wheat, pulses, pigeon
l(B) pea, gram etc.
Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya,
Nawada

Drainage system of Bihar

Rivers of Bihar

Bihar is a rich state in terms of drainage system. There is a extensive network of rivers and
their tributaries.
On the basis of drainage system, the rivers of Bihar are divided into two categories.

Himalayan Rivers Peninsular rivers

These are perennial rivers. " These are rain-fed rivers.
They flow from north to south. "They flowfrom south to north.
" These rivers are east flowing. .Theserivers are consequent
rivers origin of peninsular rivers - central highlands
" These rivers form large deltas. and peninsular plateau
. These rivers form small deltas.
These rivers are in their youth stage. " These rivers are in mature stage.
These are rivers that change their course and form These are straight flowing rivers.
oxbow lakes.
There is less possibility of flood.
They cause floods due to excessive water storage.
" Son, Punpun, Falgu, Ajay etc.
Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Mahananda, Bagmati etc.

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 Mpng Rivers of
Opuo ggbbkkm
Bihar
mechi

Gandk Kamala Mahananda

Ganga Ganga

Gang
Karmanasha

Son
Punpun
Falqu
iranjang Mohana
Kiul Ganga

River Origin Confluence/Mouth Length in Bihar

Ganga Gangotri (Uttarakhand) Bay of Bengal 445 km
Ghaghra Tibet Ganga (Saran) 83 km
Gandak Nepal Ganga (Sonepur) 260 km
BudhiGandak Someshwar Hills Ganga (Khagaria) 320 km
Bagmati Mahabharat Range (Nepal) Kosi 394 km
Kamla Mahabharat Range (Nepal) Kosi

Ganga/Kursela
Kosi Gossain Sthan (Nepal) (Katihar) 260 km
Hills in Darjeeling district of West
Mahananda Ganga (Malda)
Bengal
Karmanasha Vindhya Hills Ganga (Chausa)
Son
Amarkantak Hills (Madhya Ganga (Danapur)
Pradesh)
Punpun Jharkhand (Palamu) Ganga (Fatuha)
Phalgu/Niran Ganga along Pun
Chhotanagpur Plateau pun River
jana
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 Ajay Jamui Ganga (West Ben
gal)
Kiul Hazaribagh (Jharkhand) Ganga (Lakhisarai)
Sakari Chhotanagpur Plateau Ganga along Kiul
River

Ganga River
Ganga river originates from Gangotri glacier in Uttarakhand.
Its length is 2525 km, of which its length in Bihar is 445 km.
This river is known as Ganga after the confluence of both Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers at
Devprayag.
Ganga river is the most important river of Bihar on the basis of the drainagesystem.
Gangariver enters Bihar near Chausa in Buxar district and goes out of Bihar to West Bengal,
forming the border with Katihar and Bhagalpur. During this time, Ganga river passes through
12 districts of Bihar (Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Patna, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Munger,
Khagaria, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Lakhisarai).
The maximum length of Ganga river in Bihar is in Patna district.
Among the tributaries of Ganga, Ghaghra, Gandak, BurhiGandak, Kosi, Son, Punpun etc.
rivers join Ganga in Bihar, while Mahananda, Ajay join Ganga outside Bihar.
In Bangladesh it is called Padma river and it finally falls into the Bay of Bengal.
Ghagra River
It originates near Mansarovar (Tibet), enters Siwan in Bihar, flows on the border of Uttar
Pradesh and Bihar and joins the Ganga in Saran.
Other names- Saryu (in the plains), Gogra, Karnali (in Nepal) etc.
Itstributaries are Rapti, Chhoti Gandak, Sharda, Bheri, Seti etc.

Gandak River
Gandak river is also known as Narayani(in plains), Sapta Gandaki, Shaligrami (in Nepal).
The main branch of Gandak forms a gorge while crossing the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
ranges and enters Bihar at Bhainsalotan (West Champaran).
It forms a 45 km border between Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Its tributaries are Kali Gandak, Trishuli, Budhi Gandak etc.
The round black stones found in it are uyi87called Shaligram.

G Budhi Gandak River

West Champaran,
Originating from the western part of theSomeshwar range, it flows through
and finally merges with the
East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Begusarai districts
Ganga River in Khagaria district.
Its other name is Sikarhana (in the upper part).
58 EDUTERIA
 Its tributaries are Masan, Balor, Tiur, Dhanautietc.

3 BagnmatiRiver
It originates from the Mahabharat range of the Himalayas in Nepal. It enters Sitamarhi
district in Bihar and finally merges with the Ganga River.
Earlier it used to join the BudhiGandak but now it joins the Kamla River and merges with
the Kosi River.
Its tributaries are Lalbakiya, Lakhandei, Manohara, Adhwara,
Vishnumati etc.
Kathmandu and Pashupatinath Temple are situated on the banks of this river in Nepal.
Kosi River
It originates from Gosain Sthan situated in the north-east of Nepal. It is
in Nepal because it is formed by the meeting of called Saptakoshiki
seven streams.
Kosi River enters Supaul district in Bihar and mergeswith the Ganga
tihar).
River at Kursela (Ka
Kosi River is notorious for its change of course and floods,
hence it is called the sorrow of
Bihar (curse of Bihar).
Itstributaries are Arun, Tamor, Likhu, Dudhkoshi,
Tamakoshi, Indravati, Sunkoshi etc.
Mahananda River
Itoriginates from the hills of Darjeeling district of West
Bengal and flows through
ganj, Purnia and Katihar to join the Ganga River in Malda (West Kishan
It is the easternmost river of North Bihar.
Bengal).
Its tributaries are Panor, Nagar, Balasar, Mechi.

Karmanasha River
It originates from Vindhya Hills and meets the
Ganga River at Chausa (Buxar), marking
the border between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
It is the westernmost river of South Bihar.
Karmanasha River is considered as an impure river.

Son River
It originates from the Maikal range of
Amarkantak Hills in Madhya
between Rohtas (Bihar) and Garhwa district (Jharkhand). Forming the Pradesh. It enters Bihar
Rohtas and Bhojpur, it meets the Ganga River at Maner-Danapur. eastern border of
It is the second largest southern tributary of the
Ganga after Yamuna.
Its major tributaries are Rihand, Kanhar and North Koel.

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 Dehri Dam (Rohtas), Indrapuri Barrage (Rohtas), Bansagar Dam (Madhya Pradesh) are
located on the Son River. The canals built on the Son River have made the dry plains of
Rohtasand Bhojpur the main rice producing area of Bihar.

Punpun River
It originates from the Chota Nagpur plateau of Palamu district of Jharkhand and passes
through Aurangabad, Jehanabad in Bihar and joins the Ganga River at Fatuha.
Its major tributaries are Morhar, Madar, Dardha etc.
It is the second major river of South Bihar.

Falgu River
It is formed by the confluence of the Lilajan (Niranjana) and Mohana rivers originating
from the Hazaribagh plateau, and finally flows through Gaya to join the Punpun River, a
tributary of the Ganges.
Vishnupad Temple is located near the Falgu River in Gaya, where millions of Hindu pil
grims visit during Pitra Paksha.
India's largest rubber dam, GayajiDam, has been built on the Falgu Rive.
Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment on the banks of the Falgu River.
Major cities located on thebanks of riversin Bihar
City Rivers City Rivers
Patna Ganga River Sonpur Gandak River
Mokma Ganga River Muzaffarpur BudhiGandak River
Munger Ganga River Khagaria Budhi Gandak River
Bhagalpur Ganga River Samastipur Budhi Gandak River
Buxar Ganga River Darbhanga Bagmati River
Chapra Ganga River/ Gaya Falgu River
Ghaghra River
Hajipur Gandak River Fatuha Punpun River, Ganga River

River Valley Projectsof Bihar

Three multipurpose projects have been constructed in Bihar for the purpose of water manage
ment. These projects target flood control, irrigation management, water conservation, tourism,
transportation, energy production, etc.

60 EDUTERIA
 Multipurpose Projects in Bihar

Son River Gandhak River Kosi River

Son
River
Son Multipurpose Project
Son River Project was constructed in 1874
in Dehri (Rohtas).
This multipurpose river project is the oldest
and first river valley project of Bihar.
By constructing a dam on Son River near
Barun in Dehri, two canals have been drawn
West
Son
Canal - D a m

from both the banks.

Eastern Son Canal - Irrigation is done
from this canal up to Aurangabad, Gaya, East Son Conal

Jehanabad, Arwal, Patna. Reservoir

Son
River
Western Son Canal - Irrigation is done from
this canal in Rohtas, Kaimur, Buxar, Bhojpur
etc. districts.
" Two hydroelectric power stations have been
established on Son Canal, Dehri Hydroelectric Power Station (6.6 MW) and Barun Hydro
electric Power Station (3.3 MW).
3 Gandak Multipurpose Project
Gandak Project is ajoint proj Nepal
Reservoir Nepal
ect of India and Nepal. Bihar,
Uttar Pradesh and Nepal get
its benefits.
An agreement was signed with
Nepal in 1959 for the Gandak West Gandak Valmikinogor Barroge Tirhut Canal
Conal
Project. The work on this proj
ect started in 1960.
Under this project, a reser
voir has been constructed by
Gondak
Rver
Triven Canl
buildinga dam on the Gandak
River near Bhainsalotan on
Don e Conal
the India-Nepal border.
This barrage/dam is built near Triveni Sangam near Valmikinagar.
In the Gandak Project, a canal has been drawn from the reservoir towards the east and west.
Eastern Gandak Canal Western Gandak Canal

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 Triveni and Don
The Eastern Canal is divided into three parts which are known as Tirhut,
Canal.
Tirhut. Triveni and Don Canal provide irrigation in West Champaran, East Champaran,
Muzaffarpur, Vaishali etc. districts.
The western canal originates from the reservoir through Nepal. Apart from irrigation in Ne
Uttar Pradesh and
pal, the tributary canals originating from it irrigate Gorakhpur, Deoria in
Siwan, Saran in Bihar.
eastern canal.
Under this project, a 15 MW hydroelectric power station has been set up on the
western canal.
A similar power station has also been built on the

3 KosiMultipurpose Project
Kosi Project is a joint project Reservoir
of India and Nepal. This WesternKosiCanal

project was established in

1953 AD. This project was
implemented in 1954 AD. Easten Kosi Canl
Under this project, a reservoir
has been constructed in
RiveKor si
Nepal by building Ha
numan Nagar Dam. This
project was completed in
1965 AD.
Canals have been constructed
Kosi.
towards east and west from the reservoir built on
and Purnia etc.
Eastern Kosi Canal - This provides irrigation in Araria, Supaul
Supaul and Begusarai
Western Kosi Canal -This provides irrigation in Darbhanga, Madhubani,
etc.

Waterfall
and the river falls down the mnountain
When there is a sudden change in the slopeof the river
with great velocity, it is called a waterfall.
Major waterfalls of Bihar
Waterfall District

Kakolat Falls Nawada

DurgavatiFalls Rohtas (highest)

Karmanasha Falls Buxar

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 Waterfall District

Dhuan Kund Falls Sasaram (Rohtas)

Manjhar Kund Falls Sasaram (Rohtas)
Tutla Bhavani Falls
Sasaram (Rohtas)
Jiaarkund Falls Bhojpur
Telhar Kund Falls Kaimur
Major lakes of Bihar
Lakes
District
Kanwar Lake
Begusarai
Gogabil/Ghogha Lake Katihar
Kusheshwar Lake
Ghoda Katora Lake
Darbhanga
Rajgir (Nalanda)
Anupam Lake Kaimur
Simri Lake
Saharsa
Jagatpur Lake
Bhagalpur
Moti Lake
Motihari (East Champaran)
Saraiya Man Bettiah (West Champaran)
Pipara Man Motihari(East Champaran)
Major canals of Bihar -
canal river
Area benefited
Triveni Gandak
Tirhut Gandak West Champaran, East
farpur, Vaishali Champaran, Muzaf
Doan Gandak
East Kosi Kosi Araria, Supaul, Purnia
West Kosi Kosi
Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul
Rajpur Kosi Saharsa, Madhepura, Begusarai
East Son Son
Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Patna, Gaya,Arwal
West Son Son
Rohtas, Bhojpur, Kaimur, Buxar
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Major hot waler springs of Bihar -

Location water pond

Rajgir Brahmakund (hottest water spring of Bihar)
Saptadhara Suryakund
Makhdoomkund Nanakkund
" Gomukhkund
Munger " Laxmankund Sitakund
Rameshwarkund Rishikund
Janamkund Bhimbandh
Shringaar Rishikund " Bhararikund
Panchtarkund
Gaya Agni Kund

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 Soil of Bihar

mixed particles spread on the upper

The coarse, medium and fine organic and inorganic
surface of the earth are called soil.
chemical changes in
Soil is formed as a result of the disintegration of rocks and physical and
them.

Topography, rainfall, humidity, temperature, natural vegetation etc. play a major role in the
formation of soil.
o The study of soil is called Pedology. World Soil Day is celebrated on 5December.
o Bihar is aplain state where alluvial/non-alkaline/loamy soil is found in about 90% of the area.
Soil in Bihar is divided into North Bihar and South Bihar as follows

Soil of North Bihar Soil of South Bihar

Peidmont Soil Tal soil
Terai Soil Kagaari soil
Old Alluvial (Bangar) Soil Oldalluvial (Karail-Kewal) soil
New Alluvial (Khadar) Soil Red yellow (Balathar) soil
Soil of North Bihar
The soil of North Bihar is formed by the rivers Ganga, Gandak, Budhi Gandak, Kosi, Mah
ananda and its tributaries originating from the Himalayas. The soilof North Bihar is divided
into four sub-categories.
() Piedmont soil
This soil is found around the Someshwar range in the north-western part of West
Champaran.
Due to heavy rainfallin this area, the soil has more moisture and is more fertile. This soil is
mainly suitable for the cultivation of paddy and sugarcane. COLOUR OF SOIL - RED AND YELLOW

(ii) Terai soil

This soil is spread on the northern border of Bihar from champaran in the west to kishangani
in the east in a 5-7 km wide strip.
In some places, pebbles and sand are found in large quantities in this soil and marshyland
has also devloped in many places.
The soil is light brown or yellow in colour, this soil is sutable for the cultivation of paddy, Iut
e & sugarcane.
(iii) Old alluvial (Bangar)soil
" This soil develops in those areas where flood water does not reach every year.
This soil is mainly spread in the western part of Ghaghra-Gandak Doab and Budhi Gandak.
It is also spread in Purnia, Saharsa, Darbhanga, Muzafarpur etc. areas.

6 EDUTERIA
 o Ihis soil has abundance of lime and potash and lack of
phosphorusand nitrogen. It is alkaline
in nature. Mainly paddy, wheat, maize, tobacco, sugarcane are grown in it.
(v) New alluvial soil (Khadar)
Khadar soil is formed from the sediments brought by rivers every year.
This soil is spread in the lower valley of Ganga, Gandak, Budhi Gandak, Kosi, Mahananda.
The colour of this soil is dark brown and sand and clay are predominant in it.
There is a lack of nitrogen in this soil.
This soil is very fertile, in which paddy, wheat, jute,maize etc. are produced well if there is
adequate irrigation.
Soil of South Bihar
The soil of South Bihar is spread between the Ganges River and the Chotanagpur Plateau.
On the basis of the structure of the soil, the soil of South Bihar has been classified into four
parts -

(i) Tal soil

Tal is a low land area which remains flooded during rainy season. Tal soil is spread in a 8 to
10 kilometer wide strip from Buxar to Bhagalpur on the southern bank of Ganga.
Thissoil is coarse-grained, grey in color and heavy.
Rabi crops grow well in this soil. This area is famous for pulses production.

(i) Kagari soil

This soil is spread on the south bank of the Ganga river and on the banks of the Son, Falgu,
Punpun, Kiul rivers. Its fertility is somewhat weak.
This soil is known for the production of coarse grains and vegetables.
The main crops grown in this soil are maize, mustard, chilli etc.

(ii))Old alluvial (Karail-Kewal) soil

This soil extends from Buxar, North Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Munger to Bhagalpur.
This soil has high fertility and also has high water absorbing capacity. The colour of this soil
is dark brown, yellow and light.
The main crops grown in this soil are maize, paddy, millet, potato, pigeon pea, wheat etc.

(iv) Red yellow soil (Balthar)

This soil is spread in a 8 to 15 km wide strip from near the Kaimur range in the west to the
high land of Rajmahal in the east.
This soil is found in the Kharagpur hilly area of Jamui, Munger, plateau areas of Banka, Nawada
and Aurangabad.
This soil has abundance of sand and pebbles and its fertility is quite low. The water holding
66 EDUTERIA
 capacity of this soil is also low.
Due to the predominance of iron element, it is red in colour and its
nature is acidic. Coarse
grains like maize, sorghum, millet, pigeon pea etc. are grown in
this sO1l.
Otherimportant points
Red sandy soil is found in the plateau regions of
Sand and laterite soil are also found in Kaimur and Rohtas.
this soil.
Coarse grains like jowar, bajra, maize are mainly
grown in this soil.
Forests and Wildlife

Bihar is a monsoon region. Mainly

forests are divided into two parts on themonsoon deciduous forests are found here. These deciduous
(i)
basis of their speciality
Moist Deciduous Forest
(i) Dry Deciduous Forests
(i)) Moist Deciduous Forests- These forests are found in areas where the
more than 120 cm. average rainfall in a year is
In Bihar, moist deciduous forests are
forest) and the border areas of Nepal. found in Kishanganj, West Champaran (Valmikinagar
Trees like sal, semal, jamun, teak etc. are
found in such
sabaigrass, elephant grass, reed, bentgrass etc. are foundforests. Apart from this, bushes like
in these forests.
(ii) Dry Deciduous Forest- These
forests are tound in areas where the average
than 120 cm. rainfall in a vear is less
This type of forest is found in most parts of Bihar.
These forests are found in Kaimur Hills, Munger, Jamui,
Banka etc.
Trees like Shisham, Amaltas, Sal, Khaira, Mahua,
these forests. Palas, Jamun, Bamboo etc. are found in
rohtas

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Bihar

Bihar has one national park and 12 wildlife sanctuaries.

(Economic Survey 2022-23)
Sn.
Sanctuary Location
Characteristics
West This is the only national park of Bihar.
1. Valmikinagar
National Park Cham The densest forests of Bihar are found in it.
paran The only tiger reserve of Bihar is inside it.

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 Bhimbandh and Spread over an area of 681 sq. km.
2. Wildlife Sanctu Munger Famous for leopard, bear, boar and crocodile.
ary
Gautam Buddha Spread over an areaof 138 square km.
3
Bird Sanctuary
Gaya

Kanwar Lake Spread over an area of 63 sq km.

Shelter of Siberian birds.
4. Wildlife Sanctu Begusarai " Biharsfirst wetland area included in the Ramsar
ary list.
Kaimur Wildlife Rohtas, " It is spread over an area of 1504.9 sq. km.
5.
Sanctuary Kaimur It is the largest wildlife sanctuary of Bihar.
Nagi Dam Bird Spread over an area of 1.92 sq. km.
6. Jamui
Sanctuary The smallest sanctuary.
Nakti Dam Wild Spread over an area of 3.33 sq km.
7. Jamui On World Environment Day 2024, Nagiand Nakati
life Sanctuary Bird Sanctuary have been included in the Ramsar list.

8.
Rajgir Wildlife Nalanda Spread over an area of 35.84 square km.
Sanctuary
West Spread over an area of 8.87 square km.
9.
Udaipur Wildlife Cham
Sanctuary paran
Rajauli Wildlife Nawada
Spread over an area of 27.27 square km.
10.
Sanctuary
Kusheshwar Spread over an area of 29.2sq. km.
11. Sthan Bird Wild- Darbhanga . Shelter of Siberian birds
life Sanctuary
Vikramshila " Spread over an area of 60 km
12. Dolphin Wildlife Bhagalpur (from Munger to Bhagalpur in the Ganga river)
Sanctuary " Famous as India's first dolphin sanctuary.
Spread over an area of 1.98 sq. km.
Barela Salim Ali
13. Vaishali Second smallest sanctuary.
Bird Sanctuary

85 RAMSAR SITES IN INDIA

Forest Status Report 2021 (Bihar)
India and Bihar Forest Status Report is released every two years by the Forest Survey of India.
This report was first published in 1987.The 2021 report is the 17th report in this series for which
data obtained from remote sensing satellite Resource Sat-2 has been used.

68 EDU TERIA
 Forest cover in Bihar
According to the Forest Status Report 2021, the forest cover of Bihar is 7380.79 sq km
which is 7.84% of the total geographical area of the state.
Compared to the 2019 report, the forest cover has increased by 75 sq km, which is about
1.03%.
Forest cover and tree cover in Bihar
Class Area
Forest cover
Percentage Increase
7381 sq. km 7.84% 75 sq.k1m
Tree cover 2341 sq. km 2.48%
Total
338 sq.km
9722 sq. km 10.32% 413 sq.km
Forest cover in districts (by arca)
Highest Lowest
District Area District Area
Kaimur 1051.56 sq. km.
West Champaran Sheikhpura 1.19 sq km
903.34 sq. km. Arwal 4.14 sq km
Rohtas 669.91 sq. km. Jehanabad 4.43 sq km

Forest cover in districts (percentage wise)

Highest Lowest
District
Percentage District
Percentage
Kaimur 31.56%
Sheikhpura 0.17%
Jamui 21.34% Buxar 0.35%
Nawada 20.72% Siwan 0.35%

Districts with the highest increaseldecrease in forest cover compared to 2019

IncreaSe in forest cover Decrease in forest cover
District Area District Area
Banka 16.29 sq. km. kaimur -4.83 sq. km.
Jamui 13.22 sq. km. Supaul 4.46 sq. km.
Gaya 12.24 sq. km. Rohtas - 2.32 sq. km.

Other points - 796.12 sq. km of Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve is covered with forests which is
85.71% of the total tiger reserve area (928-80 sq. km).
Tree cover in Bihar - According to the India State of Forest Report 2021, 2341 sq. km of Bihar has
tree cover, which is 2.48% of the total geographical area of the state. An increase of 338 sq. km in
69
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 treecover was recorded as
compared to the 2019 report.
Percentage are unde ditlerenl (ypes of forests in Bihar in 202|
Type of torest
In 2021
Very dense forest (more than 70%
canopy
Moderately dense forest (40% - 70% canopydensity) 4.5% (333 sq. km.)
Open forest (10% - 40% canopy
density)
density)44.5% (3286 sq. km.)
51% (3762 sq. km.)
Top districts in lorest cover in Bihar
Class Top Districts
Very dense forest Area of topdistricts
West Champaran 249.34 sq km
Moderately dense forest West Champaran 548.47 sq km
Open forest Kaimur
531.73 sq km
Conparison of forest cover in 2019 and-2021
Forest Area (2019)
Very dense forest
Area (2021)
333 sq km 333 sq km
Moderately dense forest 3250 sq km 3286 sq km
Open forest 3693 sq km
Total 3762 sq km
7306 sq km 7381 sq km
Note:Tree cover with more than 10 percent
canopy density and one hectare or more area is
as forest cover. considered
3 Other important facts
According to the Department of
Survey 2022-23, as per the censusEnvironment, Forest and Climate Change in the Economic
conducted the Forest Survey of Indiain 2019, the forest
by
cover and tree cover in Bihar is 13,896 sq km, which is 14.75 percent of the
Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Patna is spread over 153 total land area.
for rhinoceros breeding. acres. This park is Asia's largest center
Bihar'sfirst state bird festival 'Kalrav' was
organized at Nagi-Nakati Bird Sanctuary in Jamui.
Zoo-safari has been established in Rajgir.
Dolphin Research Center in Bihar is located in Patna. Dolphin Day is
According to the Tiger Census Report Year-2022, the number of tigerscelebrated on 5 October.
in Bihar has increased
to 54. According to the report of 2018, the
number of tigers in Bihar was 31.

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 Disaster Management in Bihar

Bihar is a plain state where the main disaster is flood. Apart from this, Bihar also suffers from
disasters like drought, earthquake, cyclone and heat wave.
Flood -Out of 38 districts of Bihar, 28 districts are flood affected. Out of these 28 districts,
15 are highly flood affected and 13 are less flood affected districts.
The maximum impact of flood is seen in North Bihar. The floodaffected area of Bihar is
16.5% of the total flood affected area of India.

East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali,

Highly floodaffect- Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Darbhanga, Madhubani
ed districts (15) Samastipur, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura,
Khagaria, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Katihar
Less flood affected West Champaran, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj,
districts (13) Purnia, Kishanganj, Patna, Nalanda, Bhojpur,
Buxar, Lkhisarai, Sheikhpura
The main causes of flooding
Bihar has two months of intense rainy season.
Lack of water management in Bihar.
Breaking of embankments and human expansion in water catchment areas etc.
Heavy water flow in the rivers of north Bihar during rainy season.
Drought: Drought situation arises due to uncertainty of monsoon and
of water.
unscientific exploitation
About 20% of Bihar's area is affected by drought.
The main districts affected by drought are
Munger etc.
Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Rohtas, Kaimur,
For drought control, it is necessary to use modern
irrigation methods such as drip irrigation.
sprinkler irrigation etc. and construct canals.
G Earthquake - Bihar's geographical location near the
Hinalayas gives rise to the possibility of
earthquake here.
Different areas of Bihar are divided into different zones
ZONE V, IV &III depending On
the possibility of earthquake.

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 EarthQuolke Zene n Biher
Eorth@uoke Very High Zone
Eorth@uoke High Zone
EorthQuoke Moderote 2one
East Chapann,
Modhuboni
Shwan Supoul shonko
Aroria
Muoaffarpur
Madhepura
Saran
Vaishal
canastipu orsa Purania

Buxer Katihar
bhojpur Patina
Anwal Jehona Nolanda Bha
Kaimur bod
Rohtas

Aurangabod Gayo (Nawada Bonka

Zone District
Zone- V
Kishanganj, Saharsa, Supaul, Mad
(High intensity) hepura, Araria, Sitamarhi, Darbhan
ga, Madhubani
Zone- IV East Champaran, West Champaran,
(Medium intensity) Saran, Vaishali, Patna, Siwan, Sheohar
Zone- III Gaya, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Kaimur,
(Low intensity) Buxar, Bhojpur, Munger
Cyclone - Bihar is not geographically a coastal state but due to its proxinmity to the Bay of
Bengal,
Bihar is sometimes affected by disasters like cyclones.
The cyclone originating in the Bay of Bengal affects the border districts of Bihar along West
Bengal &Jharkhand.
The cyclone mainly affects the eastern districts of Bihar such as Kishanganj, Purnia,
Katihar, Araria etc. Bhagalpur,
Heavy rain and strong winds in a cyclone cause loss of lifeand property.
Sendai Framework and Bihar
The third United Nations World Summit for Disaster Risk Reduction was held in
March 2015
in Sendai city of Japan. In this conference, 7 major goals related to disaster risk reduction have
been set up. India adopted the Sendai Framework on June 1, 2016. Bihar is the first state in
India to implement the action plan related to the Sendai Framework.

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