Karbi Anglong Plateau or Karbi-Plateau is the only plateau of Assam and is situated in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. The Karbi Anglong Plateau, which is the easternmost part of the north-eastward projection of Gondwanaland lies almost detached from the Meghalayan Plateau due to headward erosion of the Kopili and Dhansiri River and their tributaries.
Physiography of Karbi Anglong Plateau
Geologically Karbi Anglong plateau is known oldest landform in
Assam. It is pear-shaped and has an area of about 7000 km2.
Its link with the Meghalaya proper is towards the south through
a patch of highly denuded and subdued senile terrain.
It has been subjected to extreme weathering and denudation
and as a result, resistant sandstones of the Surma series which underlie them
have contributed to the characteristic rugged topography with a number of hills
purely of relict type. (R.L. Sing 1971)
To the south lie the young folded ranges of North Cachar
Hills and to the surrounding lowlands on all sides. The plateau has developed a
radial drainage pattern.
However, the central part still remains high with the Rengma Range reigning the east-central landscape. The highest peak is Dambusho (1363m) lies in this region. (Taher & Ahmed 1998)
The Climate of Karbi Along Plateau
Due to variations in the topography, this hill zone
experiences different climates in different parts. The winter commences from
October and continues till February. During summer, the atmosphere becomes
sultry. The temperature ranges from 6 degrees to 12 degrees and 23 degrees to 32
degrees Celcius in summer. The average rainfall is about 2416 mm.
The climate of the region is controlled by the same factors that apply to other parts of Northeast
India. The Cherra-Dawki escarpment of Meghalaya and the Barail range obstruct
to some extent the southwest monsoon winds coming from the south into the heart of
the region.
This provides a rain-shadow effect to the northwestern portion of the Dimasa plateau and the Hojai-Lumding area of Nagaon district which
constitute the southern part of the Karbi inhabited area, lofty ranges of
Arunachal Pradesh protect the Brahmaputra Valley from the cold air masses of
the Tibetan region in winter, and in summer they provide a congenital condition
for relief rainfall from the south-west monsoon in the Brahmaputra Valley.
During the early summer months, a strong ‘trough' develops stretching from the
western Gangetic valley up to northern Burma across eastern India, Bangladesh, and southern North-East India.
This trough belt attracts the south-westerly winds causing heavy a downpour of rain and consequent check in the ripe of temperature in the summer/pre-monsoon months. The westerly disturbances i.e. the eastward-moving upper air troughs also bring in precipitation in the greater part of the Brahmaputra valley and the low hills flanking it during the late winter season.
The Soil of Karbi Along Plateau
The process of soil formation in Karbi Anglong is generally slow on a foundation of Pre-Cambrian gneissic rock. The soil cover is shallow over the hill slopes with a thin surface layer of humus and is liable to erosion.
Usually, these soils are red loam. Over the lower slopes with tertiary formations, the soil cover is comparatively thicker and rich in organic matter. The plains and the river valleys are dominated by sandy loam soil, which constitutes the best agricultural fields in the district. On the whole, the soils of
The district can be divided into four types:
1. Red loamy soil mixed with clay
It covers about 70% of the area of the Diphu sub-division. The soils of the Chenghe-Arnam plateau and the Diphu plateau may be categorized under this group.
2. Sandy and clayey soils
Found in the entire Socheng area
located in the southern part of the Hamren subdivision.
3. Old alluvium
Found in the western part of the Rongkhang plain
and also in the extreme northernmost part Diphu sub-division.
4. The sandy and alluvial soils
found in the eastern part of Rongkhang plain, Jamuna valley and also in the Dhansiri valley. Red loam soils are suitable for the production of various types of potatoes, grams and hill paddy (mainly Ahu). Old alluvial soils are suitable for tea plantations, fruits and vegetables. New alluvial soils, are to some extent sandy and have contained an acidic character (Phukan1978)
The Natural Vegetation and Forest of Karbi Anglong
The district of Karbi Anglong is also rich in natural vegetation and this forms an indispensable part of the life of the Karbis. The natural vegetation of the Karbi Anglong may be classified into the following groups:
a) Semi-evergreen.
b) Tropical deciduous
c) Mixed deciduous, and
d) Grassland
The climatic condition and soil of the district favor the
growth of ample vegetation. The alluvial soil having moderate to high rainfall
is congenial for the growth of evergreen vegetation. The Nambar area of the
Dhansiri river valley is well known for its semi-evergreen vegetation. Red
loam soil associated with clay favors the growth of deciduous vegetation.
State Government managed the reserved forests and the
District Council looked after only the unclassed forests. From
the administrative point, the forest area of Karbi Anglong can be divided into
the following divisions viz. the East Division and the West Division. The total
area under East Division up to 1990-91 is 3833.39 sq. km. while the total area
under West Division is 1737.47sq.km.
The forest area covered is about 4,922.019 sq. km with 14
State Reserve Forests and 17 District Council Reserve Forests in the district.
1. Nambar Protected Forest.
2. Dhansiri Protected Forest.
3. Doldoli Protected Forest.
4. Rangkhang Protected Forest.
5. Tutumai Protected Forest.
6. Amreng Protected Forest,
7, Shildharampur Protected Forest.
8. Kaliani Protected Forest.
9. Chelabor Protected Forest.
Places to Visit in Karbi Anglong
1. Diphu Hill Station
It is a busy town located on a hill. There are tourist
attractions in and around the town.
2. Akashiganga
65 km away from Diphu, here a stream of water flows down
from the high hill. In front of it, there is a Siva temple
3. Dikrut Waterfall
It's a waterfall located on the mountain. Outsiders know it
by the name of Bhelughat.
4. Garampani (Hot Spring)
Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary is home to hoolock gibbon and golden langur. There is a hot water spring here near the National Highway-29 (also AH1).
5. Kaiphlangso
Dolamara vicinity under No. 26 Duarbagroi MAC Constituency
in Karbi Anglong and is famous for its scenic beauty and bordering the enchanting
hills. Outsiders know it as Kakochang falls.
6. Kangthilangso Waterfall
It's a waterfall located in Kangthi village, around 12 km
from Denarong (Dengaon).
7. Longsokangthu or Siloni
It is a picnic spot on the bank of a river, surrounded by
hills and greenery.
8. Silbheta
It is a picnic spot located at a distance of 37 km from
Diphu. The place is surrounded by rainforests. Nature built a stone bridge (dyke)
with a waterfall is the main attraction of this place.
9. Recreation Park
Recreation Park is a Government-run Recreational cum Medicinal garden. It is a place of attraction for tourists.