Natural Resources in Madhya Pradesh

Rivers:

Madhya Pradesh has numerous rivers, the important ones being Narmada, Chambal, Betwa, Shipra, Sone, Mahanadi, Indrawati and Tapti. All these rivers are important for drinking, irrigation and hydro-electric power generation.

Forests:

Madhya Pradesh is gifted with rich and diverse forest resources. About one third of the total geographical area is under forest cover. This forest cover has been classified as Reserved Forest, Protected Forest and Unclassified Forest.

Central, eastern and southern parts of the state are rich, whereas northern and western parts are deficient in forest reserves. Variability in climatic and soil conditions brings about significant difference in the forest types of the state. There are four important forest types namely, Tropical Moist, Tropical Dry, Tropical Thorn, and Subtropical broadleaved Hill forests.

The forest area can also be classified based on the composition of forest and terrain of the area. Based on composition, there are three important forest formations namely Teak forest, Sal forest and Miscellaneous Forests. Bamboo bearing areas are widely distributed in the state. To prevent pressure on the natural forests, plantations have been undertaken in forest and non forest areas to supplement the availability of fuel wood, small timber, and fodder.

Minerals:

Madhya Pradesh is endowed with rich mineral resources. The diamond mine at Panna near Khajuraho is the largest mine in the country which has recoverable reserves of about one million carats.

The state's other mineral deposits include high-grade limestone, dolomite, iron ore, manganese ore, copper, coal, rock phosphate and bauxite. Madhya Pradesh is country's only producer of tin ore.