RiversThere are four rivers viz. Ravi, Beas, Satluj and Ghaggar
flow
across the state in a southwesterly direction. They have numerous small
and seasonal tributaries. In addition, Punjab is watered by an
extensive canal system.
ForestsPunjab is not fortunate in having a
large
forest cover. The arid and semi arid climate of the state is not
favorable for the growth of forests. However, the state has a total
forest cover of 3054.28 sq. km which is 6% of the total
geographical area
of the state. Forests are the source of income for rural people. It
also adds little economy to the state. Various products obtained from
the forests are of medicinal as well as of
industrial use.
The
total Shivalik area covers 1137 sq km out of which dense forest, open
forest & scrub forest comprises 6.4%, 11.64% & 0.98% area
respectively.
The natural forest categories which are found in the state are as follows:
- Tropical Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests
- Northern Tropical Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests
- Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests
- Dry Grasslands
- Khair & Dalbergia sissoo
- Shivalik Chir Pine Forests
MineralsThe
mineral resources
of the state include mainly the salts like rock salt, lime stone, sand
stone, gypsum, chloride of sodium and red tenacious clay. Apart from
these, the state has some Petroleum deposits. Due to less
availability of metal deposits in the state there is no such heavy industry running in Punjab.