Importance of Mountains:
1. Mountains are a storehouse of water. Many rivers originate in the glaciers in the mountains.
2. Reservoirs are made and the water from the mountains is used for irrigation and generation of hydro-electricity.
3. The river valleys and terraces are most suitable for farming and cultivation of crops as the land is very fertile.
4. Mountains support a rich variety of flora and fauna.
5. Mountains also affect the climate of an area. For example, the Himalayas cause rainfall in India by blocking the south-west monsoon winds. They also protect us from the cold winds of Central Asia in winter.
6. Mountains are also rich in mineral and metal deposits which are essential for industries.
7. According to the United Nations Development Programme, mountains provide home for around 720 million people.
8. The forests in the mountainous regions provide fuel, fodder, shelter and other products like gum, wild fruits, mushrooms, resins, etc. mountains provide an ideal holiday for tourists. They visit the for their natural scenic beauty and relaxation.
9. Many recreation, sporting and tourism activities takes place in the mountains. Paragliding, hang gliding, river rafting and skiing are popular sports in the mountains.
