Geography-of-J-and-k-and-ladakh-final_1696438135

Physiography
CHAPTER
Physiography
The Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh lie majorly in the Himalayan Mountain region.
The hilly terrain varies from 1500 m to 7000 m. The region comprises several river valleys, gorgeous
mountain ranges and natural mountain passes.
JAMMU & KASHMIR LOCATION AND AREA

● The latitudinal extent of Jammu and Kashmir including the Union Territory Ladakh is 32°15' and
37° 05' North. The longitudinal extent is 72° 31' and 80° 20' East.
● The Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir lies in the Northern part of India, with Punjab in South-
West, Himachal Pradesh in South-East and Ladakh in East. In the West, it is separated by Line of
Control from Pakistan controlled territories of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan region in North.
● The total area held by the Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir in India is 42,241 km². The length
of LoC in Jammu and Kashmir is 776 km.
PHYSIOGRAPHIC DIVISION OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Physiographically, the Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir is divided into five physical divisions. All
the divisions show structural similarity with Western Himalayas. These are plains, foothills
(Shivaliks), Middle Himalayas, Greater Himalayas and Valley of Kashmir.
For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

1
Physiography
PLAINS
● The plains are present in the Southern parts of the region and the average elevation is 300-350
m.
● These are fertile land areas formed by the eroded bedrock material brought down by the mighty
rivers Chenab, Ravi, Tawi, Ujh, Bsantar, etc.
● The outer plains are locally known as Andarwah or Bajwat. The outer plains are traversed by
numerous hill streams known as Khad.
● These Khads remain dry most of the year, but in rainy season these streams turn into huge
gushing rivers. Here we find weed growth, locally known as Khar or Elephantine Grass.
● This region stretches in the Southern of parts Akhnoor, Ranbir Singh Pura (RS Pura), Samba and
Kathua areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
● The plains are used for growing rice and wheat crops.
FOOTHILLS (SHIVALIKS)
● These are the low hills with gentle slopes and form the outermost range of the Himalayas.
● They are formed of younger tertiary rocks.
● The width of the Shivaliks ranges from 20-50 km and height varies from 600-1220m.
● Jammu is located in the Southern slopes of Shivalik hills. Mansar and Surinsar lakes are in the
East of Jammu 600 m from the sea level.. Other important places are Mirpur, Udhampur and
Reasi.
● The outer zone of foothills is comprised of long ridges and longitudinal valleys, called Duns. e.g.
Duns of Udhampur Basohli, Ramkot, Sunderbani and Kotli.
● These duns are a result of erosion of sandstone, clay and silt of the region.
● The inner zone has steep slope and plateau due to folding and erosion activities on the
sedimentary rocks.
● The slopes of Shivaliks between Ravi and Chenab rivers are known as Kandi. It is adjacent to the
plains upto a height of 300 m.
MIDDLE HIMALAYAS
● It is also known as Lesser Himalayas which lies between the Ravi (in the East) and the Poonch (in
the West).
● This region is composed of volcanic rocks of granite, gneiss, quartz, etc. The average Li elevation
of this region is 3600-4600 m.
● Vaishno Devi Cave is situated on the peak of Trikuta mountain in this region.
● Many rivers have their source in the Middle Himalayas like Tawi, Manawar-Tawi, Basantra and
Ujh rivers.
● The average elevation of Middle Himalayas in Jammu region is between 1550 to 2240 m. People
do cattle rearing, forestry and tourism activities in this region.
● Two important ranges namely Pir Panjal (5000 m) and Dhauladhar are part of this region. Pir
Panjal is the longest and the Westernmost range of this region.
● Pir Panjal Range
○ The average elevation of this range varies from 1400-4100 m. The mountains run South-
East to North-West.
○ The range have natural passes through which Kashmir valley is connected. This range
separates Kashmir valley from outer Himalayas. Gulmarg lies in this range.
GREATER HIMALAYAS
● These Himalayan ranges lie to the North of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. The altitude
increases steadily towards the North.
● Greater Himalayas comprises Zanskar and Karakoram ranges and its average height is 6100 m.
● Zanskar Range
○ The average height of this range in Jammu and
○ Kashmir is between 4500 to 6100 m.

2
Physiography
○ In the North, Kashmir range forms the part of Zanskar range and also forms the North-
Eastern border of the Kashmir valley.
○ There are a few peaks in the Zanskar range having a height of 6100 m above sea level.
○ The altitude of this region increases to the North. Zanskar and Suru rivers flow in this
range.
● Karakoram Range
○ This range lies towards the North of Zanskar range in the Northern part of Kashmir. It is
the world's second highest mountain range. K2 (8611 m) is situated in this range in PoK.
○ Winter temperature is extremely cold in this range. Some of the coldest places like Drass
lies in this range.
○ The Zanskar and Karakoram ranges prevent the cold winds of Central Asia to enter India.
○ It is made of granite and gneiss rocks.
○ The Karakoram, along with other areas in and around the Himalayan region is known as
the Roof of the World'.
VALLEY OF KASHMIR
● It is bowl shaped deep basin which lies between the Pir Panjal and the Western end of the Great
Himalayan ranges.
● The Kashmir Valley lies between latitude 32° and 34° N and longitude 74° and 75° E. The valley is
100 km wide and 15,520.3 km² in area.
● The average elevation of this valley is 1,850 m. It is filled by sediments of lakes and alluvium
deposited by the Upper Jhelum river.
● There are extensive elevated plateaus of alluvial and lacustrine material in the valley. These
deposits or plateaus are known as Karewas.
● Karewas are locally known as Wudars. The Wudars are found extensively and continuously on
the left bank of Jhelum river.
● Mattan Wudar, Zainpur Wudar, Nagum Wudar, Khushipura Wudar, Mukhamah Wudar are some
of the important Wudars. Pampore Wudar is known for saffron cultivation.
● Banihal Pass (now, Jawahar Tunnel) is a natural way to enter the valley from the South i.e. from
Jammu.
● The valley region comprises of picturesque places like Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Bodgam,
Pulwama, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Shopian.
● The Kashmir valley is drained by the Jhelum river which rises from Verinag spring. Largest lake in
this valley is Wular lake, which is fed by the Jhelum river.
● The Jhelum river and its tributaries have carved out several smaller valleys. They are known as
Side valleys.
● Jhelum river exits the valley from Baramulla Gorge. Cultivation of rice and maize is done on flat
lands and valley slopes.
IMPORTANT SIDE VALLEYS
● Important side valleys made by river Jhelum and its tributaries are described as follows
● Sind Valley It lies in North-East of Kashmir valley. It is a long valley made by the flowing of Sind
river. Pm
● It is 65 km long with a width of 500 m-1 km. This valley connects Kashmir valley to Ladakh.
● Liddar Valley It lies in the South-Eastern corner of the Kashmir valley. This valley is made by
Liddar river. Parts of Anantnag and picturesque town of Pahalgam lie in this valley. The length of
the valley is 40 km and width is 3 km.
●
● Lolab Valley It is an oval-shaped valley, 24 km long and 3 km wide. The valley lies in the North-
West of Kashmir valley in Kupwara. The valley is formed by Lahwal river.
● Daksum Valley This valley is located in East of Kashmir valley in Anantnag district. It is located
around the path of in Brengi river.
MOUNTAIN PASSES IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

3
Physiography
● Banihal Pass It is also known as Jawahar Tunnel and is a Gateway to the Kashmir valley. It is
situated at an elevation of 2,832m and connects Kashmir to the outer Himalaya. It lies on the Pir
Panjal range.
● Margan Top It connects Warwan valley to Kashmir valley and is located in Anantnag. It is
elevated at 3696m.
● Sinthan Top It is a mountain pass situated between South Kashmir Breng Valley (in Anantnag)
and Kishtwar. It is located at a height of 3748 m.
● Munawar Pass It is located on the Pir Panjal range. It lies in North of Pir Ki Gali overlooking the
town of Rajouri. It lies South West of Jammu and Kashmir closer to LoC in Rajouri district.
● Pir Panjal Pass It is elevated at a height of 3490 m and connects the Kashmir valley to the
districts of Rajouri and Poonch via the Mughal road. This pass is also known as Pir Ki Gali since
Saint Nund Rishi and Pir Sheikh Ahmed Karim lived and meditated here.
● Burzail Pass This pass was part of the historic caravan route between Srinagar and Gilgit. It lies
30 km North of LoC and falls in the conflict territory. Its elevation is 4100 m.
FAMOUS MOUNTAINS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR
● Most of the part of Jammu and Kashmir is formed by mountains, thus mountains have a great
importance for the UT. The Kashmir valley is surrounded by high mountain ranges and a narrow
gorge at Baramulla. The Southern part has Shivalik hills and the Northern part is covered by the
lofty mountains.
● Some of the important mountains are discussed below.
● Amarnath Mountain
○ It is located in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is about 5,186 m in height.
○ It is famous for its holy, cave Amarnath which is located at a height of 3900 m and
○ can be reached through the Mahagunas pass (4300 m).
○ Amarnath cave is believed to be the ancient and among the most sacred places for
pilgrimage in Hinduism.
○ The mountain has Liddar valley where Gwasharan (5,450 m) is situated towards
Pahalgam.
○ Kolahoi glacier is situated in these mountains.
○ Sheshnag lake is also located in these mountains.
● Afarwat Mountain
○ This mountain spreads through the Gulmarg valley. It is about 4,390 m in height.
Alpathar spring lies on its peak.
○ Nullah Nagal has its origin from this spring which flows down and meets the Wular lake.
● Harmukh Mountain
○ It is also known as Mount Harmukh. It is located at an elevation of 5,142 m in Ganderbal
district of Jammu and Kashmir.
○ It is a part of the Himalayan range and is located between Nallah Sindh in the South and
Neelum river in the North. It is mostly climbed from the North-Western side of
Bandipore.
○ It is considered as one of the sacred mountains by Hindus, and also according to Hindu
mythology, it is the Abode of Lord Shiva.
● Nun Kun Mountain
○ This mountain lies between Ladakh and Kashmir border and is about 7,135 m in height.
○ This mountain range comprises of two peaks namely Nun (7,135 m) and Kun (7,077 m).
○ Nun is the highest peak in the part of the Himalayan range lying on the Indian side of the
Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
○ Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh lies on its South-East part and Kargil Tehsil of Ladakh
lies on its North-West part.
○ Bara-Lacha Pass (4,891 m) lies between Leh and Kullu, is a natural pass between these
mountain ranges.

4
Physiography
● Volcanic Mountains
○ Two volcanic mountain peaks are situated in Jammu and Kashmir. Soyamji (1,860 m)
volcanic peak lies in North Machhipura (Handwara), which once erupted for 13 months
in 1934 and is now a dormant volcanic peak.
○ The other volcanic peak is Kharewa which lies in Pahalgam Tehsil, but it has not erupted
so far. These volcanic mountain peaks are the cause of earthquakes in Kashmir.
LADAKH
The Ladakh region is formed as a result of the upward movement in the Earth's crust which was
caused by the collision of Indian plate with Eurasian plate around 45 million years ago.
LOCATION AND AREA
The Ladakh region was earlier a Division of the Jammu and Kashmir state. From 31st October, 2019,
it became a Union Territory (UT).
The land of Ladakh is bordered by Tibet (autonomous region in the East), Xinjiang (autonomous
region of China) and Gilgit Baltistan (under Pakistan) in North-West, Jammu and Kashmir in West and
Himachal Pradesh in South.
The area of Ladakh under Indian administration is 59,146 sq kms. Ladakh lies in the coordinates
34°10' N and 77°34' E.
PHYSIOGRAPHIC DIVISION OF LADAKH
The physical features defining Ladakh are mountains, valleys plains and mountain passes.
1. MOUNTAIN RANGES IN LADAKH
There are several mountain ranges, running parallel to each other in Ladakh.
GREAT HIMALAYAN RANGE

● It runs from North-West to South-East direction through Ladakh. The range separates the valley
of Kashmir from Ladakh.
● This enormous mountain range creates a rain shadow area due to which the monsoon winds do
not reach Ladakh. This makes Ladakh a cold desert, as it receives just 2 cm of rainfall annually.
ZANSKAR RANGE
● East of the Great Himalayan range and Zanskar range lie parallel to each other. The average
height of this range is 3,500-7,000 mts.
● Suru river forms the Western and Northern boundary of this range.

5
Physiography
● These ranges enclose the Zanskar river valley. The region experiences heavy snowfall in winters.
LADAKH RANGE
● This range lies East of Zanskar range in Central Ladakh.
● The Indus and Shyok rivers confluences on the Ladakh range.
● It has an average elevation of 6000 m. The range forms the North-Eastern bank of Indus river.
● City of Leh is situated in this range at an elevation of 3,500 m.
KARAKORAM RANGE
● This range lies in the North-East of Ladakh, in the Eastern boundry of the Nubra valley.
● Karakoram is the second highest mountain range in the world. K2 (Godwin Austen) lies in this
range.
● Siachen, Baltoro, Hispar, Rimo and Batuna are important glaciers found in this range.
● Historic Karakoram Pass passes through Ladakh. All the mountain ranges run parallel to each
other which prevent the moisture laden monsoon winds to enter Ladakh. Therefore, it is a semi-
arid land.
2. VALLEYS IN LADAKH
Ladakh consists of several valleys. These valleys lie between mountain ranges and are drained by
perennial Himalayan rivers.
IMPORTANT VALLEYS OF LADAKH ARE:
LEH VALLEY
● It lies in the Upper Indus region at a height of 3,500 metres. It serves as the Winter Capital of
Ladakh.
● The valley is connected through motorable roads from Leh-Srinagar Highway and Leh-Manali
Highway. The valley is drained by the Indus river.
● Most of the population in Ladakh lives in this valley.
RUPSHU VALLEY
● This valley lies South-East of Ladakh at an elevation of 4,500-5,500 metres. The valley starts from
20 km North-West of Tso Morini lake.
● The mountains around the valley have rolling slopes.
● This valley is part of the Changthang plateau.
SALT VALLEY
● It lies in South-East of Ladakh region at an elevation of 5,000 metres. The valley has a length of
20 km and width of around 7 km.
● As the name suggests, impure salt formations occur in this area around the Northern edge of
Tsokar lake.
● The salt obtained from this valley was used in barter trade in ancient times.
MUSHKO VALLEY
● This valley is situated extreme North-West of Ladakh region in Drass.
● It is situated at an elevation of 3,353 m, very close to the Line of Control between India and
Pakistan.
● The valley is covered with glaciers and considered unsuitable for human settlements.
● However, the valley also consists of f flowering meadows during summers. Drass river drains the
valley.
SHYOK VALLEY
● This valley is situated around the Shyok river at a height of 3,048 m.
● It lies close to Nubra valley. It can be reached from the Khardung La Pass.
NUBRA VALLEY
● This valley is situated in between the Nubra and Shyok rivers, at an elevation of 3,048 m above
sea level.
● This large valley separates the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges.
● Karakoram ranges form the Eastern border of Nubra valley.
● It was an area of ancient settlements and also an important pass in the Silk Route.

6
Physiography
● Siachen glacier lies to the North of this valley.

● Nubra valley lies towards North-East of Ladakh closer to the Line of Control.
SURU VALLEY
● This valley is drained by the Suru river which is a tributary of Indus river. It lies in Southern
Ladakh at an elevation of 3,000 metres.
● Lower part of this valley is suitable for agriculture and therefore, more populated than rest of
Ladakh.
ZANSKAR VALLEY
● It is also known as Zangskar or Jangskar valley. It is situated at a height of 4,000 metres above
sea level around the Zanskar river.
● The valley spans to several hundred kilometres. It is located in Northern Kargil region.
● The valley is mostly a dry barren occasional greenery.
UPPER INDUS VALLEY
● The upper part of river Indus flows through Ladakh and forms the upper Indus valley.
● The river runs through Ladakh and forms its backbone.
● This valley has deep gorges and many rivers join the Indus river in the upper river valley.
● The area between Spitok Gompa and Hemis Gompa is considered as the Heartland of Ladakh.
● Leh is situated in this valley. Other important places situated in this valley are Shey, Basgo and
Tingmosgang.
3. PLAINS
The straight stretches of land between the mountain ranges in Ladakh are considered as the plain
areas. They are as follows
MORE PLAINS
● With an elevation of 4,800 m, this plain area is located between Leh and Sarchu.
● More plains are also known as Kiang Chu Thang. .
● As it is elevated from sides and flat from top, it is also considered a plateau.
DEPSANG PLAINS
● This region lies in the disputed Aksai Chin region.
● The Western portion of these plains lie in Ladakh and the Eastern portion is controlled by China.
● These plains are full of gravel and sediments and lack any vegetation.
● These plains lie at a height of 5,300 m.
Changthang Plateau
This plateau is located in the South-East of Ladakh and stretches onto Tibet. It is 1600 km wide
with an average height of 5000 m above sea level. The plateau has vast highlands and giant lakes.
This plateau is inhabited by the Changthangi tribe, also known as Changpa who rear livestock like
yak, sheep and most importantly the Pashmina goat. This plateau lies towards East of Leh and can
be reached from Tang La mountain pass.
4. MOUNTAIN PASSES
Ladakh is called the Land of High Passes. Numerous passes run through the barren mountains in
Ladakh that are natural roads for the travellers.
Some of the important passes are as follows:

7
Physiography
SASER PASS
It is situated at an elevation of 5,411 m and runs from Leh to Yarkand in the Tarim Basin.
BARA-LACHA LA PASS
It is situated at an elevation of 4,890 m, this pass connects Leh to Lahaul (in Himachal Pradesh). It is
situated along the Leh-Manali Highway and is also a Gateway to Ladakh via Himachal Pradesh.
MARSIMIK LA PASS
It is famous for being the world's highest motorable pass. It is situated at a height of 5,582 m, this
pass lies in Chang-Chemno Range near the glacial Pangong lake.
TAGLANG LA PASS
It is the second highest mountain pass in Ladakh, situated at a height of 5,328 m. It is a well paved
pass from Upshi to Tanglang.
KARAKORAM PASS
It is situated at a height of 5,540 m in Northern Ladakh, and is between India and China.
The pass is second highest in the World but currently closed to all traffic due to border disputes.
KHARDUNG LA PASS
At an elevation of 5,359 m. this pass is situated in Leh district. It is a gateway to Shyok and Nubra
valleys and also connects to Siachen glacier.
CHANG LA PASS
Elevated at 5,360 m, it is the third highest motorable mountain pass in the world and connects Leh
to Pangong lake.
ZOJI LA PASS
It is an important mountain pass located in Drass in the Kargil district of Ladakh. It is elevated at
3528 m. Zoji La pass connects Kashmir valley to Drass and Suru valley and Indus valley to further
East.
Zoji La Tunnel is being constructed on this pass to avail the passage of traffic throughout the year.
The pass falls on NH1 and holds strategic importance for the Northern borders of India.

8
Physiography
OTHER PASSES
CHAPTER 06
Climate
The climate of the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is highly influenced by their
locations in the mountainous terrains. Each of these places have a distinct temperature and rainfall
pattern.
CLIMATIC ZONES
Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are broadly divided into three climatic zones. These zones represent
the overall climate of the gions depending upon their location, rainfall distribution and mean
temperature. They are
1. The Sub-Tropical Climate Region of Jammu
2. The Temperate Kashmir Valley

9
Physiography
3. The Cold Mountainous Area of Ladakh
CLIMATE OF JAMMU
● The area of Jammu is situated in the sub-tropical region. It comprises of Doda, Kathua, Ramban,
Reasi, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and Samba districts.
● Its climate is highly influenced by the Pir Panjal and Shivalik ranges. The southern part (plains)
have a monsoon type of climate i.e., hot summers and cool winters. The mountainous areas of
Jammu are influenced by the climate of Kashmir valley.
● Jammu experiences mainly three seasons i.e. summer season, rainy season and winter season.

10
Physiography
SUMMER SEASON (MARCH-MID JUNE)

● Summer season begins from March onwards. Temperature rises abruptly in May and June and
ange between 38°C to 45°C.
● Hot dry winds called 'loo' blow in the lowlands of Jammu. Dust storms also occur during April in
Jammu.
● The night temperature varies between 20°C to 30°C. The region experiences hot summers.
● Southern Jammu records maximum temperature.
● There are light drizzles of rain in this season.
RAINY SEASON (MID JUNE-MID SEPTEMBER)
● Rainy season or monsoon starts from middle of June in Jammu and continues till Mid-
September. Average rainfall in this season is 65 cm and average temperature ranges between
30-35° C.
● Humidity is high in this season and the weather is quite oppressive.
● Reasi district in Jammu receives maximum rainfall (132 cm) in an year. The total annual rainfall
of Jammu region is about 136 cm.
● The South-West part of Jammu receives rainfall mostly from South-West monsoon.
● The North and North-East parts of Jammu receive rainfall from Western disturbances.
WINTER SEASON (OCTOBER-FEBRUARY)
● From October to February, Jammu experiences cold winters. Temperature dips rapidly during
night upto 2-3°C. Days are cool and chilly wind blows.
● Mist and fog are also common. January is the coldest month in winter season of this region.
● The mean minimum temperature of the region as a whole remains 3°C in January. But in this
month, the mean minimum temperature varies from -1.9°C in the Northern high altitudinal
areas to 7.8°C in the Southern plains of Jammu.
● Due to the Western disturbances, Jammu gets rainfall in winters. This is good for the cultivation
of wheat crop in Jammu.
● Jammu also experiences a short spring season from the end of February to Mid-March. The
temperature rises during spring season.
CLIMATE OF KASHMIR
● The valley of Kashmir lies between Pir Panjal range and Western end of the Great Himalayan
ranges.

11
Physiography
● This region comprises of Anantnag, Budgam, Bandipora, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Srinagar,
Ganderbal, Baramulla and Kupwara districts of the UT.
● Kashmir has a continental type of climate. In summers, the climate is sub-tropical but in winters,
it is Arctic type with long extreme winters and short summers.
● The valley of Kashmir experiences five seasons namely spring, summer, rainy, autumn and
winter.
SPRING SEASON (MARCH-MAY)
● The spring season in Kashmir starts from the month of March when the temperature starts
rising.
● The temperature fluctuates from 12° C to 20°C during daytime and falls upto 5°C during night.
● Spring is accompanied by rainfall in Kashmir, which is about 110 mm in March-April.
● The valley receives maximum rains in this season which are caused by the Western disturbances.
SUMMER SEASON (MID MAY-MID JULY)
● The summer season starts in Kashmir from Mid-May.
● During daytime, the temperature reaches upto 30°C and falls to 10°C during night.
● This variation in day and night temperatures provides a pleasant and clear climate in the valley.
● This season attracts a lot of tourists in the valley. July is the hottest month of this season when
daytime temperature reaches upto 37°C.
RAINY SEASON (MID JULY-SEPTEMBER)
● Mid July to September are the rainy months. Average temperature fluctuates between 12°C to
27°C.
● The valley receives moderate rainfall.
● The total annual rainfall received by Kashmir is about 86 cm.
● The humidity is high in this season.
AUTUMN SEASON (MID SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER)

● The temperature falls gradually in this season and the sky is clear. There are minimum weather
disturbances. .
● It is the season of saffron flowering and the valley with its purple bloom of saffrom flowers looks
beautiful.
● The night temperature is upto 5°C and days remain warm upto 20°C.
● In this season, people are busy in saffron cultivation, harvesting crops of rice, apple and almonds
and collecting firewood for upcoming winters.
● This season also marks the celebration of festivals and important occasions like marriage, etc.
WINTER SEASON (NOVEMBER-FEBRUARY)
● The temperature begins to fall from November which starts the winter season in Kashmir.
● The winters are long and severe in Kashmir.
● The mean temperature is 5°C in the valley.
● Daytime temperature ranges from 8°C to 15°C.
● Nights are very cold and ranges from 0 to -2°C.
● The region receives heavy snowfall during this season, maximum in January. Average snowfall is
about 120 cm. It is mainly due to Western disturbances, which are temperate cyclones
originating from Mediterranean sea.
● Doru in South Kashmir and North Kashmir regions receives maximum snowfall in the winter
season.
● The relative humidity in winters is about 90% and Sunshine is low during this season.
● January is the coldest month and is known as the Period of Chilla-Kalan.
● Around 40 days of Chilla-Kalan i.e. in the month of January are extremely cold and experience
ice-cold season.

12
Physiography
CLIMATE OF LADAKH
● The Ladakh region is situated on the rain shadow side of the Himalayan mountains which block
the monsoon clouds. It lies in the Great Himalayas.
● The climate of Ladakh is cold and dry, therefore, it is also called Cold Desert. It comprises only
two districts, Leh and Kargil.
● There are three seasons in Ladakh i.e. spring, summer and winter.

13
Physiography
SPRING SEASON (MARCH-APRIL)

● Temperature fluctuates between 6°C during the daytime and -5°C during night.
● The air is chilly and temperature starts from April.
● Ladakh receives occasional rainfall during this season.
SUMMER SEASON (MAY-AUGUST)
● There is a steady rise in temperature from the first week of May, which continues till August.
● The temperature rises upto 23°C during the day and falls to 3°C during night.
● The weather is pleasant, the sky is clear and the air is not chilly during the daytime. While the
night time is chilly.
● Ladakh gets maximum tourists during this season. Local events and festivals are celebrated
during the summer season.
● July is the hottest month in Ladakh when temperature rises upto 25°C. The land gets plenty of
Sunshine.
WINTER SEASON (AUGUST TO NOVEMBER)
● Ladakh has a long winter of 8-9 months. The temperature starts decreasing from 23°C to around
15°C during day.
● Nights become cold and winter's chill fills the air during September-October.
● In the month of November, temperature starts falling below 0°C.
ICE-COLD SEASON (NOVEMBER - FEBRUARY)
● These months are extremely cold. Day temperature begins to fall rapidly. Nights become
extremely cold and temperature falls upto -20°C and beyond.
● January is the coldest month and records mean temperature of -14.4°C.
● There is heavy snowfall during these months. All highways are closed and Ladakh becomes
inaccessible.
● All rivers and lakes get frozen during these months. Drass is the coldest place in Ladakh. It
recorded the coldest temperature of -45° C in 1986.

14
Physiography
● Due to its high altitude (3650m), the Ladakh plateau records the minimum temperature in
winters in India.
RAINFALL IN LADAKH
● Ladakh receives very less rainfall. Leh district (in Ladakh) receives the minimum rainfall i.e. 10 cm
in a year.
● This region receives its annual rainfall from Pre-Monsoon (32%), South-West Monsoon (29%),
Post Monsoon (10%) and Winter Season (29%).
● July is the wettest month while November is the driest. Average annual rainfall is just about 90-
100 mm.
CHAPTER 07
Drainage System
The drainage system of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh consists of rivers, lakes, springs and
glaciers. The main rivers include Jhelum, Chenab and Indus and their tributaries. They also have
many perennial hot and cold springs.
RIVERS
There are many rivers which originate from high mountains and flow through the UTs of Jammu and
Kashmir and Ladakh. All the major rivers are perennial in nature. The important rivers are described
as follows:

15
Physiography
RIVERS OF JAMMU REGION

Important rivers of Jammu region are:
CHENAB RIVER
● The ancient name of the Chenab river is Asikni. This river originates from Baralacha La pass
(4890 m) in Lahaul and Spiti region of the Himachal Pradesh.
● It assumes the name Chenab when it enters Jammu and Kashmir near Paddar at Kishtwar and
cross Doda, Ramban and Reasi districts.
● It is formed by two streams, namely, the Chandra and Bhaga that flow out from Baralacha and
meet at Tandi.
● Due to the confluence of these streams, the river is also called Chandrabhaga.
● Its total length is about 960 km. It covers the length of 504 km in Jammu and Kashmir. It
● drains the Eastern section of the Southern slope of Pir Panjal.
● It leaves Jammu and Kashmir at Akhnoor and enters Sialkot in Pakistan.
● Many hydel power projects are located on this river like Salal, Dalhasti, Sawalkot and Baghilar.
● Important tributaries of Chenab river are Miyar Nala, Marusudar (biggest right bank tributary),
Tawi (biggest left bank tributary) Bhut Nala, Lidrari, Sohal and Thirot.
MARUSUDAR RIVER
● It originates from Lahaul valley at an elevation of about 5175 m.

16
Physiography
● In the beginning, two streams namely Batkot and Gumbar emerge and then they merge to form
Warwan river.
● In the lower areas of Jammu region, Marusudar river is known as the Warwan. It flows in North
to South direction.
● Its catchment area is almost fan shaped.
TAWI RIVER
● This river originates from Kailash Kund glacier, located in Bhadarwah of Doda district (Jammu).
Its total length is about 141 km.
● It passes through Jammu, Ramnagar, Nagrota, Chenani, Udhampur and small parts of Doda
district.
● It joins the Chenab river in Sialkot district of Pakistan.
● Chenani Hydro Power Project is constructed on this river.
RAVI RIVER
● The ancient name of Ravi river is Parusni. It is also called Iravati.
● This river originates from Bara Bhangal near Rohtang pass in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
● Its total length is about 720 km. The river passes through two mountain ranges, namely, Pir
Panjal and Dhauladhar. It passes through Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.
● Basholi is an important town situated on the right bank of this river.
● Important tributaries of this river are Budhil, Naior Dhona, Seul and Siawa.
UJH RIVER
● This river originates from the Domal structure of Seojdhar range in the Middle M Himalayas. It is
the second most important river of Kathua district after Ravi river. It covers a length of 65 km in
Kathua district of Jammu region.
● It is a branch of Ravi river that comes from Ramkot side of Jammu, passes through Kathua
district and then enters Pakistan.
● Timber logs from hills to plains are transported via this river.
● Important tributaries of this river are Naaz and Bhinni Nala.
RIVERS OF KASHMIR REGION
Important rivers of Kashmir region are
JHELUM RIVER
● The ancient name of Jhelum river is Vitasta. It is the main waterway in the Kashmir valley. It is
also called Vyeth in Kashmiri.
● This river originates from Verinag spring which lies 80 km South-East of Srinagar district.
● The total length of the river is about 725 km and it covers a length of 177 km in the valley of
Kashmir.
● In Srinagar, many tributaries join this river and thus, it becomes navigable from Khannabal to
Wular lake.
● Jhelum river is also known as the Lifeline of Srinagar and it bifurcates the city into two parts.
● This river flows through Baramulla district and across the Jammu region, after that it leaves for
Pakistan and merges with the Indus river.
● Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag cities are situated on both the sides of Jhelum river.
● Many hydel power projects are located on this river e.g. Ganderbal, Lower Jhelum, Upper Sindh,
Uri-I, etc.
● It has about 24 tributaries. Important tributaries are Sindh, Pohru, Vishow, Rambaira, Liddar,
Romushi, Dudhganga, etc.
LIDDAR RIVER
● This river originates from the Kolahoi glacier in the North-Western Himalayan range about 26 km
North from Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
● It covers a length of 73 km in Kashmir valley. It is the second major tributary of river Jhelum and
meets it in North of Anantnag town.

17
Physiography
● Pahalgam is situated at the center of Liddar valley. It has two main tributaries, Liddar East and
Liddar West.
SINDH RIVER
● The Sind river is formed by the confluence of Two streams. One stream originates from Zojila
and the other from Dakshinpara. These streams mect at Baltal and assume the name Sind.
● Sindh river is 108 km in length and flows through Ganderbal district. It joins the Jhelum Sind river
at Shadipora.
● The famous hill station near this river is Sonmarg.
RIVERS OF LADAKH REGION
Important rivers of Ladakh region are as follows
INDUS RIVER
● It is a trans-boundary river that runs through Tibet, India and Pakistan.
● This river originates in the Northern slopes of the Kailash range in Tibet from Mansarovar lake.
● Its total length is 3180 km. It covers a length of 1114 km in India.
● The river flows between the Ladakh range and Zanskar range and covers the areas of Ladakh,
Baltistan and Gilgit.
● Through a deep gorge (5181 m) near Attock, it crosses the Himalayas and then take a turn
towards South-West direction and enters into Pakistan.
● The important tributaries of this river are Shyok, Suru, Zaskar, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and
Sutlej.
● This river is also called Lifeline of Ladakh.
KISHANGANGA RIVER
● This river originates from Drass (Kargil) in Ladakh. It is also known as Neelum river in the Gilgit-
Baltistan region occupied by Pakistan.
● Its total length is about 245 km and covers a length of 50 km in India.
● It flows through Gurez, Keran and Karnah mountain tracks and joins the Jhelum river at Domel
(Muzaffarabad in PoK).
● Kishanganga Hydroelectric Power Project is constructed on this river. It has ice cold water which
is famous for trout fish. Important tributaries of this river are Sindh and Liddar rivers.
SHYOK RIVER
● This river originates from Rimo glacier which is a part of Siachen glacier.
● It is also known as River of Death because its route is difficult.
● Its total length is about 550 km and flows through Ladakh and Ghangche district of Gilgit-
Baltistan region of Pakistan.
● From its origin place, Shyok flows in the South-East direction and joins the Pangong range, then
it turns towards North-Western direction and again flows parallel to its previous path.
● It joins Indus river at Skardu city (in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan)
● Important tributaries of this river are Chang Chen mo, Galwan, Nubra and Saltoro.
SURU RIVER
● This river originates from the Penzella glacier. Its total length is about 185 km.
● It flows through the towns of Tongul, Suru, Grantung, Goma and Kharul. Kargil town is the
largest city situated on the bank of this river. Suru valley is formed by this river.
● It meets the Indus river at Nurla village in Leh district. Its important tributary is Shafat Nala.
DRASS RIVER
● This river originates from Machoi glacier near Zoji La pass. Its total length is about 86 km and
flows through Kargil district of Ladakh.
● At Kharbu, the Shingo river joins the Drass river and at Kharul, both of these rivers joins the Suru
river.
● It forms the Drass valley, where this river is joined by its two tributaries, the Mashko river and
Gomru Nala.

18
Physiography
NUBRA RIVER
● This river originates from the Siachen glacier. It is a tributary of Shyok river.
● It flows between Karakoram range and Saltoro mountains in south-easterly direction and then
merges with Shyok river near Diskit village of Leh districts.
● It covers a length of 80 kms and forms the Nubra valley.
DODA RIVER
● The Doda river originates from the Drang Drung glacier near Pensi La mountain pass.
● The river is 79 km in length and passes through Leh district.
● It is also known as Stod river. After rising, this river flows South-East into the Padum valley and
joins the Tsarap river. From there, it flows further to join the Zanskar river.
LAKES
There are many lakes in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh They are famous
for their vibrant ecosystem and scenic beauty. The important lakes of each region are discussed
below.

19
Physiography
LAKES OF JAMMU
Important lakes of Jammu are
MANSAR LAKE
● This lake is situated 55 km East of Jammu at an altitude of 666 m in the Shiwalik range. Its also
known as Mansarovar lake. It is a freshwater lake
● Mansar lake is a small lake which is about 1204 m in length and about 645 m in width.
● Sheshnag Shrine is situated on its Eastern bank. People take a holy dip in it on festive occasions.
SURINSAR LAKE
● This lake is situated about 40 km to the North-East of Jammu at an altitude of 605 m.
● It is a freshwater lake. It is about 888 m in length and 444 m in width. It is a famous picturesque
tourist spot in Jammu region.
LAKES OF KASHMIR
Important lakes of Kashmir are
ANCHAR LAKES
● This lake is situated in Srinagar. It is about 8 km long and 3 km wide.
● This lake lies at an altiude of 1585 m. About half of its area is deteriorated and has become a
marshland.
● This lake is connected to Dal lake via a channel. Excessive water of Dal lake is diverted here.
Ganderbal town is situated on its North-West bank.
DAL LAKE
● This lake is situated in the East of Srinagar. The lake covers 18 sq km area which makes it the
second largest lake in the Union Territory.
● Rup Lank (Char Chinar) and Sona Lank islands are situated at the centre of Lokut and Bod Dal,
respectively.

20
Physiography
● It is about 8 km in length and 6.4 km in width. It is also known as Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir
or Srinagar's Jewel.
● This lake is one of the most beautiful lakes of India and attracts national as well as international
tourists.
● Dal lake offers commercial uses like fishing, weed harvesting, vegetable growing, flower
cultivation, birds canoeing, boating and houseboats.
● The lake is surrounded by Mughal Gardens. The lake also has floating gardens where different
types of vegetables are grown.
GANGABAL LAKE
● This lake is situated on the North-East slopes of Harmukh mountains at an altitude of approx
3600 m above mean sea level.
● The lake is located 45 km North of Srinagar in the district of Ganderbal. Its length is 2.7 km.
HOKERSAR LAKE
● This lake is situated 13 km from Srinagar. It is about 5 km in length and 1.5 km in width.
● It is a home to migratory birds that comes in winter season. e.g. waterfowls, shorebirds and
trans-Himalayan species.
● Due to its ecological value, the lake has been declared as Conservation Reserve under the
Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978.
● In 2005, the lake has been declared as Ramsar Site under Ramsar Convention.
KAUSAR NAG LAKE
● This lake is situated between the peaks of Pir Panjal range in extreme South-West of Kashmir
valley, in the Kulgam district.
● It is located at an altitude of 400 m above mean sea level. The lake is about 5 km long and 3 km
wide. It is also known as Vishu Pad.
● The Veshaw river originates from this lake.
MANASBAL LAKE
● This lake is located 29 km from Srinagar in Ganderbal district. It covers an area of 2.81 sq km in
the Union Territory.
● It is about 5 km long and 1 km wide. A canal connects this lake with the Jhelum river near
Sumbal.
SHESHNAG LAKE
● This lake is situated on the North-Eastern side of Dachnipora town of Anantnag district of
Kashmir region.
● It is situated at an altitude of 3600 m above mean sea level. This lake is about 2 km long and 1
km wide.
WULAR LAKE
● This lake is situated in Bandipore district i Northern part of Kashmir valley, 32 km North-West of
Srinagar. It lies between the in towns of Sopore and Bandipore.
● It is the largest freshwater lake in India, which covers an area of about 200 sq km. It is 24 km
long and 10 km wide.
● River Jhelum flows into the lake fro South-East and leaves it from West.
● The lake also has a small island in its centre called the 'Zaina Lank'. This island was constructed in
1444 on the orders of Kashmiri Sultan Zail-ul-Abidin.
NIGEEN LAKE
● It is located close to Dal lake and is also inter-connected by a small water channel.
● It is surrounded by Willow and Poplar trees. It is a very popular tourist attraction just like Dal
lake.
● The lake is around 2.7 km in length and is located adjacent to the Hari Parbat Hillock in Srinagar
district.
LAKES OF LADAKH
Important lakes of Ladakh are

21
Physiography
PANGONG LAKE
● This lake is situated around 160 km away from Leh district at the border between Ladakh and
Tibet.
● It is located at an altitude of 4350 m above mean sea level on Changtang plateau in Eastern part
of Ladakh,
● This lake covers the total area of 604 sq km but only 1/3rd part is in India, rest is in Tibet.
● The lake is about 134 km long and 5-6 km wide.
● Its water is saline and also known as Hollow Lake. This picturesque lake is a major tourist
attraction of Ladakh.
TSO MORIRI LAKE
● It is located in Changtang area and is a f beautiful lake, also considered sacred.
● The lake is about 28 km in length, 4-6 km wide and 248 feet in depth. It is also designated as Tso
Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve.
● The water of this lake is less brackish as compared to Pangong lake, thus more bird life. supports
● There are many other saline water lakes in Ladakh such as Rupshu, Tso Kyaghar, Longzang,
Patlong, etc.
SPRINGS
Springs are locally known as Nag. Kashmir valley has numerous springs. There are many springs in
Jammu and some in Ladakh. Some important springs are as follows.

22
Physiography
GLACIERS

23
Physiography
BUDHGAM
A glacier is a large mass of ice which moves slowly. Glaciers are found near the poles and at high
altitudinal mountains. The Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh lie in the Himalayas.
Therefore, many glaciers are located in these regions.
Some important glaciers are given below.
BALTORO GLACIER
● It is located in the Baltistan area, North of Jammu and Kashmir, on the Southern slopes of the
Central Karakoram range.
● It is the second largest glacier of the Himalayan region, having a length of 63 km. Shigar river
originate from this glacier, which is a tributary of Indus river.
● Two large tributary glaciers, one from the South-Western slopes of the Gasherbrum peak and
second from the North-Western slope of the Masherbrum peak provide water to this glacier.
BIAFO GLACIER
● This glacier is located in the Baltistan area, North of Jammu and Kashmir, on the Southern slopes
of the Karakoram range.
● It is about 60 km in length.
● This glacier is fed by small valley glaciers. This region is devoid of vegetation.
HISPAR GLACIER
● It is located in the Baltistan area, North of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, on the Southern
slopes of the Karakoram range.
● This glacier is 49 km in length. It is connected with the Biafo glacier and together forms a 100 km
long highway of ice.
● This region is devoid of vegetation. This glacier feeds the Shigar river.
SIACHEN GLACIER
● It is located in the Eastern Karakoram range, North-East of the point NJ9842 where the LoC
between India and Pakisthan ends.
● It is the second largest glacier in the world out- side the Polar region, having a length of 76 km.

24
Physiography
● This glacier provides water to Muztagh or Shaksgam river that flows parallel to Karakoram range
before entering into Tibet.
● Mamostong and Shelkar Chorten are its large tributary glaciers. This glacier is a huge ice-field
containing about 200 cubic mm kilometers of ice.
● This glacier is accessible from Ladakh and is also considered as the world's highest battlefield.
● Nubra, Rimo and Saltoro glaciers are different parts of this massive glacier.
NUBRA GLACIER
● It is located in the Ladakh region, on the Southern slopes of the Karakoram range.
● Nubra river gets water from this glacier which ultimately flows into the Shyok river.
● Valley glaciers from the North-Western slopes of the Sasser La Massif, South-Eastern slopes of
the Karakoram range and small glaciers inhanging valleys are part of the vast snowfield of Nubra
glacier.
● This region is above the snow line, thus no vegetation is found here.
RIMO GLACIER
● This glacier consists of three glacier groups which lie to the East of Siachen glacier.
● These three glacier groups are North, Central and South which are located at an altitude
between 6000 m to 7000 m above mean sea level. .
● This glacier also feed Shyok river.
SALTORO GLACIER
● It is located on the India and Pakistan border, situated near a cirque in the Saltoro massif.
● This glacier provides water to one of the two streams of the Saltoro river.
PARKACHIK GLACIER
● It is located 85 kms South of Kargil district of Ladakh, in the slopes of Nun-Kun mountains. It
feed Suru river.
● The glacier is 14 km in length.
SHAFAT GLACIER
● It is situated in the North-Eastern Himalayan range. It is 14 km long and located 85 km2 away
from Kargil.
● It lies near the border of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
● The glacier is connected with Parkachik glacier.
MACHOI GLACIER
● This glacier lies at an elevation of 4800 m. It is situated at the North-Eastern Himalayan range, 30
km from Drass (Ladakh) at Zoji La pass.
● This glacier is the source of Sind river that flows westward and Drass river that flows eastward.
Machoi is 8 km long.
CHAPTER 08
Soils and Minerals
The Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have many types of soil. Generally, soils are
loamy and have little clay content in them. These Union Territories are not very rich in mineral
wealth, however, minerals like coal, yo gypsum, sapphire, iron ore, sulphur, gold, mica, etc., are
found here in small amount.
SOILS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

25
Physiography
Generally, the soils of Jammu and Kashmir are classified into eight groups. These are given below
1. Brown Earth or Brown Forest Soil
2. Degraded or Grey Brown Podzolic Soil
3. Red and Yellow Podzolic Soil
4. Hill or Mountain Forest Soil
5. Mountain Meadow Soil
6. Lithosol Soil
7. Saline Alkali Soil
8. Alluvial Soil
1. BROWN EARTH OR BROWN FOREST SOIL
● This soil is mainly found in the parts of Kathua, Udhampur, Doda, Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla and
Anantnag districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
● The colour of this soil is dark brown. The texture of this soil varies from silty loam to clay and has
fine granular structure. This soil contains organic carbon, nitrogen and calcium carbonate
contents and also has water retaining capacity.
● It is ideally suited for safflower crop, but crops like maize, wheat and fruits like cherry, pear,
apple are also grown in this soil.
2. DEGRADED OR GREY BROWN PODZOLIC SOIL
● This soil is found in parts of Bhaderwah, Poonch, Gulmarg, Ramnagar and Pahalgam regions of
Jammu and Kashmir.
● This soil is grey to brown in colour. The texture of this soil is of loam to clay at surface and clay
loam to clay at sub-surface level.
● This soil has fine granular and well developed angular block structure. This is acidic in nature.

26
Physiography
● This soil is good for growing vegetables like cauliflower, snow peas, carrot and fruits like apples
and strawberries.
3. RED AND YELLOW PODZOLIC SOIL
● This soil is mainly found in parts of Udhampur, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch. This soil is red to
yellow in colour.
● This soil has coarse texture and its water holding capacity is 40%. Maize, wheat, rajma and
potato are grown in this soil.
4. HILL OR MOUNTAIN FOREST
● Soil is red or yellow and varies from sandy loam to loam in texture This soil color. This soil along
with fine to granular structure.
● This soil is moderately alkaline and calcareous (calcium carbonate content) in nature.
● This soil has average water, holding capacity and is found above 700m. Crops like wheat, maize,
barley, etc., are grown in this soil.
5. MOUNTAIN MEADOW SOIL
● This soil is mainly found in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Gurez, Baramulla, Lolab and Sonamarg.
● The texture of this soil varies from sandy loam to clay loam alongwith fine to coarse granular
structure. This soil is alkaline in nature and have high organic carbon content.
● It has high water holding capacity (50% - 60%) as compared to other soils of the Union Territory.
● Fodder crops, oats, rye and millets are grown here.
6. LITHOSOL SOIL
● This soil is mainly found on steep slopes in the forest hills upto 400 to 600 m above the sea level
in Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch districts.
● This soil varies from gravelly loam to gravelly silty loam in texture. This soil is slightly alkaline in
nature. This soil is grey to brown in colour.
● The structure of this soil is coarse to weak granularity. The soil has organic carbon content and
low water holding capacity.
● Crops like rice, sugarcane and vegetables are grown in this soil.
7. SALINE ALKALI SOIL
● This soil is mainly found in the alluvial belt of Jammu (Ranbir Singh Puran, Bishnah Tehsils) and
Kathua (Ramkot Challain).
● The colour of this soil is mainly greyish.
● Crops like sugarcane, mustard, rice, maize, redgram, greengram, sunflower, lineseed, etc., are
grown in this soil.
8. ALLUVIAL SOIL
● This soil is found in the flood plains of Jhelum and Sind rivers, plains of Jammu, Poonch,
Udhampur, Kathua and Rajouri districts.
● These plains are formed by the deposition of silt, mud and sediments brought down by the
rivers.
● The soil in these plains is very fertile and very useful from agricultural point of view. Rice, wheat,
maize, jowar and bajra are grown in this soil.

27
Physiography
SOILS OF LADAKH
The soil cover of Ladakh is thin and mostly grained and light coloured. These are deficient in humus
but contain a good amount of potassium and phosphate. Their texture varies from sandy to sandy
loam in Leh and Kargil districts with poor water retaining capacity. Soils of Ladakh are classified as
follows.
ALLUVIAL SOIL
● This soil is found on the river terraces of Indus and its tributaries, Leh, Shey, Basgo, Tingmos-
gang and Chushul have this type of soil.
● The colour of this soil varies from light to dark brown.
● With the help of irrigation in the Upper Indus region, the cultivation of vegetables, barley,
millets, pulses, fodder, apricot and orchids takes place.
SALINE ALKALI SOIL
● This soil is found in the plain areas of Changthang region of Ladakh. It varies from sandy to sandy
loam in texture. .
● Herbs and vegetables are grown in this type of soil. Apricots and lineseed are also grown in some
areas.
MOUNTAIN MEADOW SOIL
● It is shallow, acidic and coarse granular in structure and found along the mountain slopes in the
region of Changthang plateau.

28
Physiography
● The soil has an average water retaining capacity due to which fodder crops are grown in this soil.
SOIL EROSION IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR AND LADAKH
As per the National Bureau of Soil Sciences and Land Use Planning (NBSS & LUP) Report, 32% land of
Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is affected by various soil degradation
problems, out of which 78% area is under severe erosion. Average soil loss in the Union Territories
per year is higher than the national average. The faulty land use, deforestation, overgrazing of
pasture lands, overexploitation of natural resources, infrastructure/ development activities has also
increased the problems of soil erosion in the Union Territories. The incessant rainfall resulted in
large scale erosion in the form of landslides and soil loss including loss of life and property in both
Union Territories. Some places of soil erosion in the Union Territories include Guespati, Manigah,
Mori, Narikoot, Nagsari, Khurkhama, Satkoji, Kharbagh, etc. Cold arid region, rugged topography and
lack of tree cover due to low rainfall leads to severe soil erosion in Ladakh. Nubra, Changthang and
Khaltsi blocks of Leh are facing severe erosion. To control and manage the problem of soil erosion, a
department was created by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir which looked after the
conservation of soil. Now, Ladakh has a separate department to manage soil erosion.
DEPARTMENT OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

In order to conserve and manage the soil and water resources of the Union Territories, the
Government of Jammu and Kashmir established the Department of Soil and Water Conservation of
Jammu and Kashmir in 1978.
FUNCTIONS
The important functions of the department are as follows:
● To conduct need-based research for soil conservation and management.
● To formulate schemes based on soil conservation and management.
● To create awareness among people about soil conservation with the help of appropriate
communication technology.
● To monitor, evaluate and coordinate the soil conservation activities of departments Hike Forest,
Agriculture, Irrigation, etc.
PROGRAMMES
Various programmes are undertaken by the Department of Soil and Water Conservation, which are
as follows:
● Landslide control
● Nallah Bank Erosion control
● Control of erosion along the highway
● Ladakh Soil Conservation Programme
● Augmentation/Consolidation of soil conservation works
MINERALS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR AND LADAKH
● The mountainous regions of Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have varied
quantities of mineral deposits.
● The important minerals are limestone, gypsum, dolomite, quartzite, slate, marble and granite.
● In Jammu and Kashmir, the first survey of mineral's wealth was done by a renowned geologist,
Mr Middlemiss in 1924 in collaboration with the erstwhile State too Government.
● In 1956, the intensive mineral done on the basis of systemic mererall (o) survey was
investigation, when the State Government considered that the mineral exploitation is important
for the development of the state.
● Ladakh has high concentration of uranium and thorium in Udmaru village situated in Nubra-
Shyok river valley. Important minerals of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are as follows:

29
Physiography
MINERAL EXPLORATION
● In order to explore the mineral wealth and groundwater resources in the Union Territories, the
Government of Jammu and Kashmir established the Department of Geology and Mining in 1960.
The important functions of the department are as follows:
○ To explore minerals, gemstones and work on engineering assignments
○ To explore and develop groundwater

30
Physiography
○ To conduct exploratory drilling

● The department has played a significant role in overall economical development of the Union
Territories by locating various mineral deposits, which helped in the economic development of
the area. The following minning and processing units has been setup by the department.
● The mining and processing units in Srinagar (Silica), Anantnag (Limestone) and Kupwara
(Marble).
● It has setup mineral processing units in Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur and Poonch.
● Portland Cement Processing Unit is setup in Leh.
CHAPTER 09
Forest Resources
The forest cover of the Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir is around 10% of its total geographical
area. Here a number of tree species are found such as chir, poplar, deodar, fir, pine, kail, mulberry,
fruit trees and so on. Forest cover in Ladakh is scarce due to its dry climatic condition. Altitude and
rainfall play an important role in the formation of different types of forests in this region. Many
medicinal herbs are also found in both the Union Territories such as belladonna, hyoscyamus,
digitalis, menthol, rubus, artemisia and so on. Due to its vast forest cover many forest based
industries of the Union Territories are dependent on these forests like paper, sports goods, silk,
furniture and wood carving, herbal drugs, silk industry and so on.
FOREST AREA OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR AND LADAKH
● Both the Union Territories cover an area of 222236 sq. km, which is 6.76% of the geographical
area of the country.
● According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), 2021, the forest cover of Jammu and
Kashmir is 21386 Ladakh is 2272 sq sq km. The forest cover in km.
● As per the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, no extra land is diverted for non-forestry purpose
during the period of 1st January, 2015 to 5th February, 2019, in the Union Territories Jammu and
Kashmir and Ladakh.
● This Recorded Forest Area is divided into three types of forests which are as follows:
1. RESERVED FORESTS AREA
Those forests which are permanently marked either for the production of timber or other forest
produce in which right of grazing and cultivation is allowed are known as reserved forests.
2. PROTECTED FORESTS AREA
Those forests where the right of grazing and cultivation are restricted known as the protected
forests.
3. UNCLASSED FORESTS AREA
Those forests which largely consist of inaccessible forests or unoccupied wastes, are known as
unclassed forests.
Forest Cover of J and K (2021)

Class Area Percentage of Shapefile Area
Very Dense 4,155.11 7.60
Moderately Dense 8,116.73 14.86
Open Forest 9,115 16.69
Forest Cover of Ladakh (2021)

Class Area Percentage of Shapefile Area

31
Physiography
Very Dense 2.27 0.00
Moderately Dense 512.10 0.30
Open Forest 17,527.72 1.05
District Wise Forest area of J and K and Ladakh
ALTITUDE WISE FOREST COVER OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR AND LADAKH

Almost the entire region of Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are hilly and
mountainous. The forest areas are more abundantly present in mid altitudes than in lower and
higher altitudes.
CLASSIFICATION OF FORESTS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR & LADAKH
Forests of the Union Territories are spread over three broad geo-climatic zones covering Jammu and
Kashmir and Ladakh regions. Vegetation and climate can broadly be categorized into sub-tropical,
temperate and alpine zones. The Union Territories have five types of forests such as
1. SUBTROPICAL DRY EVERGREEN FORESTS
● These forests are found at an altitude of about 1,000 m above sea level in Shiwaliks (Jammu and
Kashmir) and Western Himalayan regions.
● These forests are characterised by low scrub forests with small evergreen restricted trees and
shrubs.
● The most pre-dominant species of these forests are olive, babool and kekkar.
● These forests are found in Doda, Reasi, Rajouri and Udhampur districts of the Union Territory
Jammu and Kashmir.
2. HIMALAYAN MOIST TEMPERATE FORESTS

32
Physiography
● These are found at an altitude between 1500 to 3300 m in the temperate zone of the Himalayas.
These are mainly found in the river valleys of Kashmir region.
● They are found in Liddar valley, Lolab valley, Chenab valley and Jhelum valley.
● These are open forests with dense growth of shrubs which have species like rhododendrons and
some bamboos.
● Important species of these forests are oak and conifers. Other tree species are pine, cedar, silver
fir, spruce, etc.
3. SUB-TROPICAL PINE FORESTS
● These forests are found at an altitude between 1000 to 2000 m above sea level in the Western
Himalayan region.
● The most pre-dominant species of these forests is chir, which is used for furniture-making and
for construction.
● These forests are abundantly found in Kashmir valley, in Rajouri, Poonch and Billawar.
4. HIMALAYAN DRY TEMPERATE FORESTS
● These are found in the dry ranges of the Himalayan region e.g. in Ladakh region.
● These are coniferous forests. Along with xerophytic shrubs, trees like deodar, oak, asli, olive are
also found in these forests.
● In Jammu and Kashmir, these forests are found at an altitude between 3000-3500 m in the
Kathai range of Kashmir, Kishtwar and Udil range of Chenab valley.
● In Ladakh, these forests are also found and trees include Salix, Poplar and Local Willow. Poplar
and willow are among important trees of Ladakh.
5. SUB-ALPINE AND ALPINE FORESTS
● Alpine forests are found at high altitudes, above 3500 m. Sub-alpine forests are a part of Alpine
forests which are found at altitudes between 3100 to 3500 m mainly in the Leh region of Ladakh.
● The vegetation in these forests varies from the lush green margs (Alpine pasture) to evergreen
conifers.
● Alpine forests are divided into two categories i.e. Moist Alpine and Dry Alpine.
● In Moist Alpine Forest, coniferous trees like fir, spruce and rhododendron are found. These
trees have broad leaves and range in the height of 10-30 m. They are found in Kashmir region.
● In Dry Alpine Forest, mosses and lichens are found in abundance.
● Dwarf trees with or without conifers are found at lower level and at higher level scrubs and
scattered xerophytic shrubs to merge with Alpine meadows.
● Ladakh is the natural home of dwarf juniper scrub which is found in abundance here.
● Important plant species of Alpine forests are junipers, betula, pinus, abies, pyrus, shrubby
rhododendrons, salix, etc.
Names Local Names
Poplar Safeda
Willow Veer
Deodhar Divdhor
Himalayan Blue Pine Kaayur/Yaari-Kul
Nettle Bremjj. Bremiji
Birch Burza
Mesquite (Babool) Keekar - Kul

33
Physiography
Cypress Sarva - kul
Chinar Booen
Mulberry Tuel - Kul

JAMMU AND KASHMIR FOREST DEPARTMENT
● The Forest Department of Jammu and Kashmir came into existence in 1883. .
● In order to bring the functioning of the department on scientific lines, the then State
● Council issued Forest Regulation No. 1 in the year 1895.
● Important objectives of the Forest Department were as follows:
○ To protect, conserve and develop the forest resources and wildlife of the state.
○ To expand the forest and tree cover.
○ To conduct and monitor participatory forest management, forestry extension and
forestry research.
JAMMU AND KASHMIR STATE FOREST CORPORATION
● The Jammu and Kashmir State Forest Corporation was established under the State Forest
Corporation Act, 1978.
● The Government Limbering Undertaking (GLU has been merged into State Forest Corporation.
● The objectives of the Corporation are better preservation, exploitation, supervision and
development of forest. vs kapa
STRATEGIES FOR FOREST PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION
From 1947 till 2019, Jammu and Kashmir, alongwith Ladakh was a State of India.
The State Government of Jammu and Kashmir had launched strategies for the protection and
conservation of the forests of Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh which are still
applicable. These are discussed as follows:
JAMMU AND KASHMIR STATE FOREST POLICY, 2010
● The Jammu and Kashmir Government launched a new Forest Policy which aimed at conserving
biodiversity, rehabilitation and protection of degraded forests. Important objectives of the State
Forest Policy of Jammu and Kashmir, 2010 were as follows:
○ To preserve the natural forests with the vast variety of flora and fauna.
○ To improve productivity of existing forests and encourage forestry activities, schemes
and programmes in order to supply forest produce to the people who are dependent on
forests. This will help to remove poverty.
STEPS TAKEN UNDER THIS POLICY
Important steps taken under the Jammu and Kashmir State Forest Policy, 2010 were as follows:
● Participatory Forest Management and Forest Extension To involve media, educational
institutions and local() communities for the protection of forests.
● Maintaining Forest Cover To maintain the adequate forest cover in various regions of the state,
with due consideration for the rare and endemic species of flora and fauna in the cold desert
conditions of Ladakh region.
● Conservation of Natural Forests As per the Forest Policy, at least one-fourth of the forest area in
each division to be conserved for regeneration of open forests and conservation of biodiversity.
A systematic treatment of the forest species, which are affected by the invasive species like
Lantana Camara, Parthenium, etc., to be done to increase the supply of fodder, firewood,
timber and other produce.
● Expanding Forest and Tree Coverent Planting more trees along roads, railway lines, canals,
streams and rivers. The village and community lands to be used to develop the tree crops and
fodder species with the help of local people.
● Non-Timber Forest Produce The farmers were encouraged to cultivate medicinal plants and tree
species on non-forest lands and private lands.

34
Physiography
CHAPTER 10
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
The Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are endowed with diverse flora and fauna.
Many National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries have been established for the conservation of wildlife.
The natural vegetation and wildlife of Jammu and Kashmir varies from South to North as the
altitude, climate and landscape changes drastically. Due to this change, a variety of birds and animals
are found here and for their preservation, large areas are earmarked, which are discussed below.
NATIONAL PARKS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR
National Park is a strictly reserved area which is used for the protection of wildlife and biodiversity.
Activities like forestry development, poaching, hunting, grazing and cultivation are not permitted in
National Park.
The important National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir are as follows:
KISHTWAR NATIONAL PARK

● It is located in Kishtwar and Doda districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The area of the park is about
400 sq km. It was established in 1981.
● The main aim of the park is to protect the Snow Leopards which are highly endangered species.
It is also included in the seven National Snow Leopard Reserves of India.
● The park is surrounded by the Rinnay river in the North, Kibar Nala Catchment in the South, main
divide of the Great Himalayas in the East" and Marwa river in the West.
● The flora of this park includes coniferous, alpine meadows and scrub forests. The important tree
species are Chilgoza, Himalayan Pine, Cedar, Persian Walnut, Oak, etc.
● Herbs are also found here like purple false brome, anemone, mugwort, sundrops, Primula, etc.
● Shrubs are also found in this park like Deciduous shrub (Parrotiopsis Jacque-Montiona),
Caprifoliaceae shrub (Viburnum), Desmodium and Rosa.
● The fauna of this sanctuary contains 15 mammals species including musk deer, Himalayan black
and brown bear, hangul or Kashmiri snow leopard, serow, ibex, etc. stag.
● Around 50 species of birds are found here which include Himalayan monal, bearded vulture,
white cheeked bulbul, koklas, Indian mynah, etc.
DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK

35
Physiography
● It is located 22 km away from Srinagar. The area of the park is about 141 sq km with an altitude
varying between 1700 and 4300 metres. The park has been a protected area since 1910.
● The park got its name from the ten villages (Dach-igam) that were relocated to create this park.
● It was established by the then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir but declared a National Park in
1981.
● It is the Northernmost and most elevated reserve in the Indian sub-continent. Marsar lake is the
important lake in this region, from which the Dagwan river originates.
● The park has about 500 species of herbs, 50 species of trees and about 20 species of shrubs.
Coniferous forests cover a large area.
● The mountain sides of the forests are thickly covered with wild trees. There are alpine pastures,
meadows, waterfalls and scrub vegetation with deep gullies, locally known as Nars.
● The variety of wild tree include wild cherry, peach, apple, apricot, chinar, birch, pine, etc.
● The fauna of this park include Hangul or Kashmiri Stag, the only species of the red deer
● found in India, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, langur, Himalayan
marmot, yellow throated morten, leopard, Species of wild goat like the markhor and ibex.
● Winter is the best season to view the Hanguls when they gather in lower valley.
● The park has 150 species of birds. The important species are monal, koklas, bearded vulture,
griffon vulture, golden eagle, grey heron, starling, golden oriole, paradise flycatcher, Western
yellow-billed blue magpie, kestrel, peregrine falcon, black bulbul, etc.
SALIM ALI NATIONAL PARK
● It is located in the Srinagar district. The area of the park is about 9 sq km. Earlier name of this
park was the City Forest National Park. It was established in the year 1992.
● The park was named after the renowned ornithologist and naturalist, Mr. Salim Moizuddin Abdul
Ali.
● Mangrove Shrubbery is the important flora of the park.
● The fauna of this park include Kashmiri antelope, jackal, flying fox, leopard, Himalayan black
bear, musk deer, crocodile, etc.
● The park has about 70 species of birds. Some of the important bird species are ring dove,
paradise flycatcher, Himalayan snowcock, kingfisher and Himalayan monal.
KAZINAG NATIONAL PARK
● Kazinag or Qazina National Park is situated at North Bank of Jhelun. close to Line of Control in
Baramulla district, about 70 km away from Srinagar.
● It was established in the year 2007.
● The area of the park is 160 sq km.
● It is a part of proposal for a "Trans-Karakoram Peace Park with Pakistan.
● The National Park was created after the Kargil War and based on the increasing pressure to
protect the endangered and rare Markhor Wild Goat.
● The park is carved out of the Limber and Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuaries and the Nagnari
Conservation Reserve.
● Nearly 20 species of animals can be found in the park which include endangered Markhor wild
goat, musk deer, brown bear, black bear, small Kashmir flying squirrel, Indian leopard,
Himalayan marmot, Yellow throated marten, etc.
● The Kazinag National Park is home to about 120 species of birds. Some of them are golden eagle,
sparrow hawk, Kashmir red breasted flycatcher, snow pigeon, the cuckoo Himalayan pied
kingfisher, etc.
● It is home to 17 species of butterflies such as regal apollo, brown argus, common red apollo,
mountain argus, etc.
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR
A sanctuary is a reserved area which is used for the conservation of animals. Only certain human
activities are allowed on these lands like collecting firewood, collecting minor forest products and
private ownership rights to a certain extent. Boundaries of sanctuaries are not well defined and

36
Physiography
controlled human interference is permitted Some important wildlife sanctuaries of Jammu and
Kashmir are discussed below.
SURINSAR MANSAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
● It is located 58 km away from the Jammu city It spread over an area of 98 sq. km.
● There are two lakes Surinsar and Mansar. This sanctuary has got its name from these lakes. It
was established in 1981.
● The vegetation of the sanctuary includes the mixed scrub forest and the common broad leaved
species-kamala tree, acacias, Indian rosewood, orchid tree, sacred fig, etc.
● The fauna of this sanctuary include goral, wild bear, barking deer, leopard, etc.
● The bird species of this sanctuary include black partridge, red jungle fowl, peafowl, gray
partridge, rufous turtle dove, green pigeon, blue pigeon, rock pigeon, etc.
JASROTA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
● It is located on the bank of river Ujh, Northwards of village Jasrota in Kathua district. It spreads
over an area of 10.04 sq km.
● It was established in 1987.This Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in flora which is dominated by bamboo
plantations.
● The main species found in this sanctuary are North Indian rosewood, khair, Indian ash tree, etc.
● The fauna of this sanctuary include cheetah, barking deer, wild bear, rhesus monkey, etc. The
bird species of this sanctuary includes peafowl, red jungle fowl, jungle bush c quail, green
pigeon, blue rock pigeon.
GULMARG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
● It is located 48 km spread away Srinagar. It is from over an area of 180 sq km.
● It was declared a sanctuary in 1987. It is al part of Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve. This Biosphere
Reserve is located at an altitude between 2400 m to 4300 m above sea level.
● Important species of flora are deodar, pine, fir, horse chest nut tree, aesculus indica, etc.
● It is a home of several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer and a rich and varied
avifauna.
● The fauna of this sanctuary includes langur, serow, brown bear, leopard, black bear, red fox, etc.
● The bird species of this sanctuary include vulture, snow cocks, koklas, blue rock pigeon, Kashmir
roller, European hoopoe, jungle crow, Kashmiri fly catcher, himalayan monals, etc.
OVERA-ARU WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
● It is located in Anantnag district. It spreads over an area of 511 sq km. It was establised in 1987.
● The sanctuary is a Biosphere Reserve which is a Biodiversity part Hotspot of the world.
● This biosphere reserve is located at an altitude between 3000 m to 5425 m above sea level.
● The flora of this sanctuary includes blue pine, horse chestnut, fir, spruce, birch, juniper,
rhododendron and shrubs. It also have some medicinal plants like Indian atees, Himalayan
arnebia, etc.
● The fauna of this sanctuary includes Kashmir red deer or hangul, Kashmir musk deer, Asiatic
ibex, Himalayan serow, common leopard, Asiatic black bear, Himalayan brown bear, etc.
● The best season to view mammals is September to April and for birds is between March to
August.
● It has about 120 species of birds including leaf warbler, Kashmir flycatcher, European roller, etc.
NANDINI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
● It is located about 28 km away from Jammu on National Highway-1A. It spreads over an area of
33.34 sq km. It was established in 1981.
● The sanctuary is named after Nandini village. This sanctuary and pine trees. is covered with
forests of fir and pine trees.
● It is the home of a large number of rare and endangered species of mammals and birds.
● The fauna of this sanctuary include leopard, wild bear, rhesus monkey, goral, grey langur,
pheasants, etc.

37
Physiography
● The bird species of this sanctuary includes Indian mynah, blue rock pigeon, peafowl, red jungle
fowl, chir pheasants, chakor, etc.
RAJPARIAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

● It is also called Daksum Wildlife Sanctuary and is located in Anantnag district of Kashmir, 85 km
South of Srinagar.
● It spreads over an area of 20 sq km. It was col established in 1981.
● Kail pine, spruce, fir, birch, deodar and juniper trees are predominant here.
● The fauna of this sanctuary includes Himalayan black bear, hangul and musk deer.
● The bird species of this sanctuary includes only black eared kite, Himalayan griffon vulture, white
backed vulture, monal, Himalayan snow cock, chucker, koklas, blue rock pigeon, etc.
CONSERVATION RESERVES IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Conservation Reserve District Area Year of Establishment
Khiram Anantnag 15.75 1945
Panyar Pulwama 10.0 1945
Dara, Khimber, Srinagar 34.0 1945

Sharazbal
Wangat Ganderbal 12.0 1945
Ajas Bandipore 48.0 1945
Zaloora Harwan Kupwara 25.2 1970
Conservation Reserve District Area Year of Establishment
Naganari Baramulla 22.25 1981
Jawahar Tunnel Kulgam 18.0 1981
Thein Kathua 19.0 1981
Bahu Jammu 19.75 1981
Sudhmahadev Udhampur 142.2 1981

WETLAND RESERVES IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR
● Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or
temperory with water that is static or flowing; fresh, brackish or salty, including areas of marine
water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed 6 metres (Ramsar Convention).
● In Jammu and Kashmir, there are 8 wetland sites and 3 wetlands are recognised as Ramsar
Convention Site which are of international importance.
Wetland Reserve District Area Year of Establishment
Shallabug Ganderbal 16.0 1945
Hygam Baramulla 7.25 1945

38
Physiography
Gharana, Parwal, Jammu 0.75. 49.25, 24.23 1981

Kukarian
Sangral - Aka Chak Jammu 7.0 1981
Chatlam - Pampore Pulwama 0.25 1981
Wular lake (Ramsar Bandipore 189.0 1990

Site)
Mirgund Baramulla 4.0 1991
Hokera (Ramsar Site) Srinagar 13.75 2005
Surinsar Mansar lake Jammu 3.5 2005

(Ramsar Site)
NATIONAL PARK AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN LADAKH
HEMIS NATIONAL PARK
● It is located in the Eastern Ladakh. The area of the park is about 4400 sq km. It is the largest
National Park of India. It was established in 1981.
● The park is considered to have the highest density of snow leopard than any protected area in
the world.
● Thus, it is known as the Snow Leopard Capital of India. It is the only National Park in India in the
North of the Himalayas.
● The park is situated on very rugged and mountainous topography having altitude between 3300
to 6000 m.
● The park is also famous for the 400 y year old Hemis Monastery which is located in the Park.
● Indus and Zanskar rivers meet at the park's boundary which create a very beautiful scenic view.
The Park also has Stok Kangri peak.
● The fauna of this park includes snow leopard, asiatic ibex, bharal (blue sheep), wolf, Tibetan
argali, Tibetan wild ass or kiang, Himalayan marmot, Ladakhi Urial, etc.
● Some of the common birds found in this park are golden eagle, Himalayan snow cock, Tibetan
snow finch, chukar, fire-fronted serin, etc.
KARAKORAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
● It is a high altitude Wildlife Sanctuary which is located in the Easternmost part of the Karakoram
range in Leh district. It is spread over an area of 5000 sq km and is also known as Nubra Shyok
Wildlife Sanctuary.
● It was established in 1987. The sanctuary is one of the few places in India which has a migratory
population of the Chiru or Tibetan Antelope.
● As it is a cold region, the vegetation is very sparse but important medicinal plants are found here
like arnebia euchroma, bergenia stracheyi, etc.
● The fauna of this sanctuary include Tibetan gazalle, Himalayan ibex, bharal, wild yak, snow
leopard, lynx, wolf, red fox, Himalayan mouse hare, Himalayan marmot, common otter, woolly
hare, Ladakhi urial, argali, double hump camel, etc.
● The bird species of this sanctuary includes gadwall, tufted duck, goosander or merganser, short-
toed eagle, booted eagle, golden eagle, etc.
CHANGTHANG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
● It is a cold desert wildlife sanctuary which is located in the East of Leh district and encloses two
high altitude lakes, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. It is spread over an area of 134 sq km.
● It was established in 1987. It is a part of the Hindu Kush Himalayas which is situated at a height
of 14000 to 19000 ft above the mean sea level.
● The Indus river passing through the sanctuary divides it into two parts.

39
Physiography
● It has many lakes and swamps. Around 200 species of wild plants are found here. The fauna of
this sanctuary includes Kiang gi (Tibetan wild ass), snow leopard, lynx, wolf, wild dog, Tibetan
gazelle, Tibetan argali, blue sheep, wild yak, Ladakhi urial, etc.
● The bird species of this sanctuary includes black necked crane (migratory bird), brahminy ducks,
brown-headed gulls, etc.
Conservation Reserves in Ladakh

Conservation Reserve District Area (Sq. KM) Year of Establishment
Sabu Kargil 15.0 1981
Boodh Kabru Kargil 12.0 1981
Kanji Leh 100.0 1981
Wetland Reserve District Area (sq. Km) Year of Establishment
Tso Moriri Leh 120 1981
Hanley/Chushul Leh 33 1981
Pangong Tso Leh 234 1981
Norrichai (Tsokar) Leh 95.77 1981
INITIATIVES TAKEN FOR WILDLIFE PROTECTION

The central and state governments (before the formation of the Union Territories) have taken many
steps for the protection of wildlife. They are as follows
JAMMU AND KASHMIR WILDLIFE PROTECTION DEPARTMENT
The Wildlife Protection Department, Jammu and Kashmir was established in 1978. It aims to provide
protection to the flora and fauna of the state and also to manage the protected areas of Jammu and
Kashmir. It celebrates the first week of October as the Wildlife Week, every year.
OBJECTIVES
Important objectives of the department are as follows:
● To manage and improve the protected areas of the state. To conduct drives in respect of anti-
poaching and anti-smuggling.
● To formulate and implement wildlife protection plans. To conduct research and training
programmes.
● To provide awareness and nature education.
PROJECT HANGUL
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir launched Project Hangul for the protection of the Hangul or
Kashmir Stag habitat in 1970s with the help of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). It comes under the Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
and the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978. Its population increased till 2009 and
after 2009, its population started declining. As per the latest census 2019, its number has fallen
drastically. To protect this species, a captive breeding center was opened at Shikargarh on Srinagar-
Anantnag Highway by the States Wildlife Department, bur it could not function well and has been
dysfunctional and non-operative.
PROJECT SNOW LEOPARD
The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, launched the Project Snow Leopard
in 2009 in Trans-Himalayan regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim

40
Physiography
and Arunachal Pradesh. The aim of the project is to safeguard and conserve India's natural heritage
of high altitude prey wildlife population and their habitats. It also aims to promote conservation
through participatory policies and actions. The actions include habitat improvement through pasture
development, patrolling, micro level planning and eco-development activities. Pir Panjal Markhor is
the largest wild goat in the world found only in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. It comes under
Schedule I species (provide absolute protection) of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the
Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.
MARKHOR RECOVERY PROGRAMME
This programme was launched in 2009. The programme was formulated by the Wildlife Protection
Department, Jammu and Kashmir and supported by the then State Government and the Ministry of
Environment and Forests. It was implemented in Hirpora in Southern Kashmir, Lachipora and Limber
Wildlife Sancturies and Kazinag National Park in North Kashmir. It was formulated to protect
Markhor (wild goat), from hunting by the local communities. The Markhor Recovery Plan provides
for actions like habitat improvement, afforestation, soil and water conservation, development of
infrastructure like offices, guard huts, check posts, measures for mobility and communications, anti-
grazing/anti- poaching activities and publicity and awareness generations.

41

Geography-of-J-and-k-and-ladakh-final_1696438135

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Geography-of-J-and-k-and-ladakh-final_1696438135

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Physiography

JAMMU & KASHMIR LOCATION AND AREA

PHYSIOGRAPHIC DIVISION OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

GREAT HIMALAYAN RANGE

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

● Siachen glacier lies to the North of this valley.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

3. The Cold Mountainous Area of Ladakh

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

SUMMER SEASON (MARCH-MID JUNE)

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

AUTUMN SEASON (MID SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER)

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

SPRING SEASON (MARCH-APRIL)

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

RIVERS OF JAMMU REGION

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

DEPARTMENT OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

○ To conduct exploratory drilling

Forest Cover of J and K (2021)

Very Dense 4,155.11 7.60

Moderately Dense 8,116.73 14.86

Open Forest 9,115 16.69

Forest Cover of Ladakh (2021)

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

Very Dense 2.27 0.00

Moderately Dense 512.10 0.30

Open Forest 17,527.72 1.05

District Wise Forest area of J and K and Ladakh

ALTITUDE WISE FOREST COVER OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR AND LADAKH

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

Names Local Names

Himalayan Blue Pine Kaayur/Yaari-Kul

Nettle Bremjj. Bremiji

Mesquite (Babool) Keekar - Kul

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

Cypress Sarva - kul

Mulberry Tuel - Kul

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.

KISHTWAR NATIONAL PARK

For More Study Material, Visit: studyiq.com Page no.