Hilal Ahmad Shah
ABSTRACT:
The economic prosperity and social well being
of a country largely depends both directly or indirectly on its water
resources. From time immemorial the picturesque state of Jammu and Kashmir is
known all over the world for its economic prosperity. What makes Jammu and
Kashmir so special? Many things, but especially its water resources such as
snow capped mountains, crisscrossed by rivers and studded with lakes, springs, canals
which originate from this state of India. Like
other states of India, the role of water resources of Jammu and Kashmir are very important for the development of
many sectors of Indian economy
like agriculture, hydroelectricity, food, construction, transport, minerals,
industry etc
INTRODUCTION:
the Jammu and Kashmir State is located
in the extreme north of India between 32o 15/and 370
05/ North latitude and 720 35/ and 800
20/ East longitude and occupies a most strategic position in the
entire Himalayan region. The borders of Jammu and Kashmir touch China in the
North East, Afghanistan in the North West, Pakistan in the North West, states
of Punjab and Himachal in South1.
1) Agriculture:
It is the
primary source of economy of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. Mainly 80% people
are related with this sector. About 70, 9795 acres of land is irrigated through
canals5. The Karewas (lucustrine
deposits) have great economical and agricultural importance because of commercial
and cash crops like almond, walnut, apples, peaches, pears and saffron that
flourish luxuriously in the Karewas. These Karewas are mostly irrigated by the
water of the river Jehlum and its tributaries by people in Kashmir valley6.
The spring of Anantnag known as Maliknag is mostly sulphurous and its water is
highly prized for garden cultivation7.
2) Tourism:
Kashmir is
known as the Switzerland of Asia because of its best tourist spots. Many
springs such as Achabal, verinag, Kokernag, Chashima Shahi, Khir Bhaweani,
Sheesnag and Kuansarnag are famous tourist and picnic spots8 whereas
on the other hand it is a sight never to be forgotten to see the lakes of
Kashmir in the autumn when bright lotus flowers are waving over the surface of
lakes in the resplendent beauty of their full bloom. These lakes are Dal,
Wular, Anchar, Mansbal, Hukarsar etc9. These springs and lakes
attract both domestic and foreign tourists which is an economically good point
for Govt. of India to earn forex and maintain balance of payments.
3) Hydroelectricity:
The Rivers of Jammu and Kashmir
such as Jehlum, Sindh, Kishan Ganga, Ravi and Chinab are nature’s precious gifts
for the Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir because these are cheap and clean sources of
electricity during this scientific age. From 1947 the Govt. built Mohra Power
Station, Uri Power Station on Jehlum, Sindh Hydro Electric Power Station, Upper
Sindh Hydel Power Project, Satkana Hydel Power Project, Upper Sindh II Power Project
on Sindh River, Gurez Hydel Power Project on Kishan Ganga, Basoli Hydel Power Project
on Ravi, Dul Hasti, Salal, Sarthingal and Kirthai Hydel Project on River Chenab.10
These power projects have been established and run by the central Govt.
of India.
4)
Food:
Wular Lake,
Kokernag, Hokarsar lake and river Jehlum are mostly known for fishing. In this
way these water resources decreases the rate of food crisis and create
employment for many people especially for fisherman (known as Hanjis in Kashmir). The beautiful lakes in the Kashmir
valley yield Plentiful singhara (water
nuts), lotus roots (Nadur) etc
whereas on the other hand the floating gardens of Dal lake are sources of water
melons, musk melons, Pumpkins, cucumbers and other vegetables11. Mostly
the lakes of Ladakh region such as Pong Kong, Rupshi, Tso- Khaghar and Pangore
are the highest salt water lakes in the country12. The salt water of
these lakes is utilized for making common salt.
5)
Construction:
All the canals
and rivers of Jammu and Kashmir are rich in Pebbles, Sand and Stones, which are
used in the construction of roads, bridges and buildings by the people from
ancient times in place of Marble, iron, wood etc.13
6)
Transport:
The cheap means of transport in the Kashmir
valley is river Jhelum which is navigable from Khanabal to Baramulla. Doongas
are used to carry passengers from one place to another place from Khanabal to
Baramulla whereas Khoch and Bahach are used to carry grains and other items of
internal trade14. This cheap transport helps us to reduce the use of
other costly fuels and protects the beautiful valley from noise, air and water
pollution.
7)
Defence:
Glaciers like
Siachin, Baltaru, Nunkun and Nanga Parbat which are situated mostly in ladakh
region protects our country from the external invaders because it is very
difficult for anyone to cross these snow capped cold Glaciers15.
8)
Minerals:
The Maliknag Spring and the springs of Ladakh
area possess Sulphur and Borox but in less quantity. According to Scholars the
annual production of Borax is 1,000 tonnes whereas the estimated deposits of
sulphur are 200,000 tonnes in the springs of state16.
9)
Industry:
The famous
industries of state are shawl, carpets, gabba, namda etc. but these industries
depends indirectly on many water resources of Jammu and Kashmir in one or other
way. Because these industries depend on wool of sheep and goats as their raw
material. Many lakes like Dal Lake, Hokasar Lake, Rriver Jehlum etc. are rich
in Willow Trees. These willow trees provide fodder for goats and sheep in the
winter17. People of Kashmir believe that the water of River Jehlum
is very good for the washing of wool of goats and sheep.
Conclusion:
It is true that different water resources of
Jammu and Kashmir such as glaciers (Siachin,
Nunkun, Nanga Parbat etc.), rivers (Ravi, Jehlum, Indus etc.), lakes (Wular, Dal, Pang Kong etc.), springs (Achabal, Verinag, Maliknag etc.) and Canals (Martand canal, Thinsay Mayur, Ranbir canal etc.) which play an
important role for the development of various sectors of Indian economy such as
agriculture, tourism, transport, food, energy, industry etc.
References
1.
Itoo
G. N.; Bodha Shahbaz; Jammu and Kashmir at a glance, Haroon Pub., Anantnag
Hilal Ahmad Shah
R/o
& P/o Behibagh
Tehsil
& District Kulgam, J&K
Pin
192232
ABSTRACT:
The economic prosperity and social well being
of a country largely depends both directly or indirectly on its water
resources. From time immemorial the picturesque state of Jammu and Kashmir is
known all over the world for its economic prosperity. What makes Jammu and
Kashmir so special? Many things, but especially its water resources such as
snow capped mountains, crisscrossed by rivers and studded with lakes, springs, canals
which originate from this state of India. Like
other states of India, the role of water resources of Jammu and Kashmir are very important for the development of
many sectors of Indian economy
like agriculture, hydroelectricity, food, construction, transport, minerals,
industry etc
INTRODUCTION:
the Jammu and Kashmir State is located
in the extreme north of India between 32o 15/and 370
05/ North latitude and 720 35/ and 800
20/ East longitude and occupies a most strategic position in the
entire Himalayan region. The borders of Jammu and Kashmir touch China in the
North East, Afghanistan in the North West, Pakistan in the North West, states
of Punjab and Himachal in South1.
The total
geographical area of Jammu and Kashmir is 2, 22,236 sq. kms but with the declaration
of the cease- fire line (1-1-1949), its 83,808 sq.kms. of the area has gone
under the illegal and forcible possession of Pakistan and since 1962, its
41,500 sq. kms has been occupied by China through aggression. Now Jammu and
Kashmir is 640 kms in length from north to south and 840 kms from east to west2. The geographical area of Jammu and
Kashmir State comprises 6.93% of the total Indian Territory and is the 6th
largest state (area wise) of the country. Out of the total area, Ladakh covers
70%, Jammu 19% and Kashmir 11%3.
Different water
resources of Jammu and Kashmir are snow capped glaciers like Siachin, Baltaru,
Hispur, Nunkun, Nanga Parbat and Chhogilugam. All these big glaciers found in
Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. Whereas Trehtkoti, Gwashabrari and Kolahoi
are small glaciers found in beautiful valley of Kashmir. The main rivers in
Jammu and Kashmir are; like Ravi (Iravati),
Chenab (Chandrabhaga), Tawi, Ujh,
Jehlum (Vitasta), Sindh (Indus) and Kishan Ganga. The famous
lakes of state are Mansar, Sanasar, Wular, Dal, Manasbal, Anchar, Hokarsar,
Pangkong, Pupshi, Tso – Moriri, Tso- Khaghar and Pangore. The attractive
springs are Achabal, Verinag, Kokarnag, Chashima Shahi, Khir Bhawani, Sheesnag,
Maliknag etc. whereas its important canals are Ranbir canal, Partap canal, tawi
canal, Martand canal, Shahkul, Zainagir, Dadikul, Nur Canal, Parimpur Canal,
Zainpur Canal, Chuchat Mayur, thinsay Mayur etc.4 Like other states
of India, the role of water resources of Jammu and Kashmir in Indian economy is
very important for the development of its various economical sectors which are
mentioned as under:
1) Agriculture:
It is the
primary source of economy of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. Mainly 80% people
are related with this sector. About 70, 9795 acres of land is irrigated through
canals5. The Karewas (lucustrine
deposits) have great economical and agricultural importance because of commercial
and cash crops like almond, walnut, apples, peaches, pears and saffron that
flourish luxuriously in the Karewas. These Karewas are mostly irrigated by the
water of the river Jehlum and its tributaries by people in Kashmir valley6.
The spring of Anantnag known as Maliknag is mostly sulphurous and its water is
highly prized for garden cultivation7.
2) Tourism:
Kashmir is
known as the Switzerland of Asia because of its best tourist spots. Many
springs such as Achabal, verinag, Kokernag, Chashima Shahi, Khir Bhaweani,
Sheesnag and Kuansarnag are famous tourist and picnic spots8 whereas
on the other hand it is a sight never to be forgotten to see the lakes of
Kashmir in the autumn when bright lotus flowers are waving over the surface of
lakes in the resplendent beauty of their full bloom. These lakes are Dal,
Wular, Anchar, Mansbal, Hukarsar etc9. These springs and lakes
attract both domestic and foreign tourists which is an economically good point
for Govt. of India to earn forex and maintain balance of payments.
3) Hydroelectricity:
The Rivers of Jammu and Kashmir
such as Jehlum, Sindh, Kishan Ganga, Ravi and Chinab are nature’s precious gifts
for the Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir because these are cheap and clean sources of
electricity during this scientific age. From 1947 the Govt. built Mohra Power
Station, Uri Power Station on Jehlum, Sindh Hydro Electric Power Station, Upper
Sindh Hydel Power Project, Satkana Hydel Power Project, Upper Sindh II Power Project
on Sindh River, Gurez Hydel Power Project on Kishan Ganga, Basoli Hydel Power Project
on Ravi, Dul Hasti, Salal, Sarthingal and Kirthai Hydel Project on River Chenab.10
These power projects have been established and run by the central Govt.
of India.
The Shawal, Carpet,
silk industries and the biscuit factory, bat factory and flour mills of Jammu
and Kashmir State are directly dependent on these Hydel Electrical Projects. These
industries and factories are sources of revenue for Govt. of India.
4)
Food:
Wular Lake,
Kokernag, Hokarsar lake and river Jehlum are mostly known for fishing. In this
way these water resources decreases the rate of food crisis and create
employment for many people especially for fisherman (known as Hanjis in Kashmir). The beautiful lakes in the Kashmir
valley yield Plentiful singhara (water
nuts), lotus roots (Nadur) etc
whereas on the other hand the floating gardens of Dal lake are sources of water
melons, musk melons, Pumpkins, cucumbers and other vegetables11. Mostly
the lakes of Ladakh region such as Pong Kong, Rupshi, Tso- Khaghar and Pangore
are the highest salt water lakes in the country12. The salt water of
these lakes is utilized for making common salt.
5)
Construction:
All the canals
and rivers of Jammu and Kashmir are rich in Pebbles, Sand and Stones, which are
used in the construction of roads, bridges and buildings by the people from
ancient times in place of Marble, iron, wood etc.13
6)
Transport:
The cheap means of transport in the Kashmir
valley is river Jhelum which is navigable from Khanabal to Baramulla. Doongas
are used to carry passengers from one place to another place from Khanabal to
Baramulla whereas Khoch and Bahach are used to carry grains and other items of
internal trade14. This cheap transport helps us to reduce the use of
other costly fuels and protects the beautiful valley from noise, air and water
pollution.
7)
Defence:
Glaciers like
Siachin, Baltaru, Nunkun and Nanga Parbat which are situated mostly in ladakh
region protects our country from the external invaders because it is very
difficult for anyone to cross these snow capped cold Glaciers15.
8)
Minerals:
The Maliknag Spring and the springs of Ladakh
area possess Sulphur and Borox but in less quantity. According to Scholars the
annual production of Borax is 1,000 tonnes whereas the estimated deposits of
sulphur are 200,000 tonnes in the springs of state16.
9)
Industry:
The famous
industries of state are shawl, carpets, gabba, namda etc. but these industries
depends indirectly on many water resources of Jammu and Kashmir in one or other
way. Because these industries depend on wool of sheep and goats as their raw
material. Many lakes like Dal Lake, Hokasar Lake, Rriver Jehlum etc. are rich
in Willow Trees. These willow trees provide fodder for goats and sheep in the
winter17. People of Kashmir believe that the water of River Jehlum
is very good for the washing of wool of goats and sheep.
Willow Trees also provide wood for
cricket bat industries of Jammu and Kashmir. The soft branches of these willow
trees are also used by many crafts men for the construction of fire pots (known as Kangris in Kashmir) which are
mostly used by Kashmiri’s during severe winter18.
Conclusion:
It is true that different water resources of
Jammu and Kashmir such as glaciers (Siachin,
Nunkun, Nanga Parbat etc.), rivers (Ravi, Jehlum, Indus etc.), lakes (Wular, Dal, Pang Kong etc.), springs (Achabal, Verinag, Maliknag etc.) and Canals (Martand canal, Thinsay Mayur, Ranbir canal etc.) which play an
important role for the development of various sectors of Indian economy such as
agriculture, tourism, transport, food, energy, industry etc.
References
1.
Itoo
G. N.; Bodha Shahbaz; Jammu and Kashmir at a glance, Haroon Pub., Anantnag
(Kashmir),
2004, P- 136, 137.
2.
Singh
R.N.; Geography by National geographical Society of India, UBS. Pub., Delhi,
1973, P-347.
3.
K.
Aseer; Focus on Jammu and Kashmir, Crescent Pub., Jammu, 1990, P-27.
4.
Gourav
Mahajan; Known About Jammu and Kashmir, Vishal Pub., Delhi, 2009, P-
32
5.
Ibid.
6.
Husain
Majid; Geography of Jammu and Kashmir, Rajesh Pub., Delhi, 1998, P-7
7.
Lawrence Walter R.; Provincial Gazetters of
Kashmir and Jammu, Rima Pub., Delhi, 1985, P-7
8.
Qazi
S.A.; Geography of India, APH. Pub., Delhi, 2008, P-210
9.
Koul
Pandith Anand; Geography of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulshan Pub., Srinagar,
2008, P-103.
10.
Gourav Mahajan; Known about Jammu and Kashmir,
Vishal Pub., Delhi, 2009, P-
38, 39.
11.
Koul Pandith Anand; Geography of Jammu and
Kashmir, Gulshan Pub., Srinagar,
2008, P-103.
12.
Gourav Mahajan; Known about Jammu and Kashmir,
Vishal Pub., Delhi, 2009, P-
31.
13.
Bamzai Prithvi Nath Koul; History of Kashmir,
Metro Pub., Delhi, 1971, P-487.
14.
Gourav Mahajan; Known about Jammu and Kashmir,
Vishal Pub., Delhi, 2009, P-
45.
15.
Ibid
16.
Singh R.N.; Geography by National geographical
Society of India, UBS. Pub.,
Delhi, 1973, P-363.
17.
Lawrence Walter R.; Provincial Gazetters of
Kashmir and Jammu, Rima Pub.,
Delhi, 1985, P-17
18.
Husain Majid; Geography of Jammu and Kashmir,
Rajesh Pub., Delhi, 1998, P-22.
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