Natural Resources in Jammu And Kashmir

The former state of Jammu and Kashmir, presently union territories, lies in the northern part of India, almost as a crown of the country. It falls in the Great Himalayan zone, flanked by the Pir Panjal Range and the Vale of Kashmir. The climate varies according to the altitude, thus affecting flora and fauna. This mountainous region is prone to volcanic activity. Most of the population are inhabitants of the lower reaches of the valley of Kashmir. Srinagar, the largest city, is situated on the banks of the Jhelum River.

Administratively, the region of Jammu and Kashmir has been long subjected to a dispute between India, Pakistan, and China. Jammu and Kashmir are separated from the Pakistan-ruled Azad Kashmir by the Line of Control and China by the Line of Actual Control. Srinagar is the administrative capital in summer and Jammu in winter. 

Natural Resources

Jammu and Kashmir is a region of divine nature and abundant resources. The main categories of natural resources found in Jammu and Kashmir are

Rocks and Mineral Resources

The region of Jammu and Kashmir on the Himalayan foothills comprises two zones: the duns, formed by Himalayan folding movements and erosion, consist of sandstones, silts, clays, and conglomerates. The plateau remnants are massive sedimentary rocks, including red sandstones. Udhampur and Punch River districts have alluvium-filled basins produced by the rivers that deeply incise and terrace the valley. 

Jammu & Kashmir has more than 500 mineral blocks, of which 261 are located in Kashmir.

It is the only administrative unit in India producing borax and sapphire resources. The sapphire reserve mines are found in Machail, Paddar. In addition, Jammu and Kashmir possess India’s 36% graphite, 21% marble, and 14% of gypsum resources.

The essential minerals produced in Jammu and Kashmir are coal, gypsum, magnesite, and limestone. Coal mines are found in the districts of Rajouri, Poonch, and Udhampur. Gypsum can be found in the districts of Baramulla and Doda, with limestone reserves in Baramulla, Kathua, Anantnag, Leh, Poonch, Pulwama, Rajauri, Srinagar, and Udhampur. Magnesite sources are limited to Leh and Udhampur districts.

Other minerals that occur in the State:

Water Resources

Jammu and Kashmir are drained by five main rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Indus, Ravi, and Tawi. It has ample water resources in the form of lakes, glaciers, and rivers. There are 1230 water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir. The Ganges and the Yamuna originate from the glaciers in the Himalayan region. The Wular Lake, Manasbal Lake, Dal Lake, and Nageen Lake are the leading lakes in the region.

The Jhelum river, at the banks of which the city of Srinagar is located, has its source in Verinag spring in the Anantnag district. It flows into the Wular Lake after passing from Srinagar and then passes through Baramulla and Uri to Pakistan. The hydroelectricity project constructed on the Jhelum river generates most of the electricity in the Kashmir Valley. The Indus river passes through the Kashmir region, flowing between the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range. Gilgit River, Gumal River, and Kabul River are its main tributaries. The river Chenab, popularly known as Chandrabhaga, enters Paddar at Kishtwar. The Hydro-power projects of Salal, Dulhasiti, Sawalkot, and Baghilar are located on this river.

Forest Resources

The recorded forest area of the region is 20,230 square kilometres, which makes up 19.95% of the total area under Indian territory. Of the 19.95%, 87.21% is Reserved forests, 12.61% Protected Areas, 0.18% comes under Unclassed forests. Jammu and Kashmir have five national parks and 14 wildlife sanctuaries, and 35 conservation sites. The wetlands of Wular Lake in the Baramulla district have been designated as a Ramsar site. The region of Jammu and Kashmir has 42 types of forests, with Himalayan Moist Temperate forest occupying most forest cover. The other major forest types are Himalayan dry temperate, subtropical dry evergreen, broad-leaved, subtropical pine, and subalpine forests. Deodar, cedar, Chir, Kail, Fir, soft-wood coniferous, and non-coniferous trees comprise the forest cover. Deodar is dominant on the north slopes of Pir Panjal; white cedar, fir, and spruce are prevalent in the Jhelum valley. Timber, herbs, medicinal shrubs, chilgoza, black zeera, mushroom, and saffron, are valuable forest products. The valuable timber forests are now confined to north-western Kashmir due to the loss of forest cover. The Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir is known as the ‘land of sapphire and saffron’. 

Evergreen shrubs, thorny bushes, climbers, reeds, and Khair are found in the subtropical forests. Valuable products such as gum, resin, Katha, and medicinal herbs are also obtained. The alpine pastures, or the Margs, are snow-covered most of the year. Dwarf varieties of birch and juniper shrubs are found in these regions. 

Conclusion

The location of Jammu and Kashmir flanked by the Himalayan and Pir Panjal ranges make it an abundantly rich source of natural resources. Jammu & Kashmir has more than 500 mineral blocks and is the sole producer of borax and sapphire resources in India. In addition, Jammu and Kashmir possess India’s 36% graphite, 21% marble, and 14% of gypsum resources. The essential minerals produced in Jammu and Kashmir are coal, gypsum, magnesite, and limestone.

The region of Jammu and Kashmir is drained by five main rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Indus, Ravi, and Tawi. It has ample water resources in the form of lakes, glaciers, and rivers. There are 1230 water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir. The Wular Lake, Manasbal Lake, Dal Lake, and Nageen Lake are the leading lakes in the region.

Jammu and Kashmir have 42 types of forests, with Himalayan Moist Temperate forest occupying most forest cover. The other major forest types are Himalayan dry temperate, subtropical dry evergreen, broad-leaved, subtropical pine, and subalpine forests. Deodar, cedar, Chir, Kail, Fir, soft-wood coniferous, and non-coniferous trees comprise the forest cover.