What are Karewas?
Karewas are ancient, unconsolidated sedimentary deposits found primarily in the Kashmir Valley and Bhadarwah Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. They are essentially elevated tablelands formed by the accumulation of sediments over millions of years. The term “Karewa” comes from the Kashmiri language, meaning “elevated tableland.”
How they Formed
The formation of Karewas is a fascinating geological story that dates back to the Pleistocene period, around 4 million years ago. During this time, the Kashmir Valley was a vast freshwater lake blocked by the rising Pir Panjal mountain range. This created a perfect environment for the deposition of sediments carried by rivers, glaciers, and wind.
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Lacustrine deposition: As the lake filled up, sediments like sand, silt, clay, and gravel were deposited at its bottom. These deposits eventually formed thick layers, solidifying into the foundation of the Karewas.
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Glacial influence: The melting of glaciers in the surrounding mountains further contributed to the sediment load, adding layers of glacial till and loess (windblown dust) to the Karewas.
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Uplift and drainage: Over time, tectonic movements uplifted the Pir Panjal range further, eventually draining the lake and exposing the accumulated sediments as the Karewas.
Key Facts about Karewas
- Age: The Karewa Formation dates back to the Plio-Pleistocene period, roughly 4 million to 11,700 years ago.
- Composition: The Karewas are composed of various unconsolidated sediments like sand, silt, clay, shale, mud, lignite, and loess.
- Distribution: The Karewas are primarily found in the Kashmir Valley, covering an area of around 2,500 square kilometers, and also exist in smaller patches in the Bhadarwah Valley.
- Thickness: The thickness of the Karewa deposits varies, ranging from a few meters to over 1,000 meters in some areas.
- Fossils: The Karewas contain rich fossil deposits of plants and animals, providing valuable insights into the region’s past environment and climate.
Importance of Karewas
- Agriculture: The fertile soil of the Karewas is crucial for agriculture in the Kashmir Valley, supporting the cultivation of crops like saffron, apples, almonds, and walnuts.
- Archaeology: The Karewas hold significant archaeological value, containing evidence of ancient human settlements and civilizations dating back thousands of years.
- Water resources: The Karewas act as natural sponges, absorbing and storing water that later feeds springs and streams, contributing to the region’s water security.
- Biodiversity: The varied terrain and unique soil composition of the Karewas support a diverse range of flora and fauna, contributing to the region’s rich biodiversity.
Threats to Karewas
Despite their immense importance, the Karewas face several threats, including:
- Urbanization: The expanding urban footprint in the Kashmir Valley is leading to the encroachment and destruction of Karewa lands.
- Illegal extraction: The extraction of sand, clay, and other materials from the Karewas for construction purposes is causing damage to the ecosystem.
- Climate change: Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns could impact the water storage capacity and fertility of the Karewas.
Conservation Efforts
Recognizing the importance of the Karewas, various conservation efforts are underway, including:
- Protected areas: Several Karewa areas have been designated as protected areas to prevent encroachment and illegal activities.
- Sustainable practices: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing dependence on Karewa resources for construction materials are crucial steps.
- Community awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of the Karewas and encouraging community participation in their conservation is essential.
