How the Kashmir Valley’s ancient mound formations are being levelled

What is the News?

Kashmir’s highly fertile alluvial soil deposits called ‘karewas’ are being destroyed in the name of development.

What are Karewas?

Karewas are lacustrine deposits (deposits in lake) in the Valley of Kashmir and in Bhadarwah Valley of the Jammu Division. These are the flat topped mounds that border the Kashmir Valley on all sides. 

How are Karewas formed?

Karewas were formed during the Pleistocene Period (1 million years ago) when the entire Valley of Kashmir was underwater. 

Due to the rise of Pir Panjal, the drainage was impounded and a lake of about 5000 sq. km area was developed and thus a basin was formed. 

Subsequently, the lake was drained through Bramulla gorge. The deposits left in the process are known as karewas. 

What is the significance of Karewas?

Karewas are 13,000-18,000 metre-thick deposits of alluvial soil and sediments like sandstone and mudstone. 

This makes them ideal for the cultivation of saffron, almonds, apples and several other cash crops.

Kashmir saffron, which received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2020 for its longer and thicker stigmas, deep-red colour, high aroma and bitter flavour, is grown on these karewas.

However, despite its agricultural and archaeological importance, karewas are now being excavated to be used in construction.

Between 1995 and 2005, massive portions of karewas were razed to the ground for clay for the Qazigund-Baramulla rail line. The Srinagar airport is built on the Damodar karewa.

Source: This post is based on the article “How the Kashmir Valley’s ancient mound formations are being levelled” published in Down To Earth on 7th Mar 2022.