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Source- This post on Kumaon Himalayas has been created based on the article “SC halts 90-acre project in Kumaon Himalayas on a plea challenging ‘single window’ clearances” published in “The Hindu” on 28 May 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, the Supreme Court has put a stop to a project covering 90 acres in the ecologically sensitive and earthquake-prone lower Himalayan ranges in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon hills.
About Kumaon Himalayas
| Aspect | Description |
| About Kumaon Himalayas | 1) Location: The Kumaon Himalayas are situated in the west-central section of the Himalayan range in northern India. 2) This region is bounded by the Sutlej River to the west and the Kali River to the east. |
| Topography | 1) The area features parts of the Siwalik Range in the south and the Great Himalayas in the north. 2) Most of the Kumaon Himalayas are located within Uttarakhand, northwest of Nepal. 3) Prominent lakes in this area are Naini Lake, Sattal, Bhimtal, and Naukuchiya Tal. 4) Key hill stations such as Nainital, Ranikhet, and Almora are nestled in this region. |
| Highest peak | The highest peaks in the region include Nanda Devi and Kamet. |
| Tribes | The region is home to various tribal and indigenous communities, including the Tharus, Bhutiyas, Jaunsaris, Buksas, and Rajis. |
| Concern associated | The Kumaon Himalayas are recognized for their ecological fragility and vulnerability to seismic activities. |
About the Shiwalik Range
1) The Shivalik Hills are a sub-Himalayan mountain range extending approximately 1,600 km from the Teesta River in Sikkim, through Nepal and India, to northern Pakistan.
2. This range runs parallel to the main Himalayan system, stretching from Haridwar along the Ganges to the banks of the Beas River.
3. The hills have an average elevation ranging from 900 to 1,200 meters.
4. Geological Composition: Predominantly composed of low sandstone and conglomerate hills, the Shivaliks represent the solidified and uplifted debris from the main Himalayan range located just behind them.
They are separated by an intermediate valley that lies between the outer hills and Mussoorie.
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Geography
