Question:
Referring to the location and physical formation of Karewas, highlight their economic significance.
(UPSC 2025, Paper 2, Geography Optional PYQ)
Answer.
Karewas are distinctive lacustrine (lake-deposited) terraces found in the Kashmir Valley of Jammu & Kashmir. They represent ancient lake beds formed during the Pleistocene epoch and consist mainly of clay, silt, sand, and loess deposits. These elevated tablelands hold immense geographical and economic importance, especially for agriculture and horticulture in the region.
1. Location of Karewas
Karewas are primarily found in the Kashmir Valley, between the Pir Panjal Range (south) and the Great Himalayas (north).
Major karewa belts exist around:
- Srinagar
- Pulwama
- Budgam
- Anantnag
- Baramulla
They occur as flat-topped terraces rising above the floodplains of the Jhelum River.
2. Characteristics of Karewas
Physical Features
- Elevated plateau-like terraces.
- Composed of fine lacustrine sediments.
- Thickness ranges from a few meters to hundreds of meters.
- Highly fertile loamy soil.
Types of Karewas
- Lower Karewas – younger, closer to rivers.
- Upper Karewas – older and more elevated.
3. Formation of Karewas:
Karewas were formed due to tectonic and glacial processes:
- During the Pleistocene period, tectonic movements created a large lake called Karewa Lake in the Kashmir basin.
- Rivers and glaciers deposited fine sediments into this lake.
- Later, due to uplift and drainage, the lake dried up.
- The deposited sediments were left behind as flat-topped terraces, now called Karewas.
Thus, Karewas are remnants of an ancient lake system.
4. Economic Significance of Karewas:
Karewas are extremely important for the economy of the Kashmir Valley in the following ways:
(A) Agriculture & Horticulture
This is their most significant contribution.
Famous for saffron cultivation (Pulwama Karewas).
Suitable for:
- Almonds
- Apples
- Walnuts
Example:
Pampore, a town in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, Pampore Karewas are known as the “Saffron Bowl of India.”
(B) Soil Fertility
Karewa soils are:
Well-drained
Rich in nutrients
Ideal for horticulture
They support high-value cash crops.
(C) Groundwater Recharge
Act as natural water reservoirs.
Help maintain regional hydrology.
(D) Archaeological Importance
Karewa deposits contain fossils and palaeoclimatic records, helping study past climate and environmental changes.
(E) Settlement & Infrastructure
Elevated location protects settlements from flooding of the Jhelum River.
5. Issues Associated with Karewas
- Rapid urbanisation is destroying karewas.
- Illegal mining and soil extraction.
- Climate change is affecting saffron yield.
Karewas are unique geomorphological features of the Kashmir Valley formed by ancient lacustrine processes. Beyond their geological significance, they play a crucial economic role by supporting saffron cultivation, horticulture, groundwater recharge, and settlements. Their sustainable management is essential for preserving both the ecological balance and the livelihoods of the region.
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