Geography : Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir is India’s northernmost state, lying between six mountain ranges and covering an area of 2,22,236 sq. kilometers. It is located between 32°17' and 36°58' North latitude, and between 37°26' and 80°30' East longitude. The state is commonly known as Kashmir, the territory is bounded on the north by Afghanistan and China, on the east by China, on the south by the state of Himachal Pradesh and the state of Punjab in India, and on the west by the North-West Frontier Province and the Punjab Province of Pakistan.

Jammu & Kashmir has three distinct regions viz. Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir valley – offering a rich diversity in landscapes, religions and people. The state has been divided into 2 divisions (Jammu and Kashmir) and 14 districts for administrative purposes. Kashmir valley is covered by forested mountains, lakes, waterways and terraced fields. The Jammu region comprises of plains, mountains and foothills boasting of famous hill top shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. Ladakh accounts for nearly two third of the state’s area and is a high altitude deserted region. The region is encompassed by oasis villages and ancient Buddhist monasteries.

There are many low lying valleys viz. Tawi Valley, Chenab Valley, Poonch Valley, Sind Valley and Liddar Valley, but the main Valley is the valley of Kashmir which is 100 kms wide and 15520.3 sq. kms in area. Through this valley flows the Jhelum River with its tributaries. The average height of this valley is about 1700 metres above sea level. Some major rivers flowing through the region include Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.

The soil of Jammu & Kashmir is generally loamy with little clay contents. The various types of soils found in Kashmir valley are: Gurti (clay), Bahil (Loam), Sekil (Sandy), Nambaal (Peats), Surzamin, Lemb, Floating garden soils and Karewa soils. Most of the people of Jammu & Kashmir are agricultural-dependent producing crops like rice, wheat, bajra etc. The state falls under Seismic Zone IV and V (very high damage risk).