Kangra valley is known for its beauty all around the world. Its Kuhls system is well studied from the perspective of community managed resources. However Kuhls sytem is much more than irrigation channel and is part of wider Agricultural Landscape which comprises- Glacio/Outwash Plain, Kuhls and community management and culture. However inthis article we will discuss only the Geography of Kuhl. In this article we will discuss evolution of Kangra Plain in Detail. (See more Detail: https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/The_Kuhls_of_Kangra/DIkVCgAAQBAJ?hl=en)
History of Formation of Kangra Plains and associated Geological and Geographical feature
Himalayan are youngest mountain system of World. Its Formation began around 65 million years ago (MYA) and it has been continue to evolve due to ongoing tectonic activity. The Greater Himalayas represent the collision zone, feature high peaks, deep valleys, and glaciers, with sparse human habitation. South of this, the Lesser Himalayas lie at a relatively lower altitude, receiving substantial snowfall and rainfall, which support moderate to dense human populations. Further south, the Shivalik Hills, a low-elevation zone, lack snow cover but play a crucial role in sediment deposition. See more (https://geohimachal.com/physiographic-division-of-himachal-pradesh/
Kangra Basin and Kuhls , A Geological and Geraphical perspective
Kangra Kuhls are excellant example of Man -Environment relationship. The Kuhls are natural outcome of intention Geological activities of past 100000 years. As per Geological estimates the Kangri Basin’s sedimentation commenced approximately 11 MYA, ceasing in the Upper Shivaliks around 200 KA (thousand years ago). By 100 KA, an Outwash Fan began forming, depositing vast amounts of glacial and fluvial sediments (Srivastava, Rajak, and Singh, 2009). This Geological event set the foundation of Kangra Agriculture System.
The Kangra Agricultural System (KAS) site is situated between the Lesser Himalayas (north) and the Shivalik range (south). It is bounded by two major thrust faults:
- Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) in the north, and Jawalamukhi Thrust (JMT) in the south.
This has resulted in a large synclinally basin, primarily composed of debris from the Dhauladhar Range, forming the largest outwash plain in the Himalayas (Srivastava et al., 2009). Geological processes, including MBT and JMT activity, Ice Age glaciation, and intensified monsoonal phases, have played a key role in shaping this landscape.
Kangra Outwash Plain and Terrace Farms
- The Kangra Outwash Plains are geologically unique and significant they provide valuable insights into Earth‘s geological and climatic history of region. These plains are spread over 356 km2 area. These plains have given rise to highly fertile alluvial soils which local farmers, most prominantely Girth Farmers converted into terrace farms. These terrace farm combined with the traditional Kuhl irrigation system, sustain diverse agricultural practices.
Thus Kangra Kuhls are more than irrigation channel. These Kuhls are products of unique geography of the region. It is high time we should see Kuhls in context of unique Landscape of region and complex human nature interaction. If sufficient efforts put into the Place , Kangra region can become part of GIAHS heritage. In this regard an proposal documents has already been prepared and mailed to Govt.(https://zenodo.org/records/17153175)
Written by Pardeep Kumar, Author of Book: The Kangra Agricultural System a GIAHS Perspective on Heritage and Resilience.https://zenodo.org/records/17153175
