Destruction of ancient mound formations of Kashmir Valley
Recently, the ancient mound-like structures of the Kashmir Valley are being destroyed.
- Due to the development and construction activities in the Kashmir Valley, excavation of “Karewa” dunes is being done. As a result, they are being destroyed. Kareva is a deposit of highly fertile alluvial soil.
- Karevas are lake deposits of glacial clay and other materials included in the glacier. These deposits are getting destroyed due to unplanned construction work, illegal mining of clay etc.
How was Kareva formed?
- During the Pleistocene epoch (26 to 11,700 years ago) due to the uplift of the Pir Panjal, water runoff was blocked in one area.
- As a result, a lake area (about 5000 km) was developed. This led to the formation of a basin-like structure in the Kashmir Valley.
- After some time, the water of this lake got drained through Baramulla gorge. Thus, Kareva remained as a deposit residue.
Importance of Kareva:
Agricultural
- This Kashmiri is extremely suitable for the cultivation of saffron (Jafran), almond, apple and many other cash crops.
- The saffron heritage and cultivation of the Kashmir Valley has been recognized as a Global Agricultural Heritage System by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- Saffron was granted Geographical Indication (GI) status in the year 2020.
Archaeological importance: Fossils and remains of many human civilizations and settlements are present here.
Source – The Hindu
