DOCSLIB.ORG

Ground Response and Support Measures for Pir Panjal Tunnel in the Himalayas

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ground Response and Support Measures for Pir Panjal Tunnel in the Himalayas GroundIGC 2009 Response, Guntur, and INDIA Support Measures for Pir Panjal Tunnel in the Himalayas GROUND RESPONSE AND SUPPORT MEASURES FOR PIR PANJAL TUNNEL IN THE HIMALAYAS K.S. Rao Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi–110 016, India. E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT: The Pir Panjal tunnel linking between Banihal and Qazigund stations is the important tunnel in the railway line from Udhampur to Baramula in the Himalayas. The Pir Panjal ranges are having complex geological set up with major folds and faults. More than six major lithological units are traled along the 11 km length of the tunnel with very high overburden at many sections. The phenomena of squeezing is studied using the limit equilibrium and FLAC methods for this tunnel. A detailed stress and displacement assessment has been attempted in this study, in order to stabilise the tunnel sections with suitable support measures. 1. INTRODUCTION Sequence of rock mass behaviour leading to regional failure is explained schematically by Szwedzicki (2003) as shown in A large number of power and transport tunnel projects are being Figure 1. Accordingly, there will be several indicators and constructed in the tectonically active and young Himalayan precursors which will lead to local damage and subsequently mountains. The main areas of concern regarding tunnel stability regional failure. An indicator is defined as a sign, a state or a are the existence of weak, highly deformable and anisotropic contributing factor that points out or suggest that the rock rock mass and high degree of weathering and fracturing. Tunnel mass may be prone to damage or failure. In general potential squeezing is common in the Himalayas in weak rock such as failure is indicated by geotechnical and operational factors. A shale, slate, phyllite, schist and in weakness/fault zones and geotechnical precursor is a state or behaviour that suggests represents one of the major areas of concern regarding stability. that the structure of the rock mass has been damaged prior to Also in some areas due to very high overburden and brittle rock possible failure. Precursors, including results from mass, explosive conditions develop resulting in rock bursts. instrumentation, warn of the development of excess ground Rock burst is the explosive failure in rock which occurs when deformations or high stress. Local damage is manifested by the very high stress concentrations are induced around underground following precursors e.g. spalling, squeezing, bursting, roof openings. Though ravelling, swelling, running and flowing sagging, local falls, slabbing, joint dilation, creep, floor are occasional but rock squeezing is common in the Himalayas, heaving, support damage etc. leading to tunnel collapses. Several tunnels and bridges are being constructed by Ircon Int. Ltd and Konkan Rly. Corp. Ltd for ambitious railway link between Katra to Qazigund in the Himalayas for the Northern Railways. The Pir Panjal rail tunnel is a part of the new railway line from Udhampur to Baramulla. The tunnel crosses the different formation of Pir Panjal range and runs around 11 km length. In this study an attempt is made to evaluate ground response of Pir Panjal tunnel through limit equilibrium and Finite element approaches. Especially efforts were made to assess the squeezing and rock bursting conditions through out the length of the tunnel and stability measures are suggested for the affected sections. 1.1 Rockmass Response and Collapses Changes in stress around tunnel excavations can result in the behaviour of the rock mass which in turn may lead to damage, failure and consequent collapse of the rock mass. Fig. 1: Sequence of Rock Mass Behaviour 920 Ground Response and Support Measures for Pir Panjal Tunnel in the Himalayas 1.2 Squeezing excavation method is NATM with drill-blast. The tunnel layout is shown in Figure 3. Time dependent large displacement occurring around tunnels and other openings essentially associated with creeping is known as “squeezing rock conditions”. Several authors tried to explain the phenomena in the past (Dube et al. 1986, Ayden et al. 1993, Singh et al. 1999, Goel et al. 1995 and Panthi & Nilsen 2007). Tunnels in weak rocks such as schists, shales, slates and phyllites when subjected to high ground stresses, experience squeezing conditions. This behaviour implies that yielding will occur around the tunnel resulting in convergence and face displacements. Singh et al. (1992) differentiated squeezing and non-squeezing overburden pressure and Q-ratting. Similarly several authors defined Fig. 3: 2D View of Pir Panjal Tunnel squeezing based on other criteria as well. Hoek & Marinos (2000) defined squeezing based on strain % 2.1 Geological Setup (which is tunnel closure/tunnel diameter × 100) and ratio of rock mass strength and in situ stress. Based on this they The tunnel alignment traverses through steeply slopping proposed a classification for squeezing level as shown in highly undulating hill slopes of the Pir Panjal range which is Figure 2. When scm/po is low, the strain is very high (10%) part of the young lower Himalayas. Formation levels at tunnel indicating extreme squeezing conditions where as when the portals are at elevation 1713.63 (South portal) and 1956.70 stress ratio is high (0–6), the strain % is < 1% implying few (North portal). The highly folded and faulted mountain ranges support problems. The above classification is used in this have a strike of bedding is NW-SE. Distinct folding is visible study to define the squeezing problems. in the central regions. Bedding of the southern slopes dip with 60–90° towards NE while on northern slopes dip with 36–45 towards SW. Contact between rock units are often faulted. The lithological units are Zewan beds, Gangamopteris bed, Panjal traps, conglomerate bed, agglomerate slates, fenestella shale and syringothyeis limestone. The main rock units are limestones, quartzites, shales, sandstone, conglomerate and fluvoglacial materials. Table 1 details the anticipated rock units at different chainage of the tunnel. The table also presents maximum and minimum overburden at different sections of the tunnel. 2.2 Geotechnical Parameters Extensive geotechnical investigations were carried out through drilling number of boreholes as well as several shafts and drifts. Because of high overburden, there was a Fig. 2: Classification of Squeezing limitation of drilling depth. However, based on surface mapping, drilling and mapping in the drifts and adits, the 2. THE PIR PANJAL TUNNEL rock type classes were determined. Extensive laboratory tests were carried out for obtaining bulk density, cohesion, c, The proposed Pir Panjal tunnel is part of the railway line friction f, uniaxial compressive strength, s c, tensile strength, from Udhampur to Baramula in the Himalayas. The tunnel s t, Modulus, Et and Poisson’s ratios for all rock varieties. across Pir Panjal range is located between the future railway Rock mass properties and joint parameters were also stations Banihal in the south and Qazigund in the north. The established through relevant field and laboratory tests. total length of the horse shoe shape with flat floor tunnel will Adopted geotechnical parameters for the ground response be 11 km (10960 m) length with 8.0 m height and 8.94 m analysis are presented in Table 2. width. It is completely straight and runs almost parallel to North-South direction. The overburden at both portals is 3. GROUND RESPONSE ANALYSIS: ANALYTICAL about 10m above tunnel crown, while the maximum APPROACHES overburden is approximately 1150 m. About 4 km of the tunnel length has an overburden of more than 500 m and Predictions of stresses and displacements around a circular about 650 m of the length has more than 1000 m. The opening in rock mass at great depth is an important problem 921 Ground Response and Support Measures for Pir Panjal Tunnel in the Himalayas in geotechnical, petroleum and mining engineering. The feature discretisation only along interior or exterior main analytical approaches adopted are: boundaries. Ground response in the study was obtained using 1. Limit Equilibrium Method the powerful FLAC method. The Fast Langrangian Analysis 2. Numerical Method of Continua (FLAC) is a two dimensional explicit finite difference program. In order to setup a model to run a simulation with FLAC, in the fundamental components of Table 1: Anticipated Rock Types the problem shall be specified: a finite difference grid, constitutive behaviour and material properties and boundary and initial conditions. The general solution procedure as indicated in FLAC manual version 5.0 is adopted for the study. The Mohr-Coulomb model which is convenient is used in the study. Table 2: Geotechnical Design Parameters The descretised model of the Pir Panjal tunnel obtained by FLAC is shown in Figure 4. Because of axisymmetric half of the tunnel is descretised into 15876 square and rectangular zones. The boundary conditions are applied in terms of both The closed form solutions are based on simplified stresses and displacements. The bottom boundary is fixed in assumptions e.g. shape of the opening is regular (mostly Y-direction where as the left vertical boundary is restrained circular, elliptical, or spherical), the media is homogeneous in X- direction. A vertical stress Syy and the horizontal and isotropic. They are easy and provide insight into how the stress, Sxx are applied on top boundary and vertical right mechanical variables influence the deformation behaviour side boundary. Stresses and deformations before and after (Hoek & Brown 1994). To identify the magnitude of stresses support system are calculated using both the methods. and deformations in Pir Panjal tunnel, calculations were carried out based on closed form solution for circular shape of equivalent opening in elasto-plastic medium with primary stress field of Ko = 1. Numerical methods include such techniques as finite element, finite difference and boundary element. Depending upon geological media two approaches to numerical modelling is identified.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • B.A. 6Th Semester Unit IV Geography of Jammu and Kashmir
    B.A. 6th Semester Unit IV Geography of Jammu and Kashmir Introduction The state of Jammu and Kashmir constitutes northern most extremity of India and is situated between 32o 17′ to 36o 58′ north latitude and 37o 26′ to 80o 30′ east longitude. It falls in the great northwestern complex of the Himalayan Ranges with marked relief variation, snow- capped summits, antecedent drainage, complex geological structure and rich temperate flora and fauna. The state is 640 km in length from north to south and 480 km from east to west. It consists of the territories of Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and Gilgit and is divided among three Asian sovereign states of India, Pakistan and China. The total area of the State is 222,236 km2 comprising 6.93 per cent of the total area of the Indian territory including 78,114 km2 under the occupation of Pakistan and 42,685 km2 under China. The cultural landscape of the state represents a zone of convergence and diffusion of mainly three religio-cultural realms namely Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists. The population of Hindus is predominant in Jammu division, Muslims are in majority in Kashmir division while Buddhists are in majority in Ladakh division. Jammu is the winter capital while Srinagar is the summer capital of the state for a period of six months each. The state constitutes 6.76 percent share of India's total geographical area and 41.83 per cent share of Indian Himalayan Region (Nandy, et al. 2001). It ranks 6th in area and 17th in population among states and union territories of India while it is the most populated state of Indian Himalayan Region constituting 25.33 per cent of its total population.
    [Show full text]
  • NW-49 Final FSR Jhelum Report
    FEASIBILITY REPORT ON DETAILED HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY IN JHELUM RIVER (110.27 KM) FROM WULAR LAKE TO DANGPORA VILLAGE (REGION-I, NW- 49) Submitted To INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA A-13, Sector-1, NOIDA DIST-Gautam Buddha Nagar UTTAR PRADESH PIN- 201 301(UP) Email: [email protected] Web: www.iwai.nic.in Submitted By TOJO VIKAS INTERNATIONAL PVT LTD Plot No.4, 1st Floor, Mehrauli Road New Delhi-110074, Tel: +91-11-46739200/217 Fax: +91-11-26852633 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tojovikas.com VOLUME – I MAIN REPORT First Survey: 9 Jan to 5 May 2017 Revised Survey: 2 Dec 2017 to 25 Dec 2017 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Tojo Vikas International Pvt. Ltd. (TVIPL) express their gratitude to Mrs. Nutan Guha Biswas, IAS, Chairperson, for sparing their valuable time and guidance for completing this Project of "Detailed Hydrographic Survey in Ravi River." We would also like to thanks Shri Pravir Pandey, Vice-Chairman (IA&AS), Shri Alok Ranjan, Member (Finance) and Shri S.K.Gangwar, Member (Technical). TVIPL would also like to thank Irrigation & Flood control Department of Srinagar for providing the data utilised in this report. TVIPL wishes to express their gratitude to Shri S.V.K. Reddy Chief Engineer-I, Cdr. P.K. Srivastava, Ex-Hydrographic Chief, IWAI for his guidance and inspiration for this project. We would also like to thank Shri Rajiv Singhal, A.H.S. for invaluable support and suggestions provided throughout the survey period. TVIPL is pleased to place on record their sincere thanks to other staff and officers of IWAI for their excellent support and co-operation through out the survey period.
    [Show full text]
  • District Disaster Management Plan Ramban 2020-21
    Government of Jammu and Kashmir District Development Commissioner Ramban DISTRICT DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN RAMBAN 2020-21 © DDMA, Ramban Edition: First, 2019 Edition: Second 2020 Authors: Drafted By : Feyaiz Ahmed (Junior Assistant) Edited By: Nazim Zai Khan (KAS), Deputy Commissioner Ramban Published by: District Disaster Management Authority – Ramban Jammu & Kashmir, 182144 Preparation: This document has been prepared purely on the basis of information obtained from different authentic sources and the information received from concerned departments in the District. Disclaimer: This document may be freely reviewed, reproduced or translated, in part or whole, purely on non-profit basis for any non-commercial purpose aimed at training or education promotion as cause for disaster risk management and emergency response. The Authors welcome suggestions on its use in actual situations for improved future editions. The document can be downloaded from http://www.ramban.gov.in. For further queries and questions related to this Document please contact at: Email: [email protected] Phone: +91-1998-266789: Fax: +91-1998-266906 Main Source: - J&K State Disaster Management Plan & National Disaster Management Plan Page 2 of 76 MESSAGE I am happy to present the Disaster Management Plan for District Ramban (Jammu & Kashmir). The aim of the plan is to make Ramban a safe, adaptive and disaster-resilient District. It will help to maximise the ability of stakeholders to cope with disasters at all levels by integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) & Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) into developmental activities and by increasing the preparedness to respond to all kinds of disasters. This plan takes into account the trends that have been mentioned in J&K Disaster Management Policy and State Disaster Management Plan.
    [Show full text]
  • Pir Panjal Regional Festival Integrating the Isolated Border Districts in J&K & Building Peace from Below*
    No 142 IPCS ISSUE BRIEF No 142 APRIL 2010 APRIL 2010 Building Peace & Countering Radicalization Pir Panjal Regional Festival Integrating the Isolated Border Districts in J&K & Building Peace from Below* D. Suba Chandran Deputy Director, IPCS, New Delhi This essay focus on two districts in the Jammu sub region of J&K—Rajouri and Poonch, along the Pir Panjal range of the outer Himalayas. The primary objective is to highlight the conflict transformation (both positive and negative) in this region during the recent years; to explore the opportunities of an Pir Panjal festival bringing the various communities together and build peace from below; integrate the border districts with the national mainstream; and improve the physical and psychological connectivity of the Pir Panjal region with the rest and remove the feeling of physical isolation. Idea of using a festival to promote tourism in J&K is not a new one; those who have witnessed the Ladakh festival, in all its colorful glory and culturally rich historical past, would agree how it has brought the region, its people and culture to the limelight. Of course, there are other places – from Dal lake to Gulmarg and from Bhaderwah to Basohli, which can easily boast the same – in terms of their rich culture, colorful people and beautiful places. The irony of J&K, however has been - there are numerous such regions in J&K, unfortunately remaining in the periphery, physically isolated and psychologically looking inward. Ladakh festival, now celebrated during August every year, attracts global attention and tourists who visit the land of moon, as it is popularly referred, to enjoy the culture, people and places.
    [Show full text]
  • RAMBAN © DDMA, Ramban Edition: First, 2019 Authors: -Parvaiz Naik, (KAS), Tehsildar HQA Ramban Drafted & Assist By: Feyaiz Ahmed (Junior Assistant)
    Page 1 of 75 DISTRICT DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN RAMBAN © DDMA, Ramban Edition: First, 2019 Authors: -Parvaiz Naik, (KAS), Tehsildar HQA Ramban Drafted & Assist by: Feyaiz Ahmed (Junior Assistant) Published by: District Disaster Management Authority – Ramban Jammu & Kashmir, 182144 Preparation: This document has been prepared purely on the basis of information obtained from different authentic sources and the information received from concerned departments in the District. Disclaimer: This document may be freely reviewed, reproduced or translated, in part or whole, purely on non-profit basis for any non-commercial purpose aimed at training or education promotion as cause for disaster risk management and emergency response. Authors welcome suggestions on its use in actual situations for improved future editions. The document can be downloaded from http://www.ramban.gov.in. Email: [email protected]: Phone No. 01998-266789: FAX No. 01998-266906 Main Source: - J&K State Disaster Management Plan & National Disaster Management Plan Page 2 of 75 Page 3 of 75 Deputy Commissioner Ramban MESSAGE I am happy to present the Disaster Management Plan for District Ramban (Jammu & Kashmir). The aim of the plan is to make Ramban a safe, adaptive and disaster-resilient District. It will help to maximize the ability of stakeholders to cope with disasters at all levels by integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) & Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) into developmental activities and by increasing the preparedness to respond to all kinds of disasters. This plan takes into account the trends that have been mentioned in J&K State Disaster Management Policy and State Disaster Management Plan. Implementation of the plan requires sincere cooperation from all the stakeholders especially the active participation of civil society, community based organizations and Government.
    [Show full text]
  • Directory of Lakes and Waterbodies of J&K State Using Remote Sensing
    DIRECTORY OF LAKES AND WATERBODIES OF J&K STATE Using Remote Sensing & GIS Technology Dr.Hanifa Nasim Dr.Tasneem Keng DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND REMOTE SENSING SDA COLONY BEMINA SRINAGAR / PARYAWARAN BHAWAN, FOREST COMPLEX, JAMMU Email: [email protected]. DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET Title of the project DIRECTORY OF LAKES AND WATERBODIES OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR Funding Agency GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR. Originating Unit Department of Environment and Remote Sensing, J&K Govt. Project Co-ordinator Director Department of Environment and Remote Sensing,J&K Govt. Principal Investigator Dr. Hanifa Nasim Jr. Scientist Department of Environment and Remote Sensing, J&K Govt. Co-Investigator Dr. Tasneem Keng Scientific Asst. Department of Environment and Remote Sensing, J&K Govt. Document Type Restricted Project Team Mudasir Ashraf Dar. Maheen Khan. Aijaz Misger. Ikhlaq Ahmad. Documentation Mudasir Ashraf. Acknowledgement Lakes and Water bodies are one of the most important natural resources of our State. Apart from being most valuable natural habitat for number of flora and fauna, these lakes and Water bodies are the life line for number of communities of our state. No systematic scientific study for monitoring and planning of these lakes and water bodies was carried out and more than 90%of our lakes and water bodies are till date neglected altogether. The department realized the need of creating the first hand information long back in 1998 and prepared the Directory of lakes and water bodies using Survey of India Topographical Maps on 1:50,000.With the advent of satellite technology the study of these lakes and water bodies has become easier and the task of creating of information pertaining to these lakes and water bodies using latest high resolution data along with Survey of India Topographical Maps and other secondary information available with limited field checks/ground truthing has been carried out to provide latest information regarding the status of these lakes and water bodies.
    [Show full text]
  • District Survey Report Kulgoam
    District Survey Report 2017 DIRECTORATE OF GEOLOGY AND MINING District Survey Report Kulgoam Khursheed Ahmad Mir and Fayaz Ah. Bhat 2017 GeologicalBASEERA Division, COMPLEX DGM, Srinagar MEJHOOR NAGAR, SRINAGARPage 0 District Survey Report 2017 Contents: Page No. 1. Introduction 02 2. Overview of Mining Activity 05 3. Details of the revenue received in last four years 06 4. Details of the Minor Minerals Produced in the Last Four Years 07 4.1 Proposed Minor Mineral Blocks 08 5. Process of Deposition of Sediments in the Nalla 09 5.1 Drainage System and its Mineral Potential 10 5.1.1 Drainage system with Description of Main Nallas 10 5.1.2 Silent Features of Important Nallas and Streams 11 5.1.3 Mineral Potential 11 6. General Profile of the District 13 7. Land utilization pattern in the district 15 8. Physiography of the District 18 8.1 The Pir Panjals 21 8.2 The Karewas 22 8.3 Alluvial Plains 23 9. Rainfall in the District 24 10. Geology and Mineral wealth of the district 25 10.1 The Salkhalas 25 10.2 The Panjal Traps 26 10.3 The Karewas 26 10.4 Triassic Limestone 27 10.5 Recent Alluvium 27 10.6 Mineral Wealth 28 Geological Division, DGM, Srinagar Page 1 District Survey Report 2017 1. Introduction: With reference to the gazette notification dated 15th January 2016, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the District Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA) and District Level Environment Appraisal Committee (DEAC) have been constituted by the Central Government for grant of environmental clearance for Category ‘B2’ Projects for mining of minor minerals, for all the Districts in the country (hereinafter referred to as Authority for the Districts) vide S.O.
    [Show full text]
  • Studies Pertaining to Environmental Degradation Caused by Fagla Landslide, Ramban Area, Jammu and Kashmir State
    Environment Conservation Journal 8 (3) 99-105, 2007 (ISSN 0972-3099) Studies pertaining to environmental degradation caused by Fagla Landslide, Ramban area, Jammu and Kashmir State Amita Fotedar*, R.K.Verma**, B.K.Fotedar*** and Veerji Tikoo**** * Department of Environmental Sciences, Jammu University, Jammu ** G.G.M. Science College, Jammu *** Modern Academy, Dalpatian, Jammu ****Directorate of Geology and Mining, J & K Government Abstract Fagla landslide at a distance of 160 km from Jammu, very near to Ramban area, national highway –IA, is one of the notorious landslides in J & K. Among many other causes, such as deforestation, high relief brittle nature of rocks, the main cause of landslide revealed from field investigation is great water ingress present in the rocks in the form of springs, nallas and water falls. The problem gets compounded during excessive rains – when phyllite salty rocks develop shear joints resulting in breaking apart big rock blocks from the main mass turning in to huge scree material and finally getting accumulated on the road. For mitigation of the slide, proper disposal of run off by digging wells and connecting the same to the horizontals tunnels readily(Tunake model) as applied in kamenose landslide in Japan successfully, is suggested for Fagla landslide, the only strengthened by anchoring at vulnerable ponts, An adequate forest cover in the water shed areas of the landslide site from Rambvan to Anokhi fall together with growing vetiver grass in the whole belt in the northeast are other methods suggested to control the slide successfully. Keywords: Mitigation, Fagla landslide, Ramban area, Jammu and Kashmir State Introduction Geological and environmental factors have immense influence on land use.
    [Show full text]
  • Geoinformatics Approach to Qualitative Forest Density Loss Estimation and Protection Cum Conservation Strategy- a Case Study of Pir Panjal Range, J & K, India
    GEOINFORMATICS APPROACH TO QUALITATIVE FOREST DENSITY LOSS ESTIMATION AND PROTECTION CUM CONSERVATION STRATEGY- A CASE STUDY OF PIR PANJAL RANGE, J & K, INDIA Gowhar Meraj1, Shakil A. Romshoo1, A.R. Yousuf2 ijcrr Vol 04 issue 16 1Department of Earth Sciences, University of Kashmir Category: Case Study 2Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir Received on:01/06/12 Revised on:17/06/12 E-mail of Corresponding Author: [email protected] Accepted on:05/07/12 ABSTRACT The present work is an attempt to qualitatively assess forest density losses very rapidly over a comparatively large area. This study unravels the forest density loss rates of forest compartments in district budgam, central Kashmir between 1992 and 2008, wherein forest compartments are grouped based on the emergency of forest conservation required. Satellite remote sensing and GIS technology has been used in this study for land use/land cover inventorization. Methodology consisted of using visual image interpretation and vector GIS overlay analysis. The data sets used were Landsat TM-1992 and IRS- LISS III-2008. Forest density classification was performed using Forest survey of India (FSI) classification scheme. In order to analyze forest density losses within forest compartments, vector GIS overlay analysis of forest class theme-1992, forest class theme-2008 and forest compartment boundary was performed. The resultant overlaid theme was analyzed for forest density change between 1992 and 2008.The highest percent forest density loss was observed in Danizar (90.60%) followed by Nilnag (90.24%), Sangarwain (87.48%), Nagabal (81.24%), Doodhganga (69.04%), Yus (41.55%), Guravet (27.17% ), Brenwar (25.70%), Kachwari (23.05%), Handpathar (15.36%), and Nambian (1.13%).On the basis of percent forest density loss status of forest compartments a protective cum conservative prioritization grouping was performed wherein those compartments which have degraded more than 30 % were grouped into highest priority status compartments.
    [Show full text]
  • Geographical Personality of Kashmir Valley
    CHAPTER I GEOGRAPHICAL PERSONALITY OF KASHMIR VALLEY “Agar Firdoos Barooy-e-Zameen ast, Hamin astoo Hamin astoo Hamin ast” (If there is paradise on Earth, It is here, It is here, It is here) (Mughal Emperor, Jahangir) 1.1 Introduction Kashmir Valley has rightly been called as the “Paradise on Earth” and “Switzerland of Asia”. Bernier, the first European traveler to enter Kashmir, wrote in 1665 that “In truth, the kingdom surpasses in beauty all that my warmest imagination had anticipated” (Young-husband, 1911)1. Geographically and climatically, Kashmir is the core of mighty Himalayas receiving in abundance its grace in the form of captivating scenic beauty, lush green pastures and lofty glistening snow covered mountain peaks which capture the changing hues of the brilliant sun, in many ways, the enchanting rivers and rivulets and the great lakes of mythological fame. In her valleys grow the rarest of trees and herbs, including the most precious of all flowers - the Zaafran (Saffron). In her forest are found the best pines and deodars. From her orchards come apples, apricots, pears, walnuts and cherries of different kinds. On her green meadows graze the lambs bearing the most exquisite wool. Her Dal lake and her house boats, Gulmarg and her glaciers have made her an international tourist spot. What to talk of her temples, the dream of every devout Hindu - the Holy Amarnath where lakhs of pilgrims trek every year, regardless of inclement weather and a host of other dangers; the Shiva temple, the Khir Bhawani, all with their lofty associations with great masterminds and the impeccable Shaivite philosophy (Sadhu,1984)2.
    [Show full text]
  • Pir-Panjal Railway Tunnel – Gate Way to Kashmir Valley
    Pir-Panjal Railway Tunnel – Gate Way to Kashmir Valley Feature Railways H. C. Kunwar* The Indian Railway added another feather in its cap with the historic milestone of connecting Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region. The Prime Minister dedicated the newly constructed railway line between Banihal (Jammu region) – Qazigund (Kashmir valley) section and flagged off the first DEMU train from Banihal throughthe Pir Panjal tunnel- the longest transportation tunnel of India, from Banihal Railway station on 26th June 2013. On commissioning of this section, the first rail link has been established between the Jammu Region and Kashmir Valley providing all weather connectivity with significantly reduced travel time through the Pir Panjal mountains. This is an alternative connection between the two regions for the Jawahar Tunnel too,which is often snow bound during the winter months. With this section the distance between Banihal-Qazigund section has been reduced to 17.7 kms by railway line instead of 35 kms long road length. With the completion of this section the Kashmir Valley has come a step closer to being connected to the remaining Indian Railway network, signifying the dedication and resolution of Northern Railway in providing rail connectivity to the farthest corners under its jurisdiction. Ircon International Ltd., a PSU under the Ministry of Railways, has been the principal executing agency for Northern Railway to execute the work of Dharam- Qazigund Section of USBRL Project through an agreement signed in 2004 which includes planning, survey,design and construction of the entire project. The Kashmir Valley railway is a 119 km long modern railway line that became completely operational in October 2009.
    [Show full text]
  • Spatial Analysis of Urban Amenities in Srinagar City
    SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF URBAN AMENITIES IN SRINAGAR CITY DISSERTATION Submitted to the University of Kashmir in partial fulfillment of Degree of Master of Philosophy In Geography By Jahangeer Afzal Parry Under the Supervision of Dr. Mohd Sultan Bhat (Professor & Head) DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, University of Kashmir (DST-FIST Sponsored, SAP Assisted Department) Faculty of Physical and Material Sciences University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar-190006 (NAAC accredited Grade ‘A’) Department of Geography & Regional Development (DST-FIST Sponsored & UGC-SAP Funded Department) Certificate Certified that the dissertation entitled “Spatial Analysis of Urban Amenities in Srinagar City” submitted by Mr. Jahangeer Afzal Parry, in partial fulfillment for the award of M. Phil. Degree in Geography & Regional Development, is based on original research work carried out by him under my supervision and guidance. This dissertation has not been submitted in part or in full, to any University/Institution for the award of any degree or diploma. The candidate has fulfilled all the statutory requirements for the submission of the dissertation. Prof. M. Sultan Bhat (Supervisor and Head) Acknowledgement At the outset, all thanks to Almighty Allah for his mercy and magnanimity. I have accumulated a large number of debts in preparing this work. While a brief acknowledgement here in no way writes them off, it is a small courtesy whose sentiments are sincere. I express my deep sense of gratitude to my revered and affable supervisor Dr. M. Sultan Bhat, professor & Head, Department of Geography, whose hard work, sincere efforts, expert guidance and encouraging attitude provided me intellectual stimulation and emotional support during the course of the work.
    [Show full text]