GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
2017
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR DISTRICT SURVEY REPORT
SRINAGAR DISTRICT
Prepared as per Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification, 2016 of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
M Yaseen Bhat & Sarafraz Shaban DIRECTORATE OF GEOLOGY AND MINING, J&K GOVT. October, 2017: Srinagar.
1 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
Table of Contents
Page no. 1. Introduction...... 1 2. Overview of Mining Activity of the District…...... 4 3. Details of Mining Leases in the District...... 5 4. Details of Revenue Received………………...... 5 5. Details of Production of Minor Minerals...... 6 6. Proposed Minor Mineral Blocks...... 7 7. Process of Deposition of sediments in rivers of District...... 9 7.1 Drainage System with Mineral Potentiality...... 10 8. General Profile of the District...... 12 9. Land Utilization Pattern in the District...... 13 10. Physiography of the District...... 15 11. Rainfall……...... 17 12. Geological Setting of the District…………………...... 18 12.1. Mineral Wealth of the District...... 21
List of Figures: Fig 1: Location Map of the District Fig 2: Drainage Map of District Srinagar. Fig 3: Landuse landcover map of District Srinagar. Fig 4: Elevation Map of District Srinagar. Fig 5: Slope Map of District Srinagar. Fig 6: Aspect Map of District Srinagar. Fig 7: Geological Map of District Srinagar.
List of Tables: Table 1: List of Gypsum Leases in District Srinagar. Table 2: Geological Succession of the District Srinagar.
0 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
1. INTRODUCTION:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India vide Environmental Impact Assessment Notification S.O. 1533(E) dated 14th September 2006 made it mandatory to obtain Environmental Clearance for different kinds of development projects including mining projects as listed in Schedule-1 of the said notification under the provisions of Environment Protection Act, 1986. Further in pursuance to the order of Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 27th February 2012 in I.A. No.12- 13 of 2011 in Special Leave Petition (C) No.19628-19629 of 2009, in the matter of Deepak Kumar etc. Vs. State of Haryana and Others etc., prior Environmental Clearance has now become mandatory for mining of minor minerals irrespective of the area of mining lease.
Subsequently Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has made certain amendments in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification No. S.O.1533(E) dated 14.09.2006 issued by the erstwhile Ministry vide notification no. S.O.141(E) dated 15.01.2016 and notification no. S.O. 190(E) dated 20.01.2016. These amendments led to the constitution of the District Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA) and District Level Expert Appraisal Committee (DEAC) at district level for grant of environmental clearances for category B2 projects (B2 category projects pertains to mining of minor minerals of lease area less than or equal to 5 hectares) for mining of minor minerals for all the districts in the country. District Level Expert Appraisal Committee (DEAC) will scrutinize and recommend the prior environmental clearance of mining of minor minerals to District Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA) on the basis of District Survey Report (DSR).
District Survey Report (DSR) is required to identify the areas of aggradations or depositions where mining can be allowed and identification of areas of erosion and proximity to infrastructural structures and installations where mining should be prohibited and calculation of annual rate of replenishment and allowing time for replenishment after mining in that area/ annual replenishment of minerals. The District Survey Report (DSR) shall form the basis for application for environmental clearance, preparation of reports and appraisal of projects. The Report shall be updated once every five years.
With reference to the gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change; S.O. 141 (E) dated 15th January 2016 read with Environment (Protection) Act 1986; District Survey Report (DSR) of District Srinagar for Sand Mining or River Bed Mining and other Minor Minerals has been prepared in accordance with notification guidelines (Appendix-X) to identify environmentally viable and safe areas for mining purposes.
1 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
DISTRICT SRINAGAR: Srinagar district, a pivotal economic and tourist hub is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir state. It is situated in the centre of Kashmir Valley on the banks of River Jhelum. Srinagar District was bifurcated into Srinagar & Ganderbal Districts in the year 2006. In north, it is flanked by Ganderbal, in south by Pulwama, in the southwest by Budgam and Bandipora in northeast. The total geographical area of the district is 505 sq. km and falls in Survey of India degree sheet no. 43 J. It is bounded by 34°0'00" to 34°13'00" North Latitude and 74°40'00" to 75°08'00" East longitude with an average elevation of 2800 meters amsl. The district is connected to the other parts of valley by all weather motorable roads and to the rest of country by National Highway No.1A (NH-1A) and also by air and railway routes. The Jhelum and its tributary Dachigam/Tailbal nalla form the main drainage of the area. The Srinagar city is sprawled on both sides of the River Jhelum which is called Vyath in Kashmir. The river passes through the city and meanders through the valley moving onwards and deepening in the Dal Lake. The city is famous for its nine old bridges across River Jhelum connecting the two parts of the city.
The city as well as its hinterland is bounded by natural wall of mountains, sub- mountain branches of Pir Panjal Ranges and Zanskar Mountains. In the east, the city is bounded by Zabarwan Mountains with lush green vegetation housing famous Dachigam Sanctuary and Mughal Gardens and is environed by the shallow and swampy lakes of Dal and Nigeen with the eminence of hillocks of Takth-i-Suliman in the east and Kohi-Maraan (Hariparbat) in the centre adding to its beauty and making surroundings of the city invigorating.
For administrative purposes, the district Srinagar has been divided into 7 Tehsils and 6 Developmental Blocks comprising of 137 villages. As per 2011 census data, the total population of the district was 12, 19,516 wherein males constituted 53.0% and females 47.0% of the population. The gender ratio of the district is 900 per 1000, whereas the literacy rate is 69.41%.
2 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
Fig 1: LOCATION AND COMMUNICATION MAP OF SRINAGAR DISTRICT:
3 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
2. OVERVIEW OF MINING ACTIVITY IN THE DISTRICT:
Srinagar district possesses a versatile geological scenario giving rise to availability to a number of important major as well as minor minerals. The most potential mining zone lies in the south-eastern part of the district where Limestone Mines and Building Stone quarries are housed. 02 captive leases of Limestone deposits have been granted to Khyber Industries Pvt. Ltd. at Tulpaw and Sekinar and 01 captive lease is allotted to Saifco Cements at Samman falling in Tehsil Panthachowk southeast of District Srinagar. Cement grade Triassic Limestone available in the district are utilised for the manufacture of cement by Khyber and Saifco, leading cement brands of the Kashmir Valley with cumulative annual production of 420000 TPA. Limestone mining is carried out in an open cast through mechanised means.
Boulder, Bajari and Sand are the most essential requirement for construction of infrastructure projects which is a yardstick for the development of an area. There is a huge demand of these materials (Boulders, Bajari and Sand) for the infrastructural development works in the District and adjoining areas. The demand of sand is mainly met through by river borne sediments of River Jhelum which is restricted between two stretch i.e, Lasjan Bridge to Rajbagh and Cement Bridge to Panzinara. The Stone quarrying for building and road material is extensively carried from the hill slopes at BSF Panthachowk, Dakteng, Shalguf, Zewan Bala whereas the demand of Bajri/Grit is met through manufactured grit by stone crushers.
The district has 2 cement plants, 14 stone crushers and 1 hot mix plant sustaining on the locally available raw material. Revenue is realised on account of royalty for extraction of minerals benefiting the state exchequer. Approximately 638.33 lac rupees of royalty was earned from all minerals in the district in the year 2015-16, which includes 612.01 lac from major and 26.32 from minor minerals.
Mineral exploitation and its end utilisation help in infrastructural developments, socio-economic upliftment of the mining areas, besides providing employment to hundreds of families and revenue to the state exchequer. Further, sustainable mining activities in the river bed improves the aquatic life and reduce the chance of floods.
Earlier the extraction of minor minerals were granted on short term permits and regulated by Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession Rules 1962. However with the implementation of fresh rules “Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules 2016 issued vide SRO 105 dated 31st March 2016, the minor mineral blocks in environmentally viable areas are granted in open auction. Further the mining rights are granted to the successful bidder only after submission of Mining Plan and Environmental Clearances (EC) by the competent authorities which shall ensure scientific and systematic mining activities in the district.
4 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
3. DETAILS OF MINING LEASES IN THE DISTRICT SRINAGAR WITH LOCATION, AREA AND PERIOD OF VALIDITY:
The District Srinagar has 03 mining leases of Limestone as a major mineral, the details with respect to leasee, location, area and validity is tabulated as follows:-
Area Government Date of Validity Sr. Name of the Location Granted Order no. and Lease Period no. Lessee (ha) Date Execution (Years) M/S Khyber Tulpaw 77.96 ha Renewed vide 25.06.2005 20 Industries Pvt. Village, Govt. order No. 1 Ltd. Khanmoh 144-Ind of 2004 dated 18.06.2004 M/S Saifco Samman 144.25 275-Ind of 1996 12.08.1996 30 2 Cements Village, ha dated 08.08.1996 Khanmoh M/S Khyber Village 14.93 ha 181-IND of 2015 26.05.2017 30 3 Industries Pvt. Sekinar, dated 01.12.2015 Ltd. Khanmoh
Table 1: List of Limestone Leases in District Srinagar.
4. DETAILS OF ROYALTY OR REVENUE RECEIVED IN LAST FOUR YEARS:
The locally available construction material like building stones, sand, aggregates etc is satisfying the infrastructural developmental works of the district. The extraction of the minerals is also generating revenue to the state exchequer on account of mineral royalty. The details of royalty or revenue realised in the last four years is summarized below.
Sr. Name of the YEAR 2013-14 YEAR 2014-15 YEAR 2015-16 YEAR 2016-17 no. Mineral Royalty (Rs) Royalty (Rs) Royalty (Rs) Royalty (Rs)
1 Limestone 21073030 37809112 61201007 34867351 (Cement Grade) 2. Limestone 410400 1773597 506800 476875 (Rubble) 3. Masonry 961900 420000 1912400 1995000 Stones 4. Sand 467906 257910 213605 522550
TOTAL 22913236 40260619 63833812 37861776
5 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
Revenue realized on account of Mineral Royalty
80000000
60000000
40000000
Revenu (Rs) 20000000
0 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
5. DETAIL OF PRODUCTION OF MINERALS (MAJOR & MINOR) IN LAST FOUR YEARS:
River borne sediments remains as the main source of minor minerals in the District. Jhelum river system along its tributaries produce adequate replenishment of minor mineral in the form of sand, besides the district is also housing some quarries mined for building stones. The production of minor minerals during last four years in the district is tabulated below:
YEAR 2013-14 YEAR 2014-15 YEAR 2015-16 YEAR 2016-17 Name of the Sr. no. Production Production Production Production Mineral (MT) (MT) (MT) (MT) 1. Limestone 623676 637135 767849 552203 (Cement Grade) 2. Limestone 25650 110850 31675 19075 (Rubble) 3. Masonry Stones 60119 26250 119525 79800
4. Sand 27524 15171 12565 20902
TOTAL 736969 789406 931614 671980
MT = Metric tonnes.
Production of Minerals in Metric Tonnes
1000000
(MT) 800000 600000 400000
Production 200000 0 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
6 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
6. PROPOSED MINOR MINERAL BLOCKS (NALLA) DISTRICT SRINAGAR. Geomorphological cycle of River Jhelum with its tributaries presents modest sources of sand in the district. Environmentally viable blocks of the River Jhelum suitable for sand extraction have been surveyed and mapped as per guidelines of Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of illegal Mining Rules 2016. The list of identified minor mineral blocks in River Jhelum is presented as below:
River/nalla Description of Minor Mineral block Mineral Area
River 1. Lasjan Bridge to U/C Pandrathan Bridge (D/S). 7.99 ha Jhelum 2. U/C Pandrathan Bridge to U/C Gandbal Foot 5.76 ha Bridge (D/S). Sand 3. U/C Gandbal Foot Bridge to Water scheme 9.22 ha Padshahibagh (D/S) . 4. Water scheme Padshahibagh to Rajbagh Foot 9.61 ha bridge (D/S) . 5. Qamarwari Cement Bridge to Lift Irrigation 9.85 ha Guzarbal Noorbagh (D/S). 6. Lift Irrigation Guzarbal Noorbagh to 5.21 ha Parimpora Bridge (D/S). 7. U/C Palpora Bridge to U/C Choochan 8.15 ha Noorbagh Bridge (D/S). 8. U/C Choochan Noorbagh Bridge to Tengpora 9.77 ha Bridge (D/S). 9. Tengpora Bridge to village Hargopal Chek 9.55 ha (D/S). 10. Lift irrigation Panzinara to Village Hargopal 6.56 ha Chek (U/S).
6.1 PROPOSED MINOR MINERAL BLOCKS (QUARRY CLUSTER):
The areas surveyed and identified for Clustering of Quarries for grant of minor mineral lease as per guidelines of Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of illegal Mining Rules 2016 is tabulated as follows:
Sr. no. Location of Block Mineral Area 1 BSF Panthachowk QB Trap 6.68 ha 2 Dakteng Zewan QB Limestone/shale 8.92 ha 3 Shalguf Zewan Block A Trap 6.19 ha 4 Shalguf Zewan Block B Trap 6.86 ha 5 Zewan Bala, Block C Trap 7.64 ha 6 Zewan Bala, Block D Trap 6.06 ha
7 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
6.2: DETAILS OF MINERAL PROCESSING UNITS:
Details of Cement Plants in District Srinagar:
Sr. Name of Plant Location Capacity no. 1 Khyber Cements Khanmoh 800 TPD 2 Saifco Cements Khanmoh 600 TPD
Details of Stone Crushers in District Srinagar:
Sr. No. of stone Name of Tehsil Operative Non-Operative no. crushers 1 Panthachowk 14 13 1
Details of Hot mix plants in District Srinagar:
Sr. no. Name of Hot mix plant Location 1 Allamdar Road Constructions. Zewan
8 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
7. PROCESS OF DEPOSITION OF SEDIMENTS IN THE RIVERS OF THE DISTRICT:
Weathering cycle of a river comprises of three stages viz. erosion, transportation and deposition. A river/stream in its course to mouth erodes the country rocks through which it flows by way of mechanical as well as chemical processes. These eroded sediments are transported by river in suspension or solution until the river runs out of its capacity to transport the river load. When river enters its flood plain or reaches its mouth, its velocity gets checked due to declining gradient, a decrease in water volume, an increase in cross- sectional area (particularly pools, lakes, and oceans), or by local obstructions and finally deposition of sediments takes place. Deposition takes place in the shape of alluvial fans, alluvial cones, piedmont alluvial plains, channel fill, bars, flood plains and deltas. River sediments are generally well sorted and well rounded.
The deposition in a river bed is more pronounced during post melting and rainy season although the quantum of deposition varies from stream to stream depending upon numbers of factors such as catchment, lithology, discharge, river profile and geomorphology of the river course. It is common knowledge that minerals are non-renewable but river borne mineral naturally gets replenished from time to time in a given river system and is very much interrelated to the hydrological cycle in a river basin.
In district Srinagar, River Jhelum is identified as the main drainage endowed with sand resources to meet the local requirements of the developmental works of the district. The river flows in northwest direction with an average altitude variation of 5m in the river profile. The course of River Jhelum and its tributaries mainly through the country rocks including basaltic and limestone terrain and alluvial/Karewa plains laden with sandy material in their composition produces bulk quantity of sand. With gentle slope and slack in the flow in the district, the bed load of the river in the form of sand is deposited. The most suitable place for accumulation of sand is the curve of meandering of river where the river current’s flow diminishes and centrifugal force creates conducive atmosphere for deposition of sediments. The periodic excavation of the sand becomes an inevitable exercise to improve the carrying capacity of river and sustain the aquatic life besides satisfying the availability of raw material for infrastructural developmental works.
The mineral potential of the River Jhelum has been calculated based on field investigations and geology of the catchment area. As per the provision in the River/Stream Bed Mining Policy Guidelines, only 60% of the area of the particular river/stream bed has been taken into account for calculation of mineral potential. The Survey of India Topo-Sheets along with Google Earth has been used as base maps to know the extent of river course. The mineral potential have been calculated only upto 1 metre depth of River Jhelum. The process of minor mineral reclamation is highly dependent upon the precipitation received in the catchment areas of rivers and their tributaries and the velocity of river. It is a dynamic process and as such the figures of annual deposition and mineable mineral potential may vary with respect to time.
9 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
7.1 DRAINAGE SYSTEM WITH MINERAL POTENTIALITY:
River Jhelum a sub basin of Indus Basin and its tributaries forms the surface drainage system of District Srinagar. The drainage system is characterised as open dendritic antecedent type. River Jhelum due to availability of mineable minor mineral potential is considered for mineral concession in the district and is briefly described below:
River Jhelum: River Jhelum is the principal River of the district. It originates from Verinag spring at the foothill of the Pir Panjal in the south-eastern part of the Kashmir Valley at an altitude of 1890 m. It flows in loops through the valley in northwest direction till it enters the Wular Lake; where it flows out from its other side to Baramulla and enters the boundary of Pakistan and ultimately pours into Indus River. The extensions of the River Jhelum within the Srinagar District are from Lasjan to Panzinara with total length of 40 kms and basin area of 338 sq kms. The river in general flows in north-westerly direction in district Srinagar. River Jhelum represents one of the main sources of well sorted river borne sand. The various tributaries of River Jhelum flowing down from the mountains and fed by the heavy snow and rain falling in the elevated regions are involved in the weathering and transportation of catchment lithologies which grade into well sorted sand when joining the master stream i.e., Jhelum. The replenishment of the Jhelum load with minor mineral occurs naturally with the high speed water flowing into the river during rainy season and post melting season. The most suitable place for accumulation of sand is the curve of meandering of river where the river current’s flow diminishes and centrifugal force creates conducive atmosphere for deposition of sediments. The central portion of River Jhelum i.e., Rajbagh to Cement Bridge Qamarwari being in the heart of the Srinagar city is discouraged for extraction of sand.
Fig 2: Drainage Map of District Srinagar.
10 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
Drainage system with description of main rivers:
Sr. no. Name of the River /stream Area drained (Sq. % Area drained in Km) the District
1 River Jhelum 338 66.93 3 Dachigam/Tailbal nalla 167 33.06
Salient Features of Important Rivers and Streams:
Sr. no. Name of the River or Total Length in Place of origin Altitude at Stream the District Origin ( Km)
1 River Jhelum 40 Verinag 1890 2 Dachigam/Tailbal nalla 36 Mar Sar lake 3815
FOR RIVER JHELUM:
Portion of the Length of area Average width Area Mineable River or Stream recommended of area recommended mineral potential Recommended for mineral recommended for mineral (in metric tonne) for Mineral concession (in for mineral concession (in (60% of total Concession kilometre) concession (in square meter) mineral meters) potential)
Lasjan Byepass 16 50 800000 881280 Bridge to Rajbagh and Cement Bridge Qamarwari to Panzinara
Mineral Potential
Boulder (MT) Bajari (MT) Sand (MT) Total Mineable Mineral Potential (MT) NIL NIL 881280 881280
11 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
8. GENERAL PROFILE OF THE DISTRICT:
Sr. Particulars Statistics no. 1 Geographical Area 505 sq kms 2 Cultivable area 3911 ha 3 Forest cover 97.47 Sq kms 4 Tehsils 7 5 Developmental blocks 6 6 Villages 137 7 Gram Panchayats 8 8 Patwar Halqas 76 9 Naibats 18 10 Assembly constituency 8 11 Parliamentary constituency 1 12 Road Length 1406 kms 13 Population (As Per Census 2011) 12, 19,516 14 Male Population 651124 (52.64 %) 15 Female Population 585705 (47.35 %) 16 Urban population 1219516 17 Rural population 17313 18 Population Density 625 per sq km 19 Sex Ratio 900 20 Literacy rate 69.41% 21 Major Drainage Jhelum, Dachigam 22 Mining Leases (Major Mineral) 03 22 Mining Leases (Minor Mineral) nil 23 Total Revenue received from Minor Minerals in 638.33 2015-16
12 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
9. LAND UTILIZATION PATTERN IN THE DISTRICT:
The natural and socioeconomic factors in time and space determine the land use land cover pattern of a region. Information on the rate and kind of changes in the use of land resources is essential for proper planning, managing natural resources and monitoring environmental changes and to regularise the use of such resources. The Srinagar District with its total geographical area of 505 Sq Km possess a combination of undulating configuration by the surrounding hills and foot hills with intervening narrow as well as wide and flat valley of fertile land comprising of 6.77% as agricultural land and 17.54% as crop land. Almost all the hills are covered with dense vegetation and 1/4th part of the total land is under forest cover. Mining activities is rectricted to 0.59% of area and is very negligible to be distinctly represented graphically. The baseline information on the existing land use pattern of the district is as follows:
Area % of LULC Class Area % of LULC Class (Sq.km) Area (Sq.km) Area Agriculture Plantation 34.20 6.77 Crop land 88.60 17.54 Barren rocky 38.24 7.57 Forest 97.47 19.30 Built-up, Urban 11.64 2.30 Forest Plantation 0.16 0.03 Built-up Core Urban 32.39 6.41 Grazing/Grass land 5.50 1.09 Built up Dispersed 0.00 0 Gullied/Ravenous 0.23 settlement 0.05 Built up Mining and 3.50 Lakes/Ponds 21.92 Industrial 0.69 4.34 Built up Mixed 0.46 Reservoir/Tanks 0.16 settlement 0.09 0.03 Built-up Peri Urban 26.67 5.28 River/Stream/Drain 5.13 1.02 Built up Rural 14.29 2.83 Scrub Land Dense 18.91 3.60 Built up 0.43 Scrub Land Open 64.43 Transportation 0.09 12.76 Built village 0.10 0.02 Snow/Glacial Area 30.05 5.95 Cannal 1.78 0.35 Wetlands 11.34 2.25
2% 6% 7% 8% 2% 13% 1% 4% 6% 0% 1% 0% 4% 5%
0% 3% 1% 0% 0% 19% 17% 0% 0%
13 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
Fig 3: Landuse landcover map of district Srinagar.
(Source: Deptt Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing, , Srinagar)
14 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
10. PHYSIOGRAPHY OF THE DISTRICT:
In a multitude of surface expression of different rock units around Srinagar, the principal geomorphic units recognized are river terraces, alluvial fans and highland with entrenched drainage pattern. Two planation surfaces observed in low flatland and descending from the bordering hill towards the river Jhelum represent ‘Terraces’, formed by the river Jhelum and its tributaries. The older terrace comprises Karewa Formation while the youngest terrace represents the flood plain. Alluvial Fans are found all along the Zabarwan Range and in some cases their basal part terminate while making contact with low flatland. The apex is observed at an average height of 1900 m and broader basal terminus at 1600 m. The average width of the fans at the base is 1000 m and overall slope of 25o. Most of the fans are dissected by non-perennial streams. The Karewa table lands are flat at the top with a very gentle slope towards the valley while in the periphery portion, Karewas abut against the mountains.
Highlands or cliffs characterize rock Formations of Panjal Volcanics and Triassic Limestone in the area developed by various chemical and mechanical weathering. Their occurrence is generally observed near the water divide and at places run parallel to the entire hill range. These highlands present the offshoots of the Zanaskar Range, which are referred to as Zabarwan Range, confined to the northern, northeastern and southeastern extremity of the area with an average elevation of 3050m. Conical hill, a peculiar type of geomorphological feature is also observed in Panjal volcanics (i.e., Takte-Suleman hill), a more or less detached mass from the main range.
Fig 4: Elevation Map of District Srinagar.
15 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
Fig 5: Slope Map of District Srinagar.
Fig 6: Aspect Map of District Srinagar.
16 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
11. RAINFALL:
Due to latitudinal variation ranging from 1,600 meters to 42,00 meters above mean sea level, there is a wide variation in climatic conditions in different parts of the district experiencing a typical temperate climate in high altitude which experience snowfall and severe cold in the winter and tropical climate at low altitude characterised with mild summers. There is high annual temperature variability in the area ranging from -5oC in January to about 35oC during July. Precipitation takes place in the form of snow (65%) as well as rainfall (35%) with occasional hailstorms. The annual mean precipitation of the district is 698 mm.
Records of rainfall in the district are available for one rain gauge station i.e. Srinagar observatory for a period of 50 years. The details of rainfall at this station which may be taken as representative for the district as a whole and is given in table below. The rainfall in southwest monsoon season (June to September) is about 27% of the annual normal rainfall, while the rainfall in pre-monsoon months (March to May) accounts for 39% of the annual, March being the month with the highest rainfall with an average of 111.4 mm. The winter months (December to February) account for about 24% of the annual normal rainfall. In the fifty-year period 1951 to 2000, the highest annual rainfall of 168% of the normal was recorded in year 1957, while the lowest was 52% of the normal recorded in 1971.
In the district especially in higher mountains considerable amount of precipitation is received in the form of snow. About 29 cm of snowfall occurs annually in the district in the winter months from November to March. On an average there are 56 rainy days (i.e. days with rainfall of 2.5 mm or more) in a year in the district.
Month wise rainfall statistics of District Srinagar.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual a 52.1 69.3 111.4 90.7 71.8 39.6 54.8 67.6 29.9 35.4 27.7 48.0 698.0 b 4.9 5.5 8.3 7.1 6.2 3.6 4.7 5.1 2.6 2.4 2.0 3.3 55.7 a: Normal rainfall in mm. b: Average number of rainy days (i.e. days with rainfall of 2.5 mm or more).
Mean monthly rainfall of District Srinagar.
120
100
80
60
40 Rainfall (mm) 20
0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
17 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
11. GEOLOGICAL SETTING OF THE DISTRICT:
Kashmir basin constitutes the Nappe Zone representing a tectonic depression, bounded by two linear mountain ranges - the Pir Panjal and the Zanaskar with NW-SE trends. It contains one of the finest developments of the stratigraphic succession right from Proterozoic to Recent witnessing a complete stratigraphic sequence of marine Palaeozoic, Mesozoics and Cenozoics. District Srinagar forms the northeastern part of Kashmir basin wherein Palaeozoic to Quaternary rocks of diverse origin are exposed. The main geological Formations constituting the bed rock and the surrounding mountains include the Panjal Volcanics and the Triassic Limestone covered by Quaternary Karewas and Alluvium deposits. The stratigraphic sequence of the geological Formations with general lithology in the study area is detailed below:
Table 2: Geological succession of Srinagar area
Group/Formation Lithology Age (million yrs)
Alluvium Sandy clay, gravel Holocene (0.01 Ma) Karewas clay, silt and sand, Neogene – Quaternary (23.03 Ma) conglomerate Khanmoh Formation Limestone, shales, Triassic (252.17 Ma) sandstone Zewan Formation Cherts, shales, Limestone Late Permian (259.8 Ma)
Panjal Trap Andesite, basalt Nishatbagh Formation Shale, slate, varvite, Early Permian (298.9 Ma) sandstone Agglomeratic slate Sandstone, shales, slates Dara Granite Medium to coarse grained Cambrian (541 Ma) (= Kangan Granite) biotite granite/gneiss, porphyritic granite, pegmatite, quartz vein etc.
i. Dara (=Kangan) Granite: In Faqir-Gujri, a small hamlet about 3 kms from village Dara, Harwan, an outcrop of granitic body is well exposed. The litho-unit is leucocratic, holocrystalline, greyish to light pinkish in colour, medium to coarse grained and porphyritic in texture. It is predominantly composed of quartz, feldspars, muscovite, hornblende etc. with well developed joint pattern. This intrusive granitic exposure is the south-western extension of the Naran-Nag (Kangan) Granite batholithic body.
18 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017 ii. Agglomeratic Slate: The Agglomeratic slates constitute a conspicuous and an interesting group of rocks occurring in various parts of Kashmir. In district Srinagar, some good outcrops of this Formation occur along the base of hill bordering the Dal Lake from Gupkar to Shalimar Garden. The Agglomeratic Slate consists of pyroclastic slates, conglomerates and Agglomeratic/pyroclastic products and forms the lower part of the Panjal Volcanic Series. They are gritty or greywacke-like, and often grade into slates. In the fine matrix, angular fragments of quartzite, slate, porphyry granites, etc., are sporadically distributed.
iii. Nishatbagh Beds: At Nishatbagh and Bren in Srinagar district Agglomeratic Slate is overlain by Gondwana plant fossil bearing beds, designated as Nishatbagh Formation. In the type locality Nishatbagh, the Formation comprises a 220 m thick sequence of tuffaceous shale/slate with plant fossils in the basal part, 60 m thick varvite in the middle and 20 m thick shale and sandstone in the upper part. The plant bearing beds have yielded Gangamopteris augustifolia, G. kashmirensis, Glossopteris augustifolia, G. Indica Psygmophyllum haydeni, Cordaites, etc. imparting a Lower Permian age to the rocks. iv. Panjal Trap: Agglomeratic Slates are overlain by a thick series of bedded and massive andesitic and basaltic flows, called the Panjal Traps. It forms a conspicuous, topographical feature by making prominent cliffs and precipices. The primary constituents are plagioclase and augite in a fine-grained semi crystalline ground mass. The ferromagnesian minerals have been chloritized and/or epidotized to give the traps a green colour. These litho-units are characterized by amygdaloidal (structure) and non-porphyritic and glomeroporphyritic texture. The Panjal Trap is widely distributed in the district Srinagar and well exposed at Panthachowk, Dalgate, Athwajan, Harwan, Brain, Chesmashai and Zewan areas. The Traps have developed secondary fissures, joints, faults and weathered residuum. v. Zewan Formation: In Zewan, which is a type locality in Vihi district, the Gangamopteris beds (Gondwana plant bearing calcareous beds) are overlain by a series of marine fossilferous calcareous shale and crystalline limestone. The name 'Zewan Formation' has been applied to the entire succession from Gangamopteris beds to Lower Triassic beds. The lower part of the Zewan Formation is argillaceous but the upper part is calcareous. Zewan Formation is well developed in Zewan Spur, Guryal ravine near Khanmoh. This section forms the type section not only for Permian but also for Permo-Triassic boundary richly preserving the palaeo-climatic and biotic database. The site is of an international importance in geoscientific community and is promoted and developed as national Geo-heritage site. vi. Triassic Formation: The Triassic Formation is mainly composed of homogeneous compact, light grey coloured limestone with shale in the lower parts. In the middle part, shale and sandstone are intercalated with limestone whereas in the upper part it contains massive limestone. A superb development of litho-units of this system is exhibited in a series of picturesque escarpments and cliffs forming the best part of Khanmoh area of the district. The
19 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
Formation is cavernous in nature and extensively folded, faulted, and jointed, besides identified with ammonoid and bivalve fossils. vii. Karewa Formation: The Karewas overlie the folded Triassic and pre-Triassic rocks, flanking the surrounding mountain precipices. The Karewas (Neogene-Quaternery sediments) are fluvio- lacustrine deposits, deposited in two stages, mutually separated by a dry interval during which sub-aerial agents intensively eroded them. In district Srinagar Upper Karewas are exposed which comprises yellow silt, grey clay, calcareous layers and sand with conglomerate in the marginal areas in the lower part and continental loess and reworked loess in the upper part. This Formation is disposed horizontally and is reportedly devoid of fossils or presence of lignite. viii. Alluvial, Scree, Talus deposits: The Recent Alluvium, in the low-lying areas adjoining the Jhelum river and its tributaries consist of finely compacted detrital sediments such as loam, clay, silt and sand with occasional gravel. The fringe areas of the district are covered by scree and talus material derived from the hill slopes of surrounding ranges. The sediments are of heterogeneous nature ranging from boulder, cobbles, pebbles, gravels before merging into valley fill of fine-grained sediments.
Fig 7: Geological Map of District Srinagar.
20 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.
GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR 2017
12.1 MINERAL WEALTH:
The Srinagar district has a number of significant mineral deposits, the prominent among them are building material and rock metal (Volcanic Trap, low grade limestone), river bed sand and high grade limestone identified as cement grade quality. The locally available mineral resources of the district have played a significant role in the developmental activities of the region, besides source of employment for the local populace and revenue generation for state exchequer. A brief description on mineral wealth of the district is summarised below:
Limestone: The investigation conducted by the Geology & Mining Deptt reveals that the limestone both high and low grade of Triassic Formation, an ideal combination for use in the cement manufacturing is exposed in the hillocks in the extreme southeast part of the district. With an inferred estimation of 150 million tonnes of resources, the limestone is fine to medium grained, banded and greyish in colour having CaO content in the range of 40% to 54% with low magnesia and silica. 2 captive limestone leases for Khyber Cements and 1 captive lease for Saifco cements already stands granted in the area. In the financial year 2015- 16, 767849 metric tonnes of limestone was produced and Rs 61201007/= was realised on account of royalty.
Building stones: Low grade Limestone and Basalt Quarries have been developed at BSF Panthachowk, Dakteng, Shalguf, Zewan Bala and Khanmoh which are worked for building stones and road metal. In the financial year 2015-16, 151200 metric tonnes of building material was produced from the district. These litho units are also utilised in the locally established crusher units for the manufacturing of road metal and grit.
Sand: Sand represents one of the main constituent of building industry. The district has sizable resources of sand which is mainly available through the fluvial borne sand of River Jhelum. About 12565 metric tonnes of sand was produced from River Jhelum in the year 2015-16.
Sarafraz Shaban Geological Asstt.
Mohammad Yaseen Bhat Geologist Grade-III
21 Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K Govt. Srinagar.