General Features of Dehradun
General Features of Dehradun
Area and General Description
General Features of Dehradun : Dehradun is the most northerly district of the Meerut division of the United Provinces. It covers an area of 1,319 square miles between 77° 35′ and 78° 20′ east longitude, and 29° 57′ and 31° 2′ north latitude. It comprises two distinct tracts – the Dun valley, which is an open valley enclosed by the Himalayas and Siwalik hills, and the Jaunsar-Bawar hill tracts to the north-east.
Boundaries
The Dun valley is a roughly triangular depression, with its base resting on the Siwalik hills and its apex touching the Lower Himalayas at the gorge through which the Song river emerges. It is enclosed on three sides by mountains. To the north and north-east lie the Himalayas, with a continuous rampart of snowy peaks from Badrinath to Bandarpunch. On the south and south-west the valley is bounded by the Siwalik or sub-Himalayan range, whose denuded scarps overlook the alluvial lowlands. To the east lies the watershed between the Tonse and Jumna, dividing the district from Tehri Garhwal.
Mountains
The Himalayas and Siwaliks dominate the landscape and can never be forgotten. The Himalayas display a succession of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, with valleys covered with dense forest. The Siwaliks are composed of sandstones and conglomerates, giving rise to precipitous slopes and deep valleys. Though much lower in elevation, the Siwaliks still form an impressive mountain barrier enclosing the valley.
The Himalayas give rise to many hill torrents that have cut deep gorges across the Dun. The Siwaliks also contribute numerous streams, though less voluminous. The mountains provide building materials, forest products, scenic beauty and a moderate climate to the valley.
Rivers
The two great rivers Ganges and Jumna give their names to the Dun. Though their rushing streams are not conspicuous features in the landscape, their names are inseparably connected with the history and religion of India.
The Dun belongs to two river systems – the Ganges and the Jumna. The Song river flowing through Dehradun separates them. The eastern portion drains into the Ganges and the western part into the Jumna. There are also many smaller rivers and streams arising from the mountains.
Geology
Geologically, the Dun valley represents a synclinal depression filled with recent alluvial deposits washed down from the surrounding hills. The alluvium consists of sand, clay, gravel and boulders brought down by the mountain streams. It rests on thick beds of boulder conglomerate forming the underlayer.
The Siwalik hills bounding the valley consist of soft sandstones and conglomerates belonging to the Upper Tertiary period. They have been greatly eroded by rainfall and rivers. The Himalayas are composed of hard crystalline and metamorphic rocks like gneisses and schists.
Minerals and Building Materials
The chief minerals found are limestone, slate and gypsum. Limestone occurs as crystalline white marble near Raiwala and Deoban, and supplies the limeworks at these places. Dark carbonaceous limestone containing marine fossils is quarried near Rajpur. Slates are obtained from Jaunsar-Bawar and exported for roofing purposes. Gypsum of a white or grey color is found associated with limestone around Deoban.
Building stone is abundant. The Siwalik conglomerate provides an excellent road metal. Sandstone is quarried at Mohand and Sahaspur. Granite and gneissic rocks from the Himalayas are available but difficult to transport.
Forests
Nearly 60% of the total area is under forests, occurring chiefly in the Himalayan slopes and valleys. The main trees are chir pine, sal, shisham, khair, semul, tun, oak, deodar, spruce, silver fir, walnut, maple and rhododendron. The forests regulate stream flow, prevent erosion and provide grazing, timber and other produce.
Fauna
The wild animals found include elephant, tiger, leopard, bear, sambar, barking deer, hog deer, musk deer, goral and several monkeys species. The chital or spotted deer has recently become extinct. Pheasants, partridges, pigeons, doves and parakeets are common among birds. The green pigeon and cheer pheasant are esteemed game birds.
Domestic Animals
The cattle breed of the hills, though small, is hardy and active. The plains breed found in the valley and the cross breed are larger but less vigorous. The hill ponies are sturdy but diminutive. Mules bred in the valley are handsome and strong with high market value. Other domestic stock consists of buffaloes, goats and sheep mostly of inferior quality, and fowls of the indigenous grey variety.
Climate and Rainfall
The valley has a sub-tropical monsoon climate, with hot summers and cool winters. June is the hottest month with mean maximum temperature of 35°C. January is the coldest month with mean minimum temperature of 3°C.
The annual rainfall averages 94 cm, occurring mostly during the monsoon season from June to September. Rainfall is heavier in the hills compared to the valley. The moist climate favors the growth of forests and cultivation through natural irrigation.
Conclusion to General Features of Dehradun
General Features of Dehradun, Dehradun valley represents an inter-montane basin with characteristic features governed by its location between the Himalayas and Siwaliks. The surrounding mountains provide it with perennial rivers, extensive forests, a moderate climate and scenic beauty unsurpassed in India. The valley itself contains rich alluvial soils nurturing agriculture and supporting grazing livestock. The combination of mountain environment and fertile plains makes Dehradun a productive and pleasant district.
FAQs on General Features of Dehradun :
What are the most striking physical features of Dehradun valley?
The most striking physical features are the Himalaya mountains, the Siwalik hills, and the Ganges and Jumna rivers that enclose the valley.
What makes the names of Dehradun’s boundaries so well known?
The names of the Himalayas, Siwaliks, Ganges and Jumna rivers are inseparably connected with the history and religion of India since ancient times.
Why is Dehradun valley considered to belong to two river systems?
Dehradun belongs to the Ganges and Jumna river systems, with the water parting running through Dehra cantonments, Rajpur and Landour.
