Report on Palaeo Channel : Environment for UPSC Exams
Report on Palaeo Channel : Environment for UPSC Exams
- Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation minister released a Report on Palaeo Channel of North West India: Review & Assessment by Expert Committee.
- The committee was headed by Prof. K.S. Valdiya, eminent Geologist.
- This report is based on the study of the land texture of states of North-West India including- Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab.
- It has also taken account of the geological changes that had occurred in the past.
- The report is an assertion of the assumption that River Saraswati originated from Adibadri in Himalaya to culminate in the Arabian Sea through the Runn of Kutch.
- This river was once upon a time the lifeline of the north- western states of India and a vibrant series of civilizations from Mahabharat period to Harappa had flourished on the banks of this river.
- Remnants of once active rivers or streams are described as palaeochannels. It may be presently filled up with loose unconsolidated sediments or be buried under the pile or sheet of the later deposited sediments.
- Palaeochannels are indeed parts of misfit rivers and streams representing channels abandoned by migrating rivers as they shifted their courses and carve new water courses.
- Palaeochannels are commonly occurring landforms in alluvial landscapes, and have an economic significance because of their use in the exploration for freshwater resources, artificial recharge and storage of ground water; additionally, they are of importance in the location and assessment of mineral deposits such as uraniferous ores, gold, silver and other placer deposits hosted in them.