The Bhabar region is a significant area in Indian geography, located south of the Lower Himalayas and the Sivalik Hills in the states of Kumaon and Garhwal. Known for its unique geography, this region features a gently sloping alluvial zone filled with pebbles and sediments deposited by rivers descending from the mountains.
Bhabar is not just a geographical marvel; it plays an important role in India’s physiography. It serves as a key area for agriculture and trade, hosting vital towns like Haldwani. The region’s fertile soil, enhanced by seasonal monsoon rains, makes it productive for farming.
Understanding the features and importance of the Bhabar region is essential for students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, RRB NTPC, WBCS, and other state-level exams. This knowledge helps them grasp the complexities of India’s diverse landscapes and contributes to their overall understanding of the country’s geography.
Location of Bhabar Region
- Bhabar also spelled Bhabhar, is a fascinating area located south of the Lower Himalayas and the Sivalik Hills in the Indian states of Garhwal and Kumaon. This region is notable for its unique geography and vibrant communities.
Key Cities in Bhabar
The Bhabar region is home to several of the largest cities in Kumaon and Garhwal, including:
- Dehradun
- Haridwar
- Haldwani
- Rishikesh
- Ramnagar
- Tanakpur
- Kotdwar
These cities are not just significant for their population but also for their cultural and historical importance.
Geographic Features
- Bhabar serves as the alluvial fan of sediments that have been transported from the Sivalik Hills.
- This sedimentary deposit lies along the northern edge of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, making it an essential part of the region’s ecosystem.
- The unique soil composition in Bhabar supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, contributing to its ecological richness.
- In summary, the Bhabar region is a vital area in northern India, known for its cities and unique geographical features that shape the landscape and culture of Kumaon and Garhwal.
Exploring the Indo-Gangetic Plains
- The Indo-Gangetic Plains are often perceived as a flat and uniform expanse, but this perception is somewhat misleading.
- In reality, these plains feature diverse landscapes and can be divided into four distinct regions based on their relief features.
The Bhabar Region
- One of these regions is Bhabar, which is a belt stretching about 8 to 16 kilometers parallel to the slopes of the Sivalik Hills.
- This area is significant because it acts as a transitional zone where rivers from the mountains deposit pebbles and other sediment.
- As the rivers flow through this pebble-strewn terrain, they often disappear from view, creating a unique landscape.
The Terai Region
- After flowing through Bhabar, these streams re-emerge further south, marking the beginning of the Terai region.
- The Terai is characterized by its lush greenery and wetland ecosystems, offering a stark contrast to the rocky terrain of Bhabar.
- So, the Indo-Gangetic Plains are not just a flat landscape; they encompass various regions like Bhabar and Terai, each with its own unique characteristics and ecological significance.
The Significance of Bhabar Grass
- The term Bhabar derives from a local tall-growing grass known as Eulaliopsis binata.
- This grass plays a crucial role in the region, as it is primarily utilized in the production of paper and rope.
Uses of Eulaliopsis binata
- Paper Manufacturing: The fibrous nature of Bhabar grass makes it an excellent raw material for paper production. Its strength and durability contribute to the quality of the paper.
- Rope Production: The long fibers of Eulaliopsis binata are also ideal for making sturdy ropes, which are essential for various agricultural and industrial applications.
Overview of the Bhabar Plains
- The Bhabar plains are situated in the regions of Kumaon and Garhwal. This area features a gently sloping, coarse alluvial zone that lies beneath the Sivalik Hills, which are the outermost foothills of the Himalayas.
Unique Geographical Features
- In the Bhabar region, streams often vanish into permeable sediments, creating a distinct landscape.
- The underground water level here is quite deep, but it rises to the surface in the Terai area below, where the coarse alluvium transitions into less permeable silt and clay.
- The Ganges River flows to the west, while the Sharda River runs to the east, further defining the region’s boundaries.
Economic Significance
- Bhabar serves as a critical junction between the Himalayas and the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
- It hosts many essential trade and commerce hubs in Kumaon, including its largest city, Haldwani.
- The region benefits from the replenishment of topsoil during the monsoon season, making it exceptionally fertile.
- As a result, Bhabar enjoys large yields per unit area, supporting the agricultural needs of the local population.
Historical Context of the Bhabar Region
- In 1901, Bhabar was one of the four divisions of the Nainital district. At that time, it comprised four towns and 511 villages, with a total population of 93,445.
- This population was spread over 1,279 square miles (approximately 3,310 square kilometers). Today, this area corresponds to the current subdivision of Haldwani.
Demographics and Land Use
- The lands in Bhabar were traditionally utilized by Gujjar cattle herders from the regions of Kumaon and Garhwal.
- These herders typically spent their winters in Bhabar, taking advantage of the region’s rich pastures and favorable climate during that season.
A herder is a pastoral worker tasked with caring for and managing a herd or flock of domestic animals, typically in open pastureland.
In summary, the historical significance of Bhabar is evident in its population and land use, highlighting its importance as a hub for agriculture and cattle herding in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions.
