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Water resources and their traditional management in Kedarnath valley of Garhwal Himalaya, India


International Journal of Hydrology
Chandi Prasad, Ramesh C Sharma

Abstract

Himalaya has been famous for its water resources, forest diversity, unique wildlife, rich culture and sacred Hindu’s shrine. Himalaya, being an abode of various perennial rivers, is considered as a water tower of the Asia. The present study aims was to assess the status of water resources of Kedarnath valley. In the present study, water resources and their traditional management system data were collected through field visit and used various methods that include questionnaire, personal interviews, direct interaction with the villagers and group discussion. Water resources regime in Kedarnath Valley is a product if it’s specific environmental condition. Kedarnath Valley revealed that the major sources of water in Kedarnath Valley are rain water, glaciers, rivers, lakes, streams and springs. Prominent lakes are Vasuki Tal, Chorabari Tal, Deoria Tal, Kanchani Tal and Nandi Kund. However, the important glaciers are Chorabari and Panptiya. The important rivers of Kedarnath Valley are Mandakini, Doodh Ganga, Vasuki Ganga, Kali Ganga, Madhmaheswar Ganga and Kakara Gad. Chhal -Khal, Dhara, Kund, Simar, etc. are important water conservation and its management system in Kedarnath valley.

Keywords

kedarnath valley, water resources, traditional water management, garhwal himalaya

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