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Pir Panjal Range: Strategic Importance & Connectivity

 

Pir Panjal Range: Strategic Importance & Connectivity


Context

Amid rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu, India and Pakistan’s brigade commanders recently held a meeting at Chakkan-Da-Bagh (Poonch District), located in the Pir Panjal Valley. The meeting aimed to ease border tensions and reaffirm the ceasefire agreement between the two nations.

About Pir Panjal Range

Geographical Significance

The Pir Panjal Range is part of the Lesser Himalayas and stretches across India and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. It is one of the most important mountain ranges in the Indian subcontinent.

  • Location: It extends across Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in India.
  • Length: Approximately 288 km long.
  • Elevation: Peaks range between 1,400 m to 6,000 m above sea level.

Major Peaks in the Pir Panjal Range

  • Deo Tibba (6,001 m)
  • Indrasan (6,221 m)
  • Pir Panjal Peak (4,100 m)

Key Rivers Originating from the Pir Panjal Range

  • Chenab River (major tributary of the Indus).
  • Beas and Ravi Rivers, flowing towards the Punjab region.
  • Jhelum River, originating from Verinag Spring in the Pir Panjal region.

Strategic Importance of Pir Panjal Range

The Pir Panjal Range plays a crucial role in India’s geopolitical, strategic, and economic landscape.

1. Defense and Border Security

  • The LoC (Line of Control) passes through this region, making it a vital military zone between India and Pakistan.
  • The Pir Panjal Pass is a historically significant trade and military route.

2. Connectivity & Infrastructure

  • Mughal Road: An important historical trade route that links Rajouri and Poonch with Kashmir Valley through the Pir Panjal Pass (3,490 m).
  • Jawahar Tunnel (Banihal Pass): A 2.5 km-long tunnel, connecting Banihal to Qazigund, serves as an all-weather road link between Jammu and Srinagar.
  • Atal Tunnel (Rohtang Pass): Enhances connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh via the Pir Panjal Range.

3. Economic & Tourist Importance

  • The region is home to Gulmarg, a famous hill station and ski resort in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Ancient trade routes through Pir Panjal facilitated Silk Road trade connections with Central Asia.

Challenges in the Pir Panjal Region

  • Frequent landslides and heavy snowfall disrupt road connectivity.
  • Militant activities and cross-border infiltrations pose security risks.
  • Environmental degradation due to deforestation and mining.

Way Forward

  • Strengthen border security and surveillance to prevent infiltrations.
  • Expand infrastructure projects like highways, tunnels, and railway lines to boost economic connectivity.
  • Promote eco-tourism and sustainable development to preserve biodiversity.

Conclusion

The Pir Panjal Range is not only a geographical landmark but also a critical security and economic asset for India. Strengthening infrastructure and border security while promoting sustainable tourism will enhance the region’s economic growth and strategic importance.

UPSC CSE – MCQs on Pir Panjal Range

1. Which of the following states in India does the Pir Panjal Range pass through?
A) Himachal Pradesh & Jammu & Kashmir
B) Uttarakhand & Sikkim
C) Arunachal Pradesh & Assam
D) Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh
Answer: A) Himachal Pradesh & Jammu & Kashmir

2. Which major river originates from the Pir Panjal Range?
A) Ganga
B) Brahmaputra
C) Chenab
D) Yamuna
Answer: C) Chenab

3. Which tunnel passes under the Banihal Pass in the Pir Panjal Range?
A) Jawahar Tunnel
B) Zoji La Tunnel
C) Atal Tunnel
D) Baralacha La Tunnel
Answer: A) Jawahar Tunnel

4. What is the altitude of the Pir Panjal Pass?
A) 2,500 m
B) 3,490 m
C) 5,200 m
D) 1,500 m
Answer: B) 3,490 m

5. The Mughal Road connects which two places in Jammu and Kashmir?
A) Jammu & Katra
B) Rajouri & Poonch with Kashmir Valley
C) Srinagar & Leh
D) Ladakh & Zanskar
Answer: B) Rajouri & Poonch with Kashmir Valley

UPSC Mains Question

"Discuss the strategic and economic significance of the Pir Panjal Range in the context of India’s security and connectivity initiatives." (250 Words).

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