Geography of Jammu & Kashmir: Key Questions Answered
Explore the diverse geography of Jammu & Kashmir through these important questions and answers. This guide covers major lakes, rivers, mountain ranges, and environmental initiatives.
Lakes and Water Bodies
1. Which is the largest freshwater lake in Jammu and Kashmir?
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Wular Lake, situated in the Bandipora district, is the largest freshwater lake in Jammu & Kashmir and one of the largest in Asia.
8. Pangong Tso lake is famous for which characteristic?
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Pangong Tso is a high-altitude endorheic lake with brackish water. It freezes over completely during the harsh winter months despite its salinity.
17. Which of the following lakes is a Ramsar site in Jammu and Kashmir?
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Mansar, Surinsar, and Dal lakes have all been designated as Ramsar wetlands of international importance.
Rivers and Hydrology
2. The Jhelum River originates from which source?
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Jhelum River rises from the Verinag Spring located at the foot of the Pir Panjal range in the Anantnag district.
7. Which river is known as the “Lifeline of Kashmir”?
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Jhelum River flows through the Kashmir Valley, providing essential water for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower, earning it the title “lifeline of Kashmir.”
11. Which of the following is NOT a tributary of the Indus River in J&K?
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Tawi River is a tributary of the Chenab, not a direct tributary of the Indus.
16. The “Indus Waters Treaty” of 1960 allocates the waters of which three rivers to India?
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Under the treaty, India received exclusive use of the waters of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers. Pakistan received the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab.
Mountain Ranges and Peaks
3. Which mountain range separates the Kashmir Valley from the Jammu region?
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Pir Panjal range forms the southern boundary of the Kashmir Valley, effectively separating it from the Jammu region.
5. Which of the following is the highest peak in Jammu and Kashmir?
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Nun Kun (7,135 m), located in the Ladakh region, is the highest peak within the present Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
6. The Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, is situated in which range?
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Siachen Glacier lies in the eastern Karakoram range, at an average altitude of about 5,400 m.
10. The “Ladakh Range” is a part of which larger mountain system?
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Ladakh Range runs parallel to the Karakoram and is considered a sub-range of the Karakoram mountain system.
15. Which pass connects the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh across the Zanskar range?
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Zoji La (approximately 3,528 m) is the critical high mountain pass on the Srinagar-Leh road that links the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh.
Flora, Fauna, and National Parks
4. The famous “Valley of Flowers” in Jammu and Kashmir is located in which district?
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Valley of Flowers, known for its stunning alpine meadows and diverse flora, lies in the Kishtwar district of the Jammu region.
9. Which national park in J&K is known for the conservation of the Hangul (Kashmir stag)?
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Dachigam National Park, near Srinagar, is the primary habitat of the endangered Hangul or Kashmir red deer.
20. The “Hemis National Park” is famous for which endangered species?
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Hemis National Park, the largest national park in India, is a prime habitat for the elusive snow leopard.
Climate, Forests, and Social Forestry
12. Social forestry in Jammu and Kashmir mainly focuses on which objective?
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Social forestry aims to involve local communities in planting trees on wastelands, farmlands, and village commons to improve ecological balance and livelihoods.
13. Which tree species is most commonly promoted under the social forestry program in the Jammu region?
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) is fast-growing, adaptable to the subtropical climate of Jammu, and is widely planted in social forestry initiatives.
23. Which of the following statements about the climate of Ladakh is correct?
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Ladakh lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, resulting in a cold desert climate with minimal precipitation, which falls mostly as snow.
24. Which forest type is predominantly found in the higher altitudes of the Pir Panjal range?
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The higher zones of the Pir Panjal support temperate coniferous forests dominated by deodar, fir, and spruce species.
25. Under the Social Forestry Scheme, which of the following activities is NOT typically included?
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Social forestry emphasizes conservation and sustainable use. Clear-cutting of natural forests contradicts its core objectives.
Miscellaneous Geography and Facts
14. The famous “Mughal Gardens” of Srinagar are located on the banks of which lake?
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi—the iconic Mughal Gardens—are situated on the eastern shore of Dal Lake.
18. The “Shivalik Hills” in Jammu and Kashmir form part of which physiographic division?
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Shivalik range represents the outer foothills of the Himalayas, known as the sub-Himalayan zone.
19. Which glacier feeds the Chenab River in its upper reaches?
- (a) Gangotri Glacier
- (b
