The name derives from the Chenab river, which flows through and forms the valley. The term "Chenab valley" was used by Erik Norin in a 1926 journal article "The Relief Chronology of Chenab Valley", to refer to the valley formed by the Chenab river in the Himalayas.[8] More recently, this term has also come to be used by various social activists and politicians referring to the areas of the former Doda district[lower-alpha 1] formed in 1948.[1][9] The term is used by many residents of Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar districts to assert a distinct cultural identity within the larger Jammu division.[10][11]
In the past, the area around Doda was largely inhabited by Sarazi population before people started settling here from the Kashmir valley and other adjoining areas.[13][14] The reasons for this migration in the 17th and 18th centuries are a matter of ambiguity among historians.[15]Sumantra Bose says that repression by the feudal class in the Kashmir valley drew people to these areas.[16][17] The three districts consist of areas drawn from the principalities of Kishtwar and Bhadarwah, both of which were part of Udhampur district in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, Paddar used to be part of Chamba State in the past and was later added to the princely state. Kashmiris form the largest group in the three districts while Gujjars, Dogras, Paharis and Bhaderwahis have significant population. Chenab Valley is rich in cultural heritage and ethical values, but also has age-old traditions of secularism and tolerance.[16]
This region in Jammu and Kashmir has a long history intertwined with legends and stories of various rulers and dynasties. According to records from the State Revenue Department, the erstwhile district Doda got its name from its headquarters in Doda, which was named after a migrant from Multan, a utensil maker. He was persuaded by one of the ancient rulers of Kishtwar to settle in the area and establish a utensil factory. Over time, the name Deeda was distorted into Doda.[18]
The early history of Chenab Valley is not well documented, with few chronicles available about the rulers of Kishtwar and Bhaderwah. The settlement reports indicate that the area was ruled by various groups including Ranas, Rajas, and independent chiefs from time to time, including the Jaral Ramas, Katoch Rajas, Bhaus Manhases, Chibs, Thakkars, Wanis, and Gakkars. In 1822 AD, Doda was conquered by Maharaja Gulab Singh and became the winter capital of the Kishtwar state.[19]
Despite their geographical proximity, the Chenab Valley's history diverged from that of Jammu and Kashmir. While the latter served as a historical crossroads and witnessed the rise of the Dogra dynasty, the Chenab Valley, nestled in the Himalayas, maintained a relative degree of independence. Though communities like the Saraji and Gujjars inhabited the valley and contributed to its unique cultural tapestry, it remained outside Dogra control until the 19th century, eventually becoming part of their expanding kingdom.[20]
The Fort of Doda was significant in the district's history and was one of the seventy forts in Jammu province, according to author Thakur Kahan Singh Balowria. The fort served as the office of the Thanedar and provided storage space for armaments and food grains. The fort was also built to protect against potential attacks from the Bhaderwah Rajas. The fort was made of unbaked bricks and had walls that were four feet wide and forty to fifty feet high, with dome-like towers at the corners. The fort was demolished in 1952 and as of 2023, the Government Boys Higher Secondary School Doda occupies its site.[21]
English traveller G.T. Vigne visited Doda in 1829 and described his journey through the region. He mentions traveling through a deep and rocky nullah which joins the Chenab River,[lower-alpha 2] and then crossing the river over a dangerous bridge in the Himalayas. Vigne writes about the bridge in Doda, a strong rope stretched from one bank to the other, tied to rocks. A wooden structure was placed over the rope and additional ropes were tied to it, allowing the structure to move back and forth. He also encountered another type of bridge, which was crossed on foot, made of small ropes bound with pieces of bark and woven into a thick rope. Hanging ropes were provided for support.[18][21]
The area that includes the tehsil of Bhaderwah has a long history dating back to the 10th century. In 1846, Doda and Kishtwar became part of the newly created Jammu and Kashmir state after the Amritsar pact between the British government, Lahore Darbar, and Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu. Bhaderwah was once a principality with 15 administrative units and has a recorded history going back to the Rajtarangni of Kalhan. The state of Bhadhrwah was established in the 15th century by a Sicon of the Baloria family of Bilawar. It was later ruled by the Raja of Chamb until Raja Nagpal became the ruler in the 16th century. Bhaderwah was then ruled by Nagpal's descendants until it was captured by the Kishtwar Raja. It became part of Chamba in 1821 and was transferred to Jammu Darbar in 1846. During this time, Bhaderwah was military-administered Label was appointed as the Kardar. The Bhaderwah Jagir was later bestowed upon Raja Amar Singh of Jammu and then to his son, Raja Hari Singh. When Raja Hari Singh became the Maharaja of J&K in 1925, he dissolved his Jagirs and converted Bhaderwah into a tehsil of Udhampur in 1931.[22]
From 1975 to 1976, the Government of India conducted the Preinvestment Survey of Forest Resources specifically in the Chenab Valley by Department of Agriculture. During this period, a detailed survey of forests in the Chenab Catchment area was done in Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, and Ramban divisions of the forest.[25][26]
In 1990s, various incidents were reported about the suppression of Hindus by the Militant organizations. In response to the rising terrorism, the government authorities made Village Defense Committee (VDC) in various villages. However some reports of VDC members indulging in criminal activities have also reported in the past. In a village called Karada, four Muslims were allegedly killed by VDC members. This incident also triggered the Terrorist organisations to target those who supported the VDCs, believing them to be anti-Muslim. Since 1990s, many such incidents of killings by Terrorist and VDCs have been reported.[27]
As of 2001[update] census, the total population of Chenab Valley stood at 690,474, with 362,471 males and 328,003 females. Among the tehsils within the district, Kishtwar had the highest population, totaling 1.9 lakhs, while Thathri tehsil had the lowest population, with 0.42 lakhs. Doda ranked as the second most populous tehsil within the district, with a population of 1.5 lakhs, followed by Banihal at 0.94 lakhs, Bhadarwah at 0.61 lakhs, Ramban at 0.86 lakhs, and Gundoh at 0.58 lakhs. The hilly and challenging terrain of the region contributed to a low population density of only 59 people per square kilometer.[28]
In 2006, Ramban was made into an independent district and the hilly area to the east of the present Doda district was separated as the Kishtwar district. The remaining areas include the Doda tehsil carved out of Kishtwar and the original Bhadarwah, now divided into three tehsils.[23][29]
Economy
The economy of Chenab Valley is influenced by its challenging topography and limited access to raw materials, technical expertise, and skilled labor. Data from the District Industries Center (DIC) in 1999-2000 indicates a limited industrial presence with only three registered factories and 43 formally registered small industries (SSI) units, along with 81 provisionally registered ones. The Khadi and Village Industries Board Doda established 69 cooperative societies and 2,190 units, providing employment to 4,380 workers during the same year. The district also hosts four industrial training institutes, offering training in various trades with an intake capacity of 497 students in 1999-2000.[28]
Chenab Valley is endowed with vast forest resources, covering approximately 6,226 square kilometers, which accounts for 28% of the state's total area. These forests yield valuable timber varieties such as deodar, fir, kail, chir, and products like doop, resin, and guchhian.[28]
The region's topography and agroclimatic conditions make it highly suitable for goat and sheep rearing, benefiting about 65% of the rural population. According to the 1997 census, there were 3.91 lakh sheep and 1.51 lakh goats. Presently, there are 98 sheep extension centers and two mobile sheep centers, along with 160 sheep units under Centrally Sponsored Schemes.[28]
Agriculture and horticulture constitute the primary economic activities in Chenab Valley, complemented by the cultivation of commercial cash crops like saffron in Kishtwar, zeera in Paddcr, and Marsheela (Guchhi) in the coniferous areas of Bhaderwah, Doda, and Gandoh. The district's climate also supports sericulture, particularly in Bhaderwah.[28]
Livestock farming plays a pivotal role in the economic development of Chenab Valley, with a livestock population of 797,779 as per the 1997 census, encompassing cattle, buffaloes, and poultry birds.[28]
During leisure time, people engage in various handicrafts, including the production of lois, blankets, and woolen cloth (puttos). The government is taking steps to promote this sector alongside overall development efforts, including education, healthcare, and road construction.[28]
Sex Ratio in Chenab Valley in 2011 Census.[30] (no. females per 1,000 males)
Religion (and population)
Sex Ratio
Muslim (pop 554,355)
932
Hindu (pop 362,578)
884
Other (pop 7,412)
722
Total (pop 924,345)
913
Muslims form a majority in the three districts constituting Chenab Valley. About 60% of the population was Muslim according to the 2011 census, and the rest 40% are mostly Hindus.
As of 2023[update], the DIG of Police has a separate post for Chenab Valley known as the DKR Range; the R&B Department has now created a distinct zone for Chenab; and Chenab Valley has its own Forest Circle known as Chenab Forest Circle.[3] A militia named as Village Defence Guards was established in 1996 to fight anti-militancy operations in Chenab Valley.[34]
Location of the districts for which separate divisional status is sought within Jammu and Kashmir
There has been a movement demanding separate administrative division for the Chenab valley by various social and political activists for long time. In 2014, a major protest was called in Doda for the demand of separate administrative division.[36] The demand again rose in 2018 and 2019 when Ladakh got divisional status and the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah added "Two Separate Divisional Status for Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal Region" to his party's political agenda.[37] As of 2021, the movement for divisional status again increased after rumours of second bifurcation of J&K and demand for a separate state of Jammu.[38] There is a common reason for this demand. People allege negligence in terms of developmental issues by the government if the Chenab valley remains linked to the Jammu division.[1] The districts of the proposed Chenab Valley consists of six Assembly seats.[39]
The Bhartiya Janata Party maintains that "there is no Chenab valley and it is only the Jammu division for representation of the region",[40] while the JKNC says that the demand is based on developmental negligence and wants separate divisions from Jammu division for Chenab valley and Pir Panjal.[41]
The areas of the three districts are termed as the DKR Range (Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range) by police and military officials, while a separate Deputy Inspector General is posted for this range by J&K Police.[42]
Hill Development Council
In 1996, Dr. Farooq Abdullah as Chief minister promised administrative autonomy to Chenab. Later in 2000, a bill demanding a Hill Development Council for Chenab valley was presented in the legislative assembly by the Sheikh Abdul Rehman (then MLA from Bhaderwah).[43]
In July 2015, then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayed, rules out demand of Chenab Valley Hill Council and announced Chenab Valley Development Fund (CVDF) for development and upliftment of mountainous and remote districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban.[44]
A 5.8 earthquake hit the Erstwhile Doda on 1 May 2013, killing two and injuring 69.[45] Seismic activity continued in the valley throughout 2013, prompting teams of seismologists to study the area. A local belief states that the earthquakes were being caused by hydroelectric construction projects in the area.[46]
2017 Thathri flash floods
Flash floods wreaked havoc in Thathri town of Doda district of J&K, inundating vast areas along the Batote- Kishtwar National Highway and washing away half a dozen houses. Six persons were killed in the flash floods.[47]
2018 Kela Morh Ramban Accident
On 6 October 2018, a tragic accident occurred on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Ramban district near Marog, specifically at Kela Morh. A minibus carrying passengers from Banihal to Ramban plunged into a gorge after its driver lost control over the vehicle.[48]
The accident resulted in the loss of twenty-two lives, including four women and the driver. Additionally, fourteen passengers sustained injuries, with ten of them being critically injured. Prompt medical assistance was provided, and ten critically injured passengers were airlifted to the army hospital at Udhampur, while two others were taken to Jammu for treatment.[49]
Thirteen passengers with severe injuries were also airlifted to the military hospital in Udhampur. Two of them succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. On the other hand, three individuals with minor injuries were discharged after receiving first aid.[50]
The tragic incident was investigated by then Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range DIG Rafiq-ul-Hassan, who confirmed that the minibus veered off the road at approximately 9:55 am. There were conflicting versions on whether the driver, Rehmatullah, lost control of the bus or the vehicle developed a technical snag.[50]
Cloudburst hits Hunzar hamlet in Dachhan area of Kishtwar district resulting into death of 26 persons and 17 injured on 28 July 2021. As per reports, only 7 dead bodies were recovered while 19 dead bodies were not found.[51] As of October 5, 2021, one out of 19 missing persons' dead bodies was found after more than 70 days, while 18 others remain missing.[52]
2021 Sui Gwari Accident
The Sui Gwari Accident occurred on October 28, 2021, in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. A tragic incident involving a mini-bus with the registration number JK17 4021 took place on the Batote-Kishtwar highway. The mini-bus was en route from Thathri to Doda when it skidded off the road, rolled down a deep gorge near Sui Gowari, and resulted in a devastating accident.[53]
In the accident, eight people lost their lives on the spot, while several others sustained severe injuries. The injured victims were immediately rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.[54]
Six more individuals succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at the Government Medical College in Doda and GMC Jammu. As a result, the total death toll reached fourteen.[55]
In response to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced ex gratia payments to the next of kin of the deceased and the injured persons.[56]
June 2023 Chenab Valley earthquake
On 13 June 2023, an earthquake occurred at 13:33 Indian Standard Time in Chenab Valley's Doda district.[57][58] It was centred near the town of Thathri, and also affected nearby Bhalessa and Bhaderwah areas in the same district and some areas of Jammu and Kashmir. It registered a minimal magnitude of 5.0 and had a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe).[59] As of 14 June 2023, there were at least five secondary earthquakes in the region, mainly near the original epicentre. A series of strong aftershocks occurred near Thathri, Bhaderwah, Bhalessa and Kishtwar.[60] On 17 June 2023, a low-intensity earthquake with 3 magnitude in Ramban area of erstwhile Doda region.[61] While another earthquake jolts erstwhile Doda district with 4.4 magnitude on richter scale, as per National Centre for Seismology.[62] While United States Geological Survey measured this earthquake as 4.3 magnitude.[63] On 18 June 2023, another earthquake hits Doda region with the intensity of 4.1 magnitude on richter scale at 03:50 am (IST).[64] On the same day at 05:22 am IST, an earthquake having epicenter in Doda district with intensity of 2.7 magnitude jolts the region.[65] The severity of the damage caused by the earthquake is attributed to severe upthrust. At least 56 buildings had collapsed and 369 others were damaged in Kishtwar.[66] Dozens of buildings including a hospital were also damaged in Bhaderwah.[67] At least five people were injured and hundreds were displaced.[68][69] Schools were closed on 14 June to evaluate damage.[60]
Doda district is an administrative district of the Jammu division of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region.
Bhaderwah or Bhadarwah is a town, tehsil, and sub-district in the Doda district of Jammu Division of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Doda is a town and a notified area committee in Doda district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Doda has an average elevation of 1,107 metres (3,632 ft).
Ramban is a town in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, which is the district headquarters of Ramban district. It lies on the banks of the Chenab river in Chenab Valley on the National Highway-1A at about 120 km from Jammu and about 130 km from Srinagar, making it almost the central point on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Ramban district is an administrative district in the Jammu division of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. It is located in a valley surrounded the Pir Panjal range. It was carved out as a separate district from erstwhile Doda district in 2007. It is located in the Jammu division. The district headquarters are at Ramban town, which is located midway between Jammu and Srinagar along the Chenab river in the Chenab valley on National Highway-44, approximately 151 km from Jammu and Srinagar.
Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency is one of the six Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. The constituency covers 20,230 square kilometres of mountainous Himalayan terrain, and is comparable to the size of Israel. It is composed of the districts of Kishtwar, Ramban, Kathua, Doda, Reasi, and Udhampur. Udhampur constituency's population is over 2,400,000, and exceeds the population of New Mexico. The seat from 1967-1980 was held by Karan Singh, the former crown prince of Jammu and Kashmir.
Kishtwar district is an administrative district of the Jammu division of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the Jammu Division. As of 2011, it is the largest and the least populous district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Paddar, also spelled Padar, is a Sub-District and remote valley in the Kishtwar district of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It falls in the Jammu division. It consists of two tehsils namely Machail and Atholi Paddar The valley covers the entire southeastern portion of the Kishtwar district. It borders Zanskar (Ladakh) in the north and east, Pangi in the south and the rest of Jammu and Kashmir in the west. The valley is known for its Sapphire mines. Albeit Sapphires are located in the valley of Paddar in Jammu division, they are known as Kashmiri sapphires which is a misnomer. It lies along the Chandrabhaga river (Chenab) in the Great Himalayas. Paddar is one of the most remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir. There are a number of small valleys within Paddar, such as Machail, Gandhari, Kabban, Ongai, Bhuzunu, Barnaj, Bhuzas, Kijai Nallah, and Dharlang, among others.
The Jammu division is a revenue and administrative division of the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. It is bordered by the Kashmir division to the north. It consists of the districts of Jammu, Doda, Kathua, Ramban, Reasi, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and Samba. Most of the land is hilly or mountainous, including the Pir Panjal Range which separates it from the Kashmir Valley and part of the Great Himalayas in the eastern districts of Doda and Kishtwar. Its principal river is the Chenab.
Thathri is a town and a notified area committee in Doda district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Thathri valley is located in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, about 85 km from Batote. Apart from having ample forests, the town contains many small streams flowing through its various parts. It is located on the banks of the Chenab River and the town area is spread over 1.50 sq. Km².
Sarazi or Sirazi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Saraz region of the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is native to the Saraz region, a hilly area taking up the northern half of Doda district and parts of neighbouring Ramban and Kishtwar districts. Sarazi is spoken as a first language by 46,000 people, primarily Hindus, but it is also used as a lingua franca of the Saraz region and so is also spoken as a second language by Muslims, whom are native speakers of Kashmiri.
Ababeel (ابابیل), also known as Ababeel NGO, is a charitable trust that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, food kits, and blood donations for the needy, poor, orphans, widows, and also in emergencies in the Chenab Valley's Doda, Kishtwar, Thathri, Bhaderwah, Gandoh, and also in the Jammu area. The organization assists people irrespective of caste and religion. It is registered with the Sub Registrar Court Doda.
Saraz or Siraj is a hilly region in the eastern part of the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir in northern India. Historically a pargana within the erstwhile state of Kishtwar, the region currently takes up the northern half of Doda district and parts of neighbouring Ramban and Kishtwar districts. Its population in 2011 stood at 180,000 people. The region is defined mainly on the basis of linguistics where the majority of people speak Sarazi as their mother tongue.
Jai Valley is an enchanting valley located 32 kilometres (20 mi) northeast of Bhaderwah town in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Bhaderwah-Jai road, which passes through the corniferous deodar forests of Nakshri, Balote, Bhalara and Chinta Valley connects the valley with the Bhaderwah town. The valley has green meadows which act as the attraction for tourists in summers and the snow-covered landscape during winters. Jai valley has about 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) long meadows, bisected by a stream called Jai Nallah which merges with a tributary of river Chenab at Kahara in tehsil Thathri. It is also known by the names Jai Garh and Jai Top. The valley is also connected through a 37 kilometres (23 mi) long road with Gandoh. There is no Mobile Network in this valley.
Bhalessa is a geographical area within Doda district in the Jammu region of India-administered Kashmir. It consists of the Bunjwah and Bhalessa Valleys, and comprises the three Tehsils of Kahara, Chilly Pingal and Gandoh.
Mahri is a village in Tehsil Thathri of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir. This village was one of the villages of Chenab Valley which was without electricity till 2022.
The Kalnai River is a tributary of the Chenab River in the Bunjwah region bordering Kishtwar and Doda districts in Jammu and Kashmir. An under construction 48MW Lower Kalnai hydroelectric project is located at Donadi on this river.
Halaran is a village and panchayat located in the Kahara tehsil of Doda district in the Indian administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The village is situated approximately 13 kilometers away from the sub-divisional headquarters, Thathri, and 43 kilometers away from the district headquarters, Doda.
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