Physical Settings | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Physical
 
Settings
Extent and Location
Uttarakhand is located between geographical longitudinal coordinates 77.34
E and 81.02 E while lattitudinally it is extended between 28.43 N and
31.27N. From east to west, it is extended over 358 km while north to south it
is 320 km. Uttarakhand is located in Central Himalaya, called Kumaun
Himalaya and Garhwal Himalaya or Garhkum Himalaya. Total area of State
is 53483 sq. km. The Garhkum Himalaya being situated centrally in the long
sweep of Himalaya forms a rather transitional zone between the perhumid
Eastern and dry to sub-humid Western Himalaya. Although culturally the
region resembles Himachal region, it has its own distinctiveness reflecting
the sublime blend of Indian cultural traits associated with Badrinath-
Gangotri complex which has absorbed the Mongoloid cults into Hindu
moulds.
Spatial Relationship
Though relatively a smaller state, Uttarakhand is an important border state.
International boundaries of Uttarakhand include -Tibetan Autonomous
Region in the north and Nepal in the east. Length of Indo- China border along
Uttarakhand is 344km while Indo-Nepal border is 85.5km. Thus with China it
forms longer border than that with Nepal. River Tons separates this region
from Himanchal Pradesh and river Kali from Nepal in the east. In south it
forms boundary with Uttar Pradesh. Administratively, it includes Kumaun
division including Terai district of Udham Singh Nagar and and Garhwal
division including plains of Haridwar district and parts of Dehradun district.
Being a border state some boundery disputes also exist along India’s
international border in Uttarakhand which are discussed here in brief.
Indo-China Border Dispute along Uttarakhand- During the Indo-China
war of 1962, the border areas of Uttarakhand also faced Chinese incursions
and war with China took place in this front also. The main reason for dispute
was unclear demarcation of border and different approaches adopted by two
countries in defining their boundaries. While India followed British borders
with Tibet as its boundary, China refused to accept Tibet as a separate nation
Page 2


Physical
 
Settings
Extent and Location
Uttarakhand is located between geographical longitudinal coordinates 77.34
E and 81.02 E while lattitudinally it is extended between 28.43 N and
31.27N. From east to west, it is extended over 358 km while north to south it
is 320 km. Uttarakhand is located in Central Himalaya, called Kumaun
Himalaya and Garhwal Himalaya or Garhkum Himalaya. Total area of State
is 53483 sq. km. The Garhkum Himalaya being situated centrally in the long
sweep of Himalaya forms a rather transitional zone between the perhumid
Eastern and dry to sub-humid Western Himalaya. Although culturally the
region resembles Himachal region, it has its own distinctiveness reflecting
the sublime blend of Indian cultural traits associated with Badrinath-
Gangotri complex which has absorbed the Mongoloid cults into Hindu
moulds.
Spatial Relationship
Though relatively a smaller state, Uttarakhand is an important border state.
International boundaries of Uttarakhand include -Tibetan Autonomous
Region in the north and Nepal in the east. Length of Indo- China border along
Uttarakhand is 344km while Indo-Nepal border is 85.5km. Thus with China it
forms longer border than that with Nepal. River Tons separates this region
from Himanchal Pradesh and river Kali from Nepal in the east. In south it
forms boundary with Uttar Pradesh. Administratively, it includes Kumaun
division including Terai district of Udham Singh Nagar and and Garhwal
division including plains of Haridwar district and parts of Dehradun district.
Being a border state some boundery disputes also exist along India’s
international border in Uttarakhand which are discussed here in brief.
Indo-China Border Dispute along Uttarakhand- During the Indo-China
war of 1962, the border areas of Uttarakhand also faced Chinese incursions
and war with China took place in this front also. The main reason for dispute
was unclear demarcation of border and different approaches adopted by two
countries in defining their boundaries. While India followed British borders
with Tibet as its boundary, China refused to accept Tibet as a separate nation
and hence any deal signed by it with British India. Further Tibet being a
friendly nation, India never recognized urgency of border demarcation along
this region.
After the war and under ‘Colombo Agreement ’, Chinese withdrew from
the region accepting India’s position as the agreed border. Still, the borders
are not conflict free. Frequent intrusion of Chinese military along Border
areas like Barahoti and more recently China’s stand on Kalapani are
important in this regard.
Issue of Barahoti- Barahoti is an 80 sq.km. Pasture land next to Tibetan
plateau in Chamoli district. Although Indo-China border along Uttarakhand is
a settled issue, and despite the fact that region falls south of Actual Line of
Control, China claims Barahoti to be its territory. Chinese troops often
intrude in this region. There are important religious places like Parvati kund,
Shiva and Kali temple which have been pulled down by Chinese soldiers on
various occasions, only to be reconstructed by India. In 1954, for the first
time china claimed and its military intruded in this region. The dispute has its
roots in pre-independence era when Tibetans established a custom post as
Hatti Plain which was removed when British Government sent military
detachments. As per the agreement of 2003 and 2005, Indian and Chinese
soldiers are prohibited from carrying arms in the region.
India Nepal Border and Issue of Kalapani, Limpiyadhra and Lipulekh-
Kalapani is often described as the Doklam of Uttarakhand. The region is a
trijunction between India, China and Nepal. In May 2020, India inaugurated
2.5 km Lakhanpur-Najang high altitude road on Kailash-Mansarovar route,
near Lipulekh Pass in Pithoragarh district, In June 2020, Nepal Parliament
and Government issued a new map showing three Indian territories of
Lipulekh, Lampiadhra and Kalapani in Pithoragarh district as its own
territory. This has led to a border dispute between two nations. Kalapani is
often described as the Doklam of Uttarakhand. It is a trijunction between
India, China and Nepal. It is a 35 sq. km. area in Pithoragarh district of
Uttarakhand. Under the treaty of Sigauli (1815), river Kali is accepted as the
border between India and Nepal. Since Kalapani is considerd to be the place
of origin of river Kali, north to Kalapani there is no demarcation of India-
Nepal border. Here Nepal considers western headsream of Kali namely Kuti
Yangti as the main stream of Kali while India considers its eastern
headstream as the main stream of river Kali. The dispute is regarding the area
Page 3


Physical
 
Settings
Extent and Location
Uttarakhand is located between geographical longitudinal coordinates 77.34
E and 81.02 E while lattitudinally it is extended between 28.43 N and
31.27N. From east to west, it is extended over 358 km while north to south it
is 320 km. Uttarakhand is located in Central Himalaya, called Kumaun
Himalaya and Garhwal Himalaya or Garhkum Himalaya. Total area of State
is 53483 sq. km. The Garhkum Himalaya being situated centrally in the long
sweep of Himalaya forms a rather transitional zone between the perhumid
Eastern and dry to sub-humid Western Himalaya. Although culturally the
region resembles Himachal region, it has its own distinctiveness reflecting
the sublime blend of Indian cultural traits associated with Badrinath-
Gangotri complex which has absorbed the Mongoloid cults into Hindu
moulds.
Spatial Relationship
Though relatively a smaller state, Uttarakhand is an important border state.
International boundaries of Uttarakhand include -Tibetan Autonomous
Region in the north and Nepal in the east. Length of Indo- China border along
Uttarakhand is 344km while Indo-Nepal border is 85.5km. Thus with China it
forms longer border than that with Nepal. River Tons separates this region
from Himanchal Pradesh and river Kali from Nepal in the east. In south it
forms boundary with Uttar Pradesh. Administratively, it includes Kumaun
division including Terai district of Udham Singh Nagar and and Garhwal
division including plains of Haridwar district and parts of Dehradun district.
Being a border state some boundery disputes also exist along India’s
international border in Uttarakhand which are discussed here in brief.
Indo-China Border Dispute along Uttarakhand- During the Indo-China
war of 1962, the border areas of Uttarakhand also faced Chinese incursions
and war with China took place in this front also. The main reason for dispute
was unclear demarcation of border and different approaches adopted by two
countries in defining their boundaries. While India followed British borders
with Tibet as its boundary, China refused to accept Tibet as a separate nation
and hence any deal signed by it with British India. Further Tibet being a
friendly nation, India never recognized urgency of border demarcation along
this region.
After the war and under ‘Colombo Agreement ’, Chinese withdrew from
the region accepting India’s position as the agreed border. Still, the borders
are not conflict free. Frequent intrusion of Chinese military along Border
areas like Barahoti and more recently China’s stand on Kalapani are
important in this regard.
Issue of Barahoti- Barahoti is an 80 sq.km. Pasture land next to Tibetan
plateau in Chamoli district. Although Indo-China border along Uttarakhand is
a settled issue, and despite the fact that region falls south of Actual Line of
Control, China claims Barahoti to be its territory. Chinese troops often
intrude in this region. There are important religious places like Parvati kund,
Shiva and Kali temple which have been pulled down by Chinese soldiers on
various occasions, only to be reconstructed by India. In 1954, for the first
time china claimed and its military intruded in this region. The dispute has its
roots in pre-independence era when Tibetans established a custom post as
Hatti Plain which was removed when British Government sent military
detachments. As per the agreement of 2003 and 2005, Indian and Chinese
soldiers are prohibited from carrying arms in the region.
India Nepal Border and Issue of Kalapani, Limpiyadhra and Lipulekh-
Kalapani is often described as the Doklam of Uttarakhand. The region is a
trijunction between India, China and Nepal. In May 2020, India inaugurated
2.5 km Lakhanpur-Najang high altitude road on Kailash-Mansarovar route,
near Lipulekh Pass in Pithoragarh district, In June 2020, Nepal Parliament
and Government issued a new map showing three Indian territories of
Lipulekh, Lampiadhra and Kalapani in Pithoragarh district as its own
territory. This has led to a border dispute between two nations. Kalapani is
often described as the Doklam of Uttarakhand. It is a trijunction between
India, China and Nepal. It is a 35 sq. km. area in Pithoragarh district of
Uttarakhand. Under the treaty of Sigauli (1815), river Kali is accepted as the
border between India and Nepal. Since Kalapani is considerd to be the place
of origin of river Kali, north to Kalapani there is no demarcation of India-
Nepal border. Here Nepal considers western headsream of Kali namely Kuti
Yangti as the main stream of Kali while India considers its eastern
headstream as the main stream of river Kali. The dispute is regarding the area
between Kuti Yangti and the eastern headstream. The three territories of
Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh lie north to the Kalapani hence the
dispute.
Today Kalapani, Limpiyadhra and Lipulekh are integral part of India.
During Doklam standoff including India Bhutan and China, China raised the
issue of Kalapani and expressed its willingness to support Nepal’s stand just
as India was supporting Bhutan’s stand on Doklam. Kalapni being a
trijunction is strategically crucial for India as it can be used to monitor
activities across the border. The issue also cropped up when India released
updated map of India after creation of Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh
in 2019. Nepal objected for inclusion Kalapani, Limpiyadhra and Lipulekh in
the map. However it is also a fact that Chhangaru last village of Nepal, lies
17 Km from Kalapani. Tinkar the last village towards China is also inhabited
by Rang community. The land was transferred to Garbyals and Gunjyals by
earstwhile king of Nepal, for which stamped documents with King’s seal are
available today. Kalapani is a revered place for many Indian communities; a
Kali temple has been constructed here. ITBP and IB has its post on Kalapani
and hotels have also come up.
Historical evidences are also in favoour of India. Manaskhand has
mentioned this area to be the part of India. Kautilya Arthshahtra too
mentiones Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route passing through Lipulekh. King
Mandata of Ayodhya has constructed the present route to Kailash
Mansarovar. Malla and Lichavi rulers always ruled eastern Nepal, while
Western Nepal remained under Kumauni kings mainly the Chand rulers.
Before 1790, Chand empire extended till Doti and Taklakot. Baijnath tample
at Doti was constructed by Katyuri rulers and Katyuri inscription have been
found here. Since historical times rulers of Doti, Nepal on east of Kali, and
That of Kumaun on west of Kali, faught battles, to control, Sor, Sera, Doti
and surrounding regions. This is when people maintained their familial and
soci-cultural relations and even marriage alliances were made between royal
families of Doti and Kumaun and Garhwal. It is after treaty of Sigauli that the
river Kali was declared as Indo-Nepal border.
    
Page 4


Physical
 
Settings
Extent and Location
Uttarakhand is located between geographical longitudinal coordinates 77.34
E and 81.02 E while lattitudinally it is extended between 28.43 N and
31.27N. From east to west, it is extended over 358 km while north to south it
is 320 km. Uttarakhand is located in Central Himalaya, called Kumaun
Himalaya and Garhwal Himalaya or Garhkum Himalaya. Total area of State
is 53483 sq. km. The Garhkum Himalaya being situated centrally in the long
sweep of Himalaya forms a rather transitional zone between the perhumid
Eastern and dry to sub-humid Western Himalaya. Although culturally the
region resembles Himachal region, it has its own distinctiveness reflecting
the sublime blend of Indian cultural traits associated with Badrinath-
Gangotri complex which has absorbed the Mongoloid cults into Hindu
moulds.
Spatial Relationship
Though relatively a smaller state, Uttarakhand is an important border state.
International boundaries of Uttarakhand include -Tibetan Autonomous
Region in the north and Nepal in the east. Length of Indo- China border along
Uttarakhand is 344km while Indo-Nepal border is 85.5km. Thus with China it
forms longer border than that with Nepal. River Tons separates this region
from Himanchal Pradesh and river Kali from Nepal in the east. In south it
forms boundary with Uttar Pradesh. Administratively, it includes Kumaun
division including Terai district of Udham Singh Nagar and and Garhwal
division including plains of Haridwar district and parts of Dehradun district.
Being a border state some boundery disputes also exist along India’s
international border in Uttarakhand which are discussed here in brief.
Indo-China Border Dispute along Uttarakhand- During the Indo-China
war of 1962, the border areas of Uttarakhand also faced Chinese incursions
and war with China took place in this front also. The main reason for dispute
was unclear demarcation of border and different approaches adopted by two
countries in defining their boundaries. While India followed British borders
with Tibet as its boundary, China refused to accept Tibet as a separate nation
and hence any deal signed by it with British India. Further Tibet being a
friendly nation, India never recognized urgency of border demarcation along
this region.
After the war and under ‘Colombo Agreement ’, Chinese withdrew from
the region accepting India’s position as the agreed border. Still, the borders
are not conflict free. Frequent intrusion of Chinese military along Border
areas like Barahoti and more recently China’s stand on Kalapani are
important in this regard.
Issue of Barahoti- Barahoti is an 80 sq.km. Pasture land next to Tibetan
plateau in Chamoli district. Although Indo-China border along Uttarakhand is
a settled issue, and despite the fact that region falls south of Actual Line of
Control, China claims Barahoti to be its territory. Chinese troops often
intrude in this region. There are important religious places like Parvati kund,
Shiva and Kali temple which have been pulled down by Chinese soldiers on
various occasions, only to be reconstructed by India. In 1954, for the first
time china claimed and its military intruded in this region. The dispute has its
roots in pre-independence era when Tibetans established a custom post as
Hatti Plain which was removed when British Government sent military
detachments. As per the agreement of 2003 and 2005, Indian and Chinese
soldiers are prohibited from carrying arms in the region.
India Nepal Border and Issue of Kalapani, Limpiyadhra and Lipulekh-
Kalapani is often described as the Doklam of Uttarakhand. The region is a
trijunction between India, China and Nepal. In May 2020, India inaugurated
2.5 km Lakhanpur-Najang high altitude road on Kailash-Mansarovar route,
near Lipulekh Pass in Pithoragarh district, In June 2020, Nepal Parliament
and Government issued a new map showing three Indian territories of
Lipulekh, Lampiadhra and Kalapani in Pithoragarh district as its own
territory. This has led to a border dispute between two nations. Kalapani is
often described as the Doklam of Uttarakhand. It is a trijunction between
India, China and Nepal. It is a 35 sq. km. area in Pithoragarh district of
Uttarakhand. Under the treaty of Sigauli (1815), river Kali is accepted as the
border between India and Nepal. Since Kalapani is considerd to be the place
of origin of river Kali, north to Kalapani there is no demarcation of India-
Nepal border. Here Nepal considers western headsream of Kali namely Kuti
Yangti as the main stream of Kali while India considers its eastern
headstream as the main stream of river Kali. The dispute is regarding the area
between Kuti Yangti and the eastern headstream. The three territories of
Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh lie north to the Kalapani hence the
dispute.
Today Kalapani, Limpiyadhra and Lipulekh are integral part of India.
During Doklam standoff including India Bhutan and China, China raised the
issue of Kalapani and expressed its willingness to support Nepal’s stand just
as India was supporting Bhutan’s stand on Doklam. Kalapni being a
trijunction is strategically crucial for India as it can be used to monitor
activities across the border. The issue also cropped up when India released
updated map of India after creation of Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh
in 2019. Nepal objected for inclusion Kalapani, Limpiyadhra and Lipulekh in
the map. However it is also a fact that Chhangaru last village of Nepal, lies
17 Km from Kalapani. Tinkar the last village towards China is also inhabited
by Rang community. The land was transferred to Garbyals and Gunjyals by
earstwhile king of Nepal, for which stamped documents with King’s seal are
available today. Kalapani is a revered place for many Indian communities; a
Kali temple has been constructed here. ITBP and IB has its post on Kalapani
and hotels have also come up.
Historical evidences are also in favoour of India. Manaskhand has
mentioned this area to be the part of India. Kautilya Arthshahtra too
mentiones Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route passing through Lipulekh. King
Mandata of Ayodhya has constructed the present route to Kailash
Mansarovar. Malla and Lichavi rulers always ruled eastern Nepal, while
Western Nepal remained under Kumauni kings mainly the Chand rulers.
Before 1790, Chand empire extended till Doti and Taklakot. Baijnath tample
at Doti was constructed by Katyuri rulers and Katyuri inscription have been
found here. Since historical times rulers of Doti, Nepal on east of Kali, and
That of Kumaun on west of Kali, faught battles, to control, Sor, Sera, Doti
and surrounding regions. This is when people maintained their familial and
soci-cultural relations and even marriage alliances were made between royal
families of Doti and Kumaun and Garhwal. It is after treaty of Sigauli that the
river Kali was declared as Indo-Nepal border.
    
In 1974, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India declared regions along
China border in the districts of Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Uttaekashi as
notified area under the Section 3(1) of Criminal Laws Amenment Act-
1961. Once the region is declared Notified Area,a permit called inner line
permit is required. An Indian Citizen needs permission from respective
SDM, while a foreign nationals needs permission from Ministry of Home
Affairs, govt. of India. In Pithoragarh district initially Inner Line was at
Jauljibi in Dharchula Tehsil and Lilam in Munsyari Tehsil which was
shifted to Chhiyalekh in Dharchula and Bambadhura in Munsyari in the
year 1999. In Uttarkshi border regions of Bhatwari Tehsil and border
areas of Joshimath in Chamoli.
 
Thus the dispute can be seen in two contexts- Nepal creating an artificial
disput when there is none and the families and countries living peacefully
across the borders since centuries. The second is disagreement over the
boundary due to difference in perception about which headstreams actually
makes the Kali River north of Lipulekh. Borders especially in hilly regions
follow natural boundaries. Not only the rivers but hills and ridges also make
these natural boundaries. In case of Indo-Nepal border if we consider Kali
ridge along with the river as the border, the ridge extends towards north
beyond Kalapani and can give satisfactory solution the dispute. Considering
ridge as border it goes parallal to Kali fro Tanakpur to Kalapani, north of
Kalapani the ridge becomes parallal to the eastern headstream which India
considers as the real boundary. This makes India’s stand and present
boundary much stronger and clear.
The Physical Settings
The topography of Uttarakhand is highly rugged and difficult with
precipitous slopes. Horned peaks, searrated crests, high ridges, cirques and
glaciers, snow clad slopes, hanging valleys, cascades and torrential rapids,
and gigantic escarpments comprise its hilly topography. Deep canyons,
roaring streamlets, huge boulders, and glistering lakes present beautiful
scenery.
Notified Area and Inner Line
Page 5


Physical
 
Settings
Extent and Location
Uttarakhand is located between geographical longitudinal coordinates 77.34
E and 81.02 E while lattitudinally it is extended between 28.43 N and
31.27N. From east to west, it is extended over 358 km while north to south it
is 320 km. Uttarakhand is located in Central Himalaya, called Kumaun
Himalaya and Garhwal Himalaya or Garhkum Himalaya. Total area of State
is 53483 sq. km. The Garhkum Himalaya being situated centrally in the long
sweep of Himalaya forms a rather transitional zone between the perhumid
Eastern and dry to sub-humid Western Himalaya. Although culturally the
region resembles Himachal region, it has its own distinctiveness reflecting
the sublime blend of Indian cultural traits associated with Badrinath-
Gangotri complex which has absorbed the Mongoloid cults into Hindu
moulds.
Spatial Relationship
Though relatively a smaller state, Uttarakhand is an important border state.
International boundaries of Uttarakhand include -Tibetan Autonomous
Region in the north and Nepal in the east. Length of Indo- China border along
Uttarakhand is 344km while Indo-Nepal border is 85.5km. Thus with China it
forms longer border than that with Nepal. River Tons separates this region
from Himanchal Pradesh and river Kali from Nepal in the east. In south it
forms boundary with Uttar Pradesh. Administratively, it includes Kumaun
division including Terai district of Udham Singh Nagar and and Garhwal
division including plains of Haridwar district and parts of Dehradun district.
Being a border state some boundery disputes also exist along India’s
international border in Uttarakhand which are discussed here in brief.
Indo-China Border Dispute along Uttarakhand- During the Indo-China
war of 1962, the border areas of Uttarakhand also faced Chinese incursions
and war with China took place in this front also. The main reason for dispute
was unclear demarcation of border and different approaches adopted by two
countries in defining their boundaries. While India followed British borders
with Tibet as its boundary, China refused to accept Tibet as a separate nation
and hence any deal signed by it with British India. Further Tibet being a
friendly nation, India never recognized urgency of border demarcation along
this region.
After the war and under ‘Colombo Agreement ’, Chinese withdrew from
the region accepting India’s position as the agreed border. Still, the borders
are not conflict free. Frequent intrusion of Chinese military along Border
areas like Barahoti and more recently China’s stand on Kalapani are
important in this regard.
Issue of Barahoti- Barahoti is an 80 sq.km. Pasture land next to Tibetan
plateau in Chamoli district. Although Indo-China border along Uttarakhand is
a settled issue, and despite the fact that region falls south of Actual Line of
Control, China claims Barahoti to be its territory. Chinese troops often
intrude in this region. There are important religious places like Parvati kund,
Shiva and Kali temple which have been pulled down by Chinese soldiers on
various occasions, only to be reconstructed by India. In 1954, for the first
time china claimed and its military intruded in this region. The dispute has its
roots in pre-independence era when Tibetans established a custom post as
Hatti Plain which was removed when British Government sent military
detachments. As per the agreement of 2003 and 2005, Indian and Chinese
soldiers are prohibited from carrying arms in the region.
India Nepal Border and Issue of Kalapani, Limpiyadhra and Lipulekh-
Kalapani is often described as the Doklam of Uttarakhand. The region is a
trijunction between India, China and Nepal. In May 2020, India inaugurated
2.5 km Lakhanpur-Najang high altitude road on Kailash-Mansarovar route,
near Lipulekh Pass in Pithoragarh district, In June 2020, Nepal Parliament
and Government issued a new map showing three Indian territories of
Lipulekh, Lampiadhra and Kalapani in Pithoragarh district as its own
territory. This has led to a border dispute between two nations. Kalapani is
often described as the Doklam of Uttarakhand. It is a trijunction between
India, China and Nepal. It is a 35 sq. km. area in Pithoragarh district of
Uttarakhand. Under the treaty of Sigauli (1815), river Kali is accepted as the
border between India and Nepal. Since Kalapani is considerd to be the place
of origin of river Kali, north to Kalapani there is no demarcation of India-
Nepal border. Here Nepal considers western headsream of Kali namely Kuti
Yangti as the main stream of Kali while India considers its eastern
headstream as the main stream of river Kali. The dispute is regarding the area
between Kuti Yangti and the eastern headstream. The three territories of
Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh lie north to the Kalapani hence the
dispute.
Today Kalapani, Limpiyadhra and Lipulekh are integral part of India.
During Doklam standoff including India Bhutan and China, China raised the
issue of Kalapani and expressed its willingness to support Nepal’s stand just
as India was supporting Bhutan’s stand on Doklam. Kalapni being a
trijunction is strategically crucial for India as it can be used to monitor
activities across the border. The issue also cropped up when India released
updated map of India after creation of Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh
in 2019. Nepal objected for inclusion Kalapani, Limpiyadhra and Lipulekh in
the map. However it is also a fact that Chhangaru last village of Nepal, lies
17 Km from Kalapani. Tinkar the last village towards China is also inhabited
by Rang community. The land was transferred to Garbyals and Gunjyals by
earstwhile king of Nepal, for which stamped documents with King’s seal are
available today. Kalapani is a revered place for many Indian communities; a
Kali temple has been constructed here. ITBP and IB has its post on Kalapani
and hotels have also come up.
Historical evidences are also in favoour of India. Manaskhand has
mentioned this area to be the part of India. Kautilya Arthshahtra too
mentiones Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route passing through Lipulekh. King
Mandata of Ayodhya has constructed the present route to Kailash
Mansarovar. Malla and Lichavi rulers always ruled eastern Nepal, while
Western Nepal remained under Kumauni kings mainly the Chand rulers.
Before 1790, Chand empire extended till Doti and Taklakot. Baijnath tample
at Doti was constructed by Katyuri rulers and Katyuri inscription have been
found here. Since historical times rulers of Doti, Nepal on east of Kali, and
That of Kumaun on west of Kali, faught battles, to control, Sor, Sera, Doti
and surrounding regions. This is when people maintained their familial and
soci-cultural relations and even marriage alliances were made between royal
families of Doti and Kumaun and Garhwal. It is after treaty of Sigauli that the
river Kali was declared as Indo-Nepal border.
    
In 1974, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India declared regions along
China border in the districts of Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Uttaekashi as
notified area under the Section 3(1) of Criminal Laws Amenment Act-
1961. Once the region is declared Notified Area,a permit called inner line
permit is required. An Indian Citizen needs permission from respective
SDM, while a foreign nationals needs permission from Ministry of Home
Affairs, govt. of India. In Pithoragarh district initially Inner Line was at
Jauljibi in Dharchula Tehsil and Lilam in Munsyari Tehsil which was
shifted to Chhiyalekh in Dharchula and Bambadhura in Munsyari in the
year 1999. In Uttarkshi border regions of Bhatwari Tehsil and border
areas of Joshimath in Chamoli.
 
Thus the dispute can be seen in two contexts- Nepal creating an artificial
disput when there is none and the families and countries living peacefully
across the borders since centuries. The second is disagreement over the
boundary due to difference in perception about which headstreams actually
makes the Kali River north of Lipulekh. Borders especially in hilly regions
follow natural boundaries. Not only the rivers but hills and ridges also make
these natural boundaries. In case of Indo-Nepal border if we consider Kali
ridge along with the river as the border, the ridge extends towards north
beyond Kalapani and can give satisfactory solution the dispute. Considering
ridge as border it goes parallal to Kali fro Tanakpur to Kalapani, north of
Kalapani the ridge becomes parallal to the eastern headstream which India
considers as the real boundary. This makes India’s stand and present
boundary much stronger and clear.
The Physical Settings
The topography of Uttarakhand is highly rugged and difficult with
precipitous slopes. Horned peaks, searrated crests, high ridges, cirques and
glaciers, snow clad slopes, hanging valleys, cascades and torrential rapids,
and gigantic escarpments comprise its hilly topography. Deep canyons,
roaring streamlets, huge boulders, and glistering lakes present beautiful
scenery.
Notified Area and Inner Line
Geology
Although the geological investigations have been made in many parts of
Uttarakhand, a large tract is still lying unexplored. The region falls into four
broad stratigraphical zones.
1. Tarai-Bhabar Zone
2. Outer or Sub-Himalayan zone, composed of sediments mostly of tertiary
age.
3. Central or Lower Himalayan zone, composed of granite and other
crystalline rocks of unfossiliferous sediments
4. Higer Himalayan zone, composed of a series of high fossilliferous
sediments.
1. Tarai-Bhabar zone- the Tarai-Bhabar zone is youngest zone of
Uttarakhand in terms of its geological formation. It is of post-tertiary or
Quaternery epoch. It was formed during Pleistocene period by filling of
Himalayan alluvium brought by Himalayan rivers that filled the gap created
between Himalayan and Peninsular blocks along frontal zone of Himalaya.
The gravel talus bordering the Shivalik is called Bhabar which largely
consists of boulders, water-worn fragments with some clayey and sandy
matter also called ‘Old alluvium’ or ‘Bhangar’. South of this lies terai
composed of still younger but fine deposits brought by Himalayan rivers
also called ‘Young Alluvium’ or ‘ khadar’.
2. Sub Himalayan Zone – the foothill belt of the region is built entirely of
Shivalik sediments. The shivaliks constitute rocks, clays and conglomerates
of thickness measuring between 5000 and 5500m. These beds of sandstone
and shale (Nahan) are separated from the Eocene beds of the Lower
Himalaya by the ‘Great Boundary Fault’. The beds dip towards the
northwest at varying angles from 30 to 70 degrees. The shales are
variegated with violet, pink, red and green colours. The Shivaliks are
generally subdivided into three series: Lower, middle and Upper.
3. Lower Himalayan Zone- The Eocene beds of the Lower Himalaya have
been separated from Lower Shiwaliks (Nahan) by a great thrust known as
‘Main Boundary Fault’. This great thrust lies from Assam to Beas,
demarcating the northern boundary of the Shiwaliks. The main structural
features of this zone are a) Krol belt, b) Deoban-Tejam belt and c) Alomra-
Dudatoli crystalline thrust sheet.